Are the PEI questions and case study material considered in decision for Mckinsey?

Question

Hello lovely people,

I just had a final round with a partner for McKinsey and the PEI question and case study was very similar to what I received in the 2nd round (I had 3 rounds scheduled). HR has told me they are looking for a time slot to discuss with all my interviewers.

My question is, is the actual content of the PEI and case study discussed in the final decision meeting? i.e. do the interviewers say “I asked this question on PEI and used this case study with the candidate”

Reason I’m asking is because I only had 4 interviews in total and I’m wary that my profile will only show a very narrow aspect of myself including on the case study (all 3 case studies in 2nd and 3rd round were on logistics). For PEI I did use different stories but my methodology to solve the situation was the same/similar.

Or is it the case that interviewers just discuss the strengths, weaknesses holistically without diving into the detail and provide a score + final hiring decision?

I know in the end it doesn’t matter since I just need to wait and I’m sure I did well in all my interviews but would just like some clarity for my mental health :)

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Congrats on making it this far with a strong performance!

The cases should not be an issue since the interviewers selected them for you. The context here does not matter compared to how you approached the different elements during each case
For the PEI, as long as the context is not always the same, it is also not an issue. For instance, if you discuss 4 PEI stories all from your last year at university, that's too one-dimensional. However, if you selected stories from different situations and backdrops, that is fine.
As regards the similar methodology that's okay. PEI stories are evaluated in a very specific way and you need to discuss very specific things to hit the marks (often leading to similar story arcs and actions on your behalf)

Fingers crossed for a positive outcome!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with McKinsey thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, they will focus on discussing your performance, not the intricate details of cases or PEIs.
Moreover, you don't need to worry about the PEIs as long as you weren't using the same situation for multiple dimensions. Using the same, proven approach is, of course, positive.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 3

"Or is it the case that interviewers just discuss the strengths, weaknesses holistically without diving into the detail and provide a score + final hiring decision? "

This is closer to how it works, although some specific examples and “deep dives” may happen, particularly if there are some doubts or some interviewers are on the fence regarding giving an offer.

Answer 4

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