The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Palo Alto, CA) in Oct 2009
Interview
The first round consisted of a skills test and some group case interview "workshop" sessions. It was stated that first round decisions would be primarily made based on our performance on the test (but that we could do damage to our candidacies in the case interview sessions). The test was hard, but not overwhelmingly so. The group sessions were relatively relaxed. I was informed the next day that I would be moved forward.
The second round was composed of three 1:1 interviews with consultants. Each of these interviews had a behavioral component ("tell me about yourself/why consulting, a challenging time you worked on a team, when you had to defend your ideas") and a case component. The storytelling behavioral portions were challenging in that you had to have an anecdote you could elaborate on for >20 min. I felt my performance on the cases went: OK, good, not-so-good. On the last case, my notetaking was critiqued as being disorganized and I made a math error.
I received a call a few days after the second round with the news that I had been dinged. The consultant who made that call said that my interviewers thought that I needed more case practice.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us about a time when you found it challenging to work on a team, and what actions specifically you took to overcome those challenges.
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
