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Case interview ended early

i had round 1 MBB case interview, this interviewer is known to give long cases, that last more than 30 minutes. at the start, the interviewer mentioned we might only have 2min for Q&A at the end. However, we finished the case early, with 15 minute to spare. And i wasn’t asked for a synthesis. the interviewer said he doesn’t need to hear it. 
did I bombed the interview?

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Top answer
Clara
Coach
on Feb 19, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

It´s really difficult to tell you something meaningful without having been there about your performance. 

The interviewer´s behaviour can be influenced by a million things that can drive the fact that he/she was in a hurry. 

Hence, relax. It doesn´t mean anything. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Pedro
Coach
on Feb 19, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Senior Coach | Principal | Recruiting Team Leader

Honestly, the synthesis is a pro-forma. In 99% of the cases it doesn't make any difference - an opinion is already formed by then.

Regarding whether this is a good or bad sign, really can't tell. Can be a great sign, can be a bad one. I had a friend solve a case in 5 minutes and get the job... 

In this case the interviewer had a time constraint. It's perfectly possible that a positive decision was done and therefore he decided it would be better to give you enough time for questions. 

Having said this, I am pretty sure you know whether you did really well or really bad.

Moritz
Coach
on Feb 19, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Impossible to know! 

For example, McKinsey cases consist of a number of questions and often don't really have a synthesis. This is particularly the case when the interviewer decides that he/she has seen enough after question 4/7. In that case, the case ends rather abruptly and either you've scored well or poorly. However, you won't know until they call you!

Keeping my fingers crossed!

Anonymous B
on Sep 04, 2024

I know this is a long time back, but did you get the offer?

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Ian
Coach
on Feb 19, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

“The interviewer is known to give long cases”. This is why I always try to warn my candidates to not go in expecting any one thing!

I would not read into this. Sounds like they were rushed and had other things to get to. In and of itself this is not a negative sign.

on Feb 18, 2022
Empathic coach, former McKinsey Engagement Manager |Secure offers from top consulting firms

Dear candidate,

without further information it is difficult to give you a detailed answer. Were you able to “fill” the remaining time with some questions of yours or with a fit part, you stating your interest in the firm and explaining more about your background? Excellent, if you have solved the case well, my advice for such situations is always to use the remaining time wisely and let it play to your strengths.

Best regards,

Charlotte

Deleted user
on Feb 19, 2022

Please dont speculate. You never know. There could be so many things going on with the interviewer.

Your job is to take it one interview at a time, give your best and enjoy the process. Dont be too outcome focused i.e. dont worry too much about the outcome and rather focus on giving your best. Good things will happen. 

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