McKinsey Online PEI Interview

Question

During an online PEI interview:

Is it okay if I read the story script that I have created, as long as it doesn't sound robotic? (I believe the interviewer can notice it from the candidate's eyes)
What do interviewers usually think about candidates who read from a script?

Answer 1

Hey!

I would never read from a script! The interviewer will definitely notice that. There is no differentiation made between a PEI interview in person vs. online at McKinsey & Company - both do not allow for scripts.

I am sure it would not make a good impression.

Also, I am sure, if you prepare well, you will not need a script in the end! :)

Good luck!

Alessa

Answer 2

Hello,

Reading from a script is not advisable at all . While preparation is key, relying on a script can seem inauthentic. Interviewers prefer candidates who can speak naturally and confidently about their experiences. Practice your stories enough to discuss them fluently.

Prepare your stories in bullet points that makes it easier for you to remember the most important things.

Best of luck!

Mostafa

Answer 3

Hi there,

No! Write the stories in bullets using the SCORE Framework I have created and remember the bullets; the rest flows naturally and is much more organic and engaging: Personal Experience Interview
“If the person can't remember a story that they have lived through and communicate it confidently and in a structured manner to me, how can I put this person in front of a client and have them present something important?”

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

Hi there,

1) Is it okay if I read the story script that I have created, as long as it doesn't sound robotic?

If you read from a script, the interviewer will almost certainly understand you are doing so. For this reason, I would highly recommend to avoid it. However, you can keep the main bullets of your story as a reference.

2) What do interviewers usually think about candidates who read from a script?

Most likely, that you are not ready to be in front of a client. On the other hand, keeping a few keywords/bullets as a reminder is fine.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 5

Hi there,

Short answer: definitely not ok to read.

As an interviewer I would believe (1) you did not prepare well for the interview and (2) I could not bring you in front of a client >> which basically means I would give a “no-hire” recommendation.

Sorry to be so blunt. Let me know if you want to have a quick chat on how to prepare your answer so that you won't feel the need to read it. It can definitely be done, I assure you.

Good luck,

Ariadna

Answer 6

Don't read. But you may have your bullet points and build from that.

Answer 7

The McKinsey Imbellus Game is just one component of the overall assessment process. While your performance in the gam... (read entire answer)

The McKinsey Imbellus Game is just one component of the overall assessment process. While your performance in the game is taken into consideration, it's not the sole determining... (read entire answer)