McKinsey led cases - details

Question

Hello, I have the following questions for a McK led case:

1. Typically, the McK case has one question after the other that the interviewer asks. Knowing this, should I still be proactive and drive the case (like in a candidate led case) and say what the next steps I would do although I know that the interviewer does not let me do the next steps but asks me the next question?

2. Should I ask for time each time the interviewer asks a new question. Example, I solved a question. Then the interview asks the next question of the case. Should I again take time and structure my thoughts like in the previous question? Should I do that for all questions that an interviewer asks during the McK interview led style?

3. Not directly connnected to the McK case but: I normally share the formula before I execute a calculation so that the interviewer and I are aligned. After that, I say "ok I will now calclulate the result and come back to you with the result and the steps I took to calcualte the result. It will be quiet for a moment but I will be right back." So what I do is I essentially calucalate the result without calculating aloud. Is this ok or should I change this and walking the interviewer through the numbers when I have the end result?

Thanks for helping

Answer 1

Hi!

Let me start by saying that the fact that McKinsey has a completely different interview style that is 100% interviewer led is a bit of a myth. It depends on the region, but usually the interviews of Mck, BCG, Bain are pretty similar and candidate led (at least in part, since they want to test your structuring skills).

So, going back to your questions:

1. Yes, you should still try to structure (maybe taking less time than usual) each question you receive. You can also quickly propose some next steps. The interviewer will make you understand the level of detail he/she is looking for in the process.

2. Yes, but you should adapt to the type of question you are receiveng. E.g., if you receive a very open and complex question, you should take 30 seconds or more to think it through and propose a way forward. If the question you receive is very direct, you can answer straightaway or just take a couple of seconds to structure your answer.

3. Yes, this is the best way of going through a case for two reasons: 1) it will make it easier for the interviewer to follow you throughout your calculations, 2) if you are about to make a mistake, the interviewer will correct you before you go into calculations (which is generally perceived as less of a mistake vs. coming up with the wrong final number if that makes sense).

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Hi there,

1. Correct, you need to show ownership and drive in every question - always think about how to move forward.

2. Yes, take time for each segment

Structure and brainstorming: 2 minutes
Chart: 1 minute
Math: 1 minute for the logic, 2-3 minutes for the calculations

These are rough indications, not law!

3. Your approach is 100% how I teach it to my clients. Comes with many benefits. :-)

If you want to learn more, check this one out:

All the best,

Florian

Answer 3

1. You have to respond to the specific questions being asked. If you are asked to solve the case, you proceed as you would do in any other case interview. If you are asked about your approach specifically, you have to present a detailed structure (if you proceed to ask questions to drive the case you won't be answering the question you are asked…). Since I advise to present a full structure anyway when you are asked how to solve the case, this wouldn't make a difference.

The same applies when you have other type of questions. For example, if you get a market estimation or a qualitative questions (a.k.a. “brainstorming question”), you would usually consider your own answer as a case insight that impacts the recommendation but also a source of additional questions that you should verbalize, regardless of being interviewer or interviewee led… which means that once again, there will be no difference.

2. If you need time, you should ask for time. I don't think you need to ask for time every time. For example, if you need to analyze an exhibit, it's obvious you need the time to actually read/analyze said exhibit, no need to ask for it.

3. Yes, always explain the formula first before doing any calculation. And you are right, you don't need to perform the calculation aloud. Since the interviewer already knows how you are estimating, it's not required to do that. Just make sure you share any assumptions or rounding.