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Anonymous A
on Jan 24, 2025
South America

What are the main challenges of online virtual McKinsey Case/PEI interviews compared to in-person interviews?

What are the main differences and challenges that I am going to face during my virtual interview that I should prepare for and take into account?

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Thabang
Coach
on Jan 24, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there, 

I'm not sure I'd consider these as challenges per se, but it's the reduction of genuine inter-personnel connection and increased risk of technical challenges during the interaction. Depending on you and your personality, you may feel more comfortable doing it online in a space that you are familiar and comfortable with or you may prefer physically being with the interviewer or not. Some candidates get more intimidated in person, others don't. So whilst this will depend on you, you should try make sure it doesn't matter and be comfortable with both / either. 

Ultimately, the evaluation criteria for McKinsey's PEI won't change whether done online or in-person, so you still need to be able to tell the stories ensuring you meet the skills each dimension is testing. Prepare and practice for both and make sure your location doesn't take away from showcasing your best self! 

All the best

Mattijs
Coach
on Jan 24, 2025
Free 15m intro call | First session -50% | Bain Consultant | Hiring team | 250+ successful candidates

Hi,

There are indeed small differences between an in person and online interview. For the online/virtual interview, also take the following elements in considerations. 

  1. Technical Setup: Ensure your internet connection is stable. Test your video and audio equipment beforehand during another call to avoid technical glitches. Have a backup device and connection method ready, just in case.
  2. Environment: Choose a quiet, well-lit space where you won't be interrupted. Make sure your background is tidy and professional.
  3. Dress Professionally: Dress as you would for an in-person interview. This not only makes a good impression but also helps you get into a professional mindset.
  4. Practice Video Etiquette: Look at the camera when speaking to simulate eye contact. Do not look to your second screen. Practice speaking clearly and at a moderate pace. You can leverage your body language (arm/hand work) to stress certain points.
  5. Prepare Your Tools: Have a copy of your resume, notes, and any other relevant documents ready as a print out and on your computer. Keep looking in the camera and do not read off the printed materials. Be familiar with the platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) you'll be using.
  6. Minimize Distractions: Close unnecessary apps or tabs on your computer and mute notifications.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Mattijs

Maria
Coach
on Jan 24, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Engagement Manager in NYC | Part of the McKinsey Private Equity Practice

Hello!

While the questions and the case will be the same as you would get in person, there are some minor differences that you can consider (great job thinking about this, by the way!):

  1. It's a bit more difficult to connect / communicate with someone over video: Try to get 1-2 minutes of chit-chat at the beginning, maybe ask how their week is going (they might do this themselves; but try to be proactive if they don't if you have the chance to do it, as it's easier to miss these important elements of communication over video vs. in person). This will help start the interview in a positive way and help both of you become more relaxed
  2. There might be unexpected connection issues: Make sure you have good connection to the internet (and, if you can arrange it) a back-up option in case something goes wrong. Join the call a few minutes early to make sure your camera, speaker and microphone are working. In case the interviewer has any connection issues, let them know politely and, if you missed any of what they said, ask them to repeat it so that you get all the information you need
  3. Your interviewer will not see what you're doing: In person, they would be in front of you and see your paper and notes. Over video, you can help them by, e.g., raising and showing your paper with the framework and walking them through it (this is what I did during my first interview), and by arranging your camera so that part of your paper is visible too (this is to avoid them thinking you might be using a calculator). As in an in person interview, you need to do your best to communicate and show your thoughts and thinking, which is not limited to verbal communication

Also, as in an in person interview, remember to bring energy into the interview (as you would in a client meeting as a consultant) by smiling and speaking clearly and confidently.

Good luck!

Maria

Alessa
Coach
on Jan 24, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

hey there!

I think in-person interviews are much easier, but both formats are definitely doable. The main challenges of online virtual McKinsey case/PEI interviews compared to in-person interviews include:

  • Limited non-verbal communication: It's harder to use gestures effectively or mirror the interviewer's body language, which can make it more difficult to create a natural and engaging atmosphere.
  • Technical issues: Internet connectivity, audio/video lag, or software glitches can disrupt the flow of the conversation.
  • Harder to build rapport: Without in-person interactions, it can be more challenging to establish a strong connection and read subtle cues from the interviewer.
  • Note-taking and structuring challenges: Managing your notes while maintaining eye contact with the camera requires extra effort to stay organized and engaged.
  • Distractions in the environment: Being in a non-office setting may introduce distractions or interruptions that could impact focus.
  • Screen fatigue: Extended screen time can affect concentration and energy levels compared to in-person interactions.
     

    Alessa

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