McKinsey Interview: process and prep that actually work

What you need to know

If you are targeting a McKinsey interview, you need to be sharp on two tracks: the PEI and the case interview. McKinsey runs interviewer led cases that move quickly through targeted questions. This guide explains the process, what good looks like, and how to build skills without rigid study plans.

Related anchors you may want next: PEI, Why McKinsey, Career path.

The McKinsey interview process at a glance

Rounds. Usually two.

First round. Two to three interviews that combine PEI with a case interview.

Final round. Two to three partner interviews. Same components with more emphasis on judgment, synthesis, and communication.

PEI. Leadership, impact, resilience, inclusivity, and change.

Case. Structure, hypothesis, math, chart interpretation, judgment, and synthesis.

Presence. Clear, concise, confident.

McKinsey case interview basics

Interviewer led. The interviewer steers the flow. You still propose a framework or hypothesis, then work through discrete prompts.

Clarify. Restate the objective, confirm scope and success metric.

Structure. Three to four MECE buckets tied to the question. Prioritize where to start and why.

Quant. Set up the math cleanly. Signpost steps and units.

Charts. Read axes, compare segments, state one insight and implication.

Creativity. Offer practical ideas that match the client's constraints. Synthesis: one line answer, two to three supports, clear next steps.

Common case types: profitability, market entry, pricing, growth, operational improvement, and market sizing.

What great looks like in a McKinsey case

Structure. A crisp issue tree that targets the question.

Hypothesis driven. Each step tests a simple hunch.

Math drills. Accurate setup, tidy arithmetic, clear interpretation.

Chart interpretation. One insight per exhibit plus why it matters.

Synthesis. Short, decision oriented, and confident.

Coachability. You absorb guidance and adjust in real time.

The PEI in one minute

Expect one deep story per interview with probing follow ups. Prepare stories across Inclusive Leadership, Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial Drive, and Courageous Change. Use STARR (Situation, Task, Action, Results, Reflection). Keep setup short. Emphasize decisions you owned. Quantify results. End with what you learned.

Market sizing the McKinsey way

Define unit, period, and geography. Choose top down or bottom up and justify your path.

Round numbers thoughtfully and show your logic. Sanity check with an alternative lens. Give a range and call out the assumptions that move it.

Quant and chart skills that move the needle

Math you will use: percentage change vs percentage points, contribution margin and breakeven, weighted averages and mix, rates and unit conversions, multi step mental math.

How to read charts: scan title, axes, units, time frame; describe direction, magnitude, and outliers; compare segments; state an implication and what to test next.

First round vs final round

First round. Mechanics matter. Structure, math, and clean exhibits.

Final round. Partners press on judgment, practicality, and top level synthesis. Expect more open questions like what you would do on Monday. PEI in finals goes deeper on tradeoffs, ethics, and stakeholder management.

Sample McKinsey interview questions

Case prompts

Profits dropped. Where do you start?
Should a consumer brand enter Germany this year?
Size the US market for a new telehealth service.

PEI prompts

Tell me about a time you led through conflict.
Describe a change you championed against resistance.
When did you influence a senior stakeholder who disagreed with you?

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