McKinsey & Company Intern Interview Questions, Process, and Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Practice cases, watch Victor Cheng's videos

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Guesstimate:
Though the initial plan was to discuss the approach and the numbers both, we ended up discussing the approach at great length. He then asked me to give him another apprach for the same, which I did. We discussed the pros and cons of both approaches.
Case:
Asked qualifying questions about the industry, about the revenue streams, the theatre and genre. Laid down the basic structure of the case; then we went into a detailed discussion of the value chain.
Beyond the basic structure, I think I was being tested on depth of analysis, idea generation and thinking on my feet. We discussed the whole process of how and why a customer would come to any particular theater, then looked at the possible issues at each step.
We then proceeded to discuss different scenarios-what would happen if any particular aspect of the theatre as altered, what can be the possible areas of improvement for the theatre in particular and any theater in general.



Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Valuation of different revenue streams for an Indian Super League Team The intent of the case was to check my comfort level with numbers because that’s what the partner made me do. I had no idea about ISL and I said that clearly to which the partner readily gave me a brief overview of how it works. Then, I laid down a structure after asking a few basic questions about their revenue streams. From then on, it was me calculating revenue from different sources to the last decimal. Even when I did make a small error, I gracefully accepted it and it was fine.

General Tips: • It is important that your HR answers are not made-up because the interviwers appreciate honesty
• Its good to have a question in mind to ask when you’re given a chance at the end of the interview
• If you don’t know something in a guesstimate/case or if you think you made an error somewhere, it is perfectly okay to ask/accept and take a step back
Skills:
College Name: IIM Lucknow

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I asked for some time, and listed down my thoughts as bullet points. I gave him options like listing down theatre groups, organise yearly Theatre events et al. Then after like fifteen minutes of discussion over this, he asked me to calculate revenue from these theatre festivals. I divided it into two, one from cities with lavish Theatre culture like Delhi, others with lesser level of Theatrical activities and fervour. Based on the Theatre fests I had been a part of, I calculated the revenue. He seemed pretty satisfied with the analysis. Importantly, I kept asking him if I can use the assumptions I am stating. It is imperative to verify your assumptions.

General Tips: Be yourself.
Keep a smile on your face. It helps to keep your calm.
Think on your feet. I think, having a question to him in the end, when he asks, does help.
Read the cues and expressions of the interviewer.
Take time to structure your thoughts. It becomes easier for you to think ahead in the right direction.
Skills:
College Name: IIM Lucknow

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I started with a MECE structure about all steps (plan of action). Then asked him prior to proceeding further which one to focus on first. The interviewer wanted me to draw out a plan for generating revenue so then delved further into it listing down all the possible options. He wanted to test my comfort with numbers too, so asked the revenue potential of a year and its profitability.

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Drew out structure, tried to ensure it to be a MECE one but was a highly open ended topic. Was a one sided interview, very little response from the interviewer’s side.

General Tips: Always involve the interviewer and remain confident of what you say. Even if the interviewer refutes your stance, not to get nervous. Keep a calm and pleasant face on. MECE very imp in structures. Reflects on your holistic thinking ability.
Skills:
College Name: IIM Lucknow

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Followed a top-down approach for guesstimate – Rural/ urban – age – income level – need-gap.
The interview was absolutely perfect. Since it was a case related to my start-up, I had a few ideas in mind on the expansion front. I took the cue on the guesstimate and jumped onto it.

General Tips: Try to do some cases related to your work-experience.
Skills:
College Name: IIM Lucknow

General Tips: Be very confident in the interview. Put a lot of focus on HR answers as they are equally important.
Skills:
College Name: IIM Lucknow

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Apart from the pleasantries and usual HR questions, the first case was based on automobiles and how the share of the automobiles industry can be improved globally and contribute more to the GDP. I missed out few options but the interviewer was satisfied I discussed those options I had put forward at length.

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: the case problem was quite long due to which I did not write legibly and the interviewers generally tend to see what you write to judge your thought process. The partner was initially apprehensive about my illegible handwriting.

Round: HR Interview
Experience: I did not memorize my HR answers and deliver it due to which I was able to engage in a conversation due to which the partner was interested and the interview went on for 45 min.

General Tips: During case rounds, make sure you write legibly and think of all the scenarios possible while trying to do MECE. It does not matter if you take 1 or 2 more minutes but keep the interviewer engaged during moments of silence. Be honest in your HR answers and do not tell your HR answers verbatim.
Skills:
College Name: IIM Lucknow

Round: HR Interview
Experience: Spoke about committee and ABG experience. Linked why consulting with experience in analytics

Round: HR Interview
Experience: Advice:
Let her follow her dreams. There is no ultimate success. You choose your own path. She is lucky enough to be born in a family where all the resources will be provided to her to follow her passion. All she needs is great guidance and freedom of thought.
Long term :
See myself as a partner in McKinsey in 8 years

General Tips: 1) Prepare Why Consulting? Long term plans and Why McKinsey questions well
2) Involve the partner as much and take pauses while solving the case. No need to rush
3) Stick to the structure that you have been following with your case group
Skills:
College Name: IIM Lucknow

Round: Guesstimate Interview
Experience: 1) Suggested things around SEZs, substituting imports (focus on specific sectors), etc
2) Reached a very large no of 30MM over the quarter. Hence was not good overall.

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Very specific case, data specific. Recently executed by the partner. Discussed the current work schedule of the doctors and suggested ways around reducing waiting time: incentives for taking appointments, etc.

General Tips: 1) HR answers are important. Take time to prepare well.
2) Some interviewers tend to get very friendly, to make you comfortable and talk about things you shouldn’t, don’t lower your guard/ be too friendly.
Skills:
College Name: IIM Lucknow