Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

McKinsey Screening Call Logistics and Meaning

Hi there,

 

I completely the SOLVE assessment almost 3 weeks ago. 

 

Today I got an email from a recruiter telling me they wanted to set up a 45 minute phone call with me to discuss the role and get to know me and my qualifications.

A couple of questions:

Does this mean I passed the SOLVE and the initial resume screening? 

Is this the stage right before the R1 interviews? If so, after the call, when will I hear from HR for the R1 interview? (How much time do I have between the sceening call and the R1 interview?)

 

What is fhe recruiter looking for in this call?

Is there any chance they will give me a case over the phone?

 

Thank you in advance!

2
< 100
0
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Apr 01, 2025
Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 individual & group coaching sessions

Hi there!

Congrats on being invited to and completing the SOLVE test! 🎉

To answer your questions:

1. Does this mean I passed the SOLVE and the initial resume screening?
Yes, you have passed the SOLVE test and CV screening.

2. Is this the stage right before the R1 interviews? If so, after the call, when will I hear from HR for the R1 interview? (How much time do I have between the screening call and the R1 interview?)
> Yes, this HR call happens right before the R1 interviews.
> Lately, there hasn’t been a set timeline (according to my experience).
> Just this past month, I had one candidate who waited only a week for R1 and couldn't change the time, another who had a month to prepare, and one with three weeks in between.
> To be on the safe side, I’d recommend starting your prep now and expecting anywhere from 1 week to a month before your R1.

3. What is the recruiter looking for in this call? Is there any chance they will give me a case over the phone?
> They’re looking for exactly what they’ve said — they won’t surprise you with a case during the call.
>The goal is to understand where you’d best fit into the firm and which role would suit you. Expect the usual questions like:

  • Why did you apply?
  • Walk me through your CV.
  • What did you study?
  • What can you expect if you join?

– To prepare:

  • Review your CV.
  • Clarify your reasons for applying and what you’re hoping to get out of the role.
  • Prep a few logistical questions too, such as:
    • When will interviews happen?
    • Will you be assigned a coach (you should get some coaching)?
    • Who will be your main point of contact for follow-up questions?

 

Good luck, and happy to chat more :)

Mattijs
Coach
on Apr 01, 2025
Free 15m intro call | First session -50% | Bain Consultant | Hiring team | 250+ successful candidates

Hi,

Congrats, you have passed the CV screening and Solve game. The phone call is typically done just before the first round of interviews. 

They want to better understand your background and motivation.  Leverage the moment to point out your main strengths and to ask clarification questions if still needed. You should not expect a case at this stage. 

A first round interviews typically follows after 1 week to 1 months, depending on your and their timeline. If you are already further in the process with other consulting firms, you can communicate this and expect an invitation pretty soon.

Feel free to reach out for further questions.

Mattijs

Similar Questions
Consulting
Negotiating a McKinsey offer
on Mar 31, 2025
USA
8
600+
Top answer by
Thabang
Coach
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)
23
8 Answers
600+ Views
+5
Consulting
Just got rejected by McKinsey after final round of interview. I really want to fix the mistakes and re-apply. Any recommendations on way forward?
on Mar 27, 2025
USA
6
600+
Top answer by
ex McKinsey Engagement Manager | 7+ years consulting | Experienced interviewer
27
6 Answers
600+ Views
+3
Consulting
McKinsey PSG or Solve
on Mar 14, 2025
USA
6
300+
Top answer by
Mattijs
Coach
Free 15m intro call | First session -50% | Bain Consultant | Hiring team | 250+ successful candidates
21
6 Answers
300+ Views
+3
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.