I applied online. The process took 2+ months. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (London, England) in Dec 2008
Interview
Thorough. McKinsey wants to know how you think and the case interviews are a way to simulate that. I was very well prepared - I'd recommend "Case in Point" by Marc Cosentino. Cases are what they are - tricky to generalize about. I think you need to practice a lot - which I did - but also practice with someone good - which I'm not sure I did. I practiced with friends like me, and they didn't really know about the process, so the practice wasn't that much like the interview. Anyway, I got tripped up by the math on one question, and by getting stressed I didn't help myself. The PEIs were fine for me - I just was myself and had prepared some experiences (but sounded relaxed and not like I was reading some speech). It was a conversation. I tightened up a bit in the case, but that's expected.
The interview is structured exactly as the preparation materials describe, i.e. personal fit and case. All interviewers were friendly and supportive. After each interview round I received helpful feedback. The cases are not easy but fair.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions regarding the case. Interviewer will led the case though
First, there is a computer test screening. Then, you get invited for the first round interview, usually conducted by an AP. Then, for second round, you have two interviews with Partners. You get feedback quickly, less than a week between interview and feedback
3 stage interview with increasing seniority. Opportunity to prepare with current colleagues prior to interview which was useful. Straight forwards process, no big suprises if you prepare in advance but prep is needed
