The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company in Feb 2008
Interview
2 interviews in the first round, 3 interviews+test in the second round.
Overall people were on top of everything. I was impressed how smooth the logistics were.
First round: very structured. half case, half behavioral. Some people assume behavioral is fluffy and does not need preparation. Wrong. It is at least as important and no less intense. They really dig for details to the point of: what did you say? what did he reply? what exactly did you do? very friendly interviewers. One of them called me to give feedback which was very useful for the second round.
Second round: with senior people in the office. Much less structured cases. One of them did not even give me a case: it was more business problem discussion. My personal impression: in this round behavioral questions and overall personality treats become more important. These guys do not have check boxes, they go with what impression you make on them.
test: fancier version of GMAT. you have 1 hour and ridiculous number o questions. Not hard, but almost impossible to finish in time. really need to pace yourself and make a call when to just make a best guess and move on.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is it that you have done that you are most proud of?
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