McKinsey & Company Intern Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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McKinsey & Company Intern Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:

      1. Why consulting?
      2. How has IIML been so far?
      3. Case: Single-screen cinema suffering losses. Listed all revenue and cost streams. Identified cost-side problem due to internal operations (e.g., 100 employees for food vending, maintenance, etc.).
      4. What advice will you give my 8-year-old daughter?
      5. Long-term plans?
      6. What do you think the role of a partner is in the firm?

    • Your Approach:

      • Spoke about committee and ABG experience to link why consulting aligns with my analytics background.
      • For the case, structured the problem by identifying revenue and cost streams, focusing on cost inefficiencies.
      • Advised the interviewer’s daughter to follow her dreams, emphasizing the importance of guidance and freedom of thought.
      • Shared long-term goal of becoming a partner at McKinsey in 8 years.

    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  1. Prepare answers for “Why Consulting?”, “Long-term plans,” and “Why McKinsey?” thoroughly.
  2. Engage the interviewer during the case-solving process; take pauses and avoid rushing.
  3. Stick to the case-solving structure practiced with your case group.

Conclusion:

The interview was a great learning experience. I felt confident discussing my motivations and solving the case. One thing I could improve is being more concise in my responses. For future candidates, focus on clarity and structure in both behavioral and case rounds. McKinsey values thoughtful and well-structured answers.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study:

  • Questions Asked:

    • You own an e-commerce website which sells jewellery, fashion products, and apparel mainly for women. You have spent a good amount on marketing the site but are still in losses. Now you have to make a strategy to earn profits.

  • Your Approach: Suggested innovative ideas to increase revenues, such as introducing subscription models, collaborating with influencers, and optimizing the supply chain.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study:

  • Questions Asked:

    • A person owns a single-screen cinema hall in Mumbai which is in losses. Find out problems and suggest ways to turn it around.

  • Your Approach: Identified issues like high operational costs and competition from multiplexes. Proposed solutions like hosting niche events, partnering with local businesses, and revamping the pricing strategy.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Guesstimate:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Guesstimate on how many students pass out as commerce graduates from Chennai every year.

  • Your Approach: Broke down the problem by estimating the number of colleges, students per college, and graduation rates.

  • Outcome: Successfully moved forward.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Few HR questions.
    • Asked about details from my CV.

  • Your Approach: Prepared a concise introduction and highlighted relevant experiences from my CV. Answered HR questions honestly and confidently.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round.

  • Round 5 - Final Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Mixed questions covering case studies, guesstimates, and HR.

  • Your Approach: Combined analytical thinking with clear communication and confidence.

  • Outcome: Selected for the internship.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be very confident during the interview.
  • Focus equally on HR answers as they are crucial.
  • Practice case studies and guesstimates thoroughly.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. Confidence and clarity in communication played a key role. Practicing case studies and guesstimates beforehand was very helpful. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on both technical and HR aspects equally.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • About me.
      • Case: Automobile Industry (how to improve its global share and contribution to GDP).
    • Your Approach: Discussed various options to improve the automobile industry’s global share, though missed a few. Engaged the interviewer with detailed explanations of the options I considered.
    • Outcome: Satisfactory performance; the interviewer was pleased with the discussion.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Case: Implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for LPG customers and its potential application for kerosene to prevent diesel adulteration. The partner expected a solution to eliminate benefits not utilized by deserving people.
    • Your Approach: Struggled with legible handwriting during the case, which initially concerned the partner. Focused on presenting a structured solution despite the challenge.
    • Outcome: The partner was initially apprehensive but engaged with the thought process.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Why consulting?
      • Goals in life.
      • How will working at McKinsey help achieve these goals?
      • General HR questions.
    • Your Approach: Avoided memorized answers and engaged in a natural conversation, which kept the partner interested.
    • Outcome: The interview extended to 45 minutes due to the engaging discussion.

Preparation Tips:

  • During case rounds, ensure legible handwriting as interviewers assess your thought process through notes.
  • Think of all possible scenarios while maintaining MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive).
  • Keep the interviewer engaged during moments of silence; it’s okay to take an extra minute to think.
  • Be honest and conversational in HR answers; avoid verbatim responses.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was insightful. While I could have improved my handwriting and considered more options in the case studies, the natural flow of the HR round worked in my favor. For future candidates, focus on clarity in case presentations and authenticity in HR interactions.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. If you were the Prime Minister of India, how would you tackle the persistent problem of anemia? (Key pointers: conduct a pilot, rope in rural local leaders as they are strong opinion leaders.)
    • Your Approach: Focused on a structured solution involving pilot programs and leveraging local leaders for better outreach.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. A well-reputed pharma firm wants to enter the Indian market. Chart out the structure for the same, including the decision on whether to manufacture locally or import from the host nation. Slight costing structure figures were given with basic calculations required.
    • Your Approach: Outlined a market entry strategy, analyzed cost structures, and provided a rationale for local manufacturing vs. importing.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Why consulting?
      2. What are your long-term goals?
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly, aligning my aspirations with the consulting role and long-term career growth.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 4 - Guesstimate Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Estimate the size and revenue of Apple iPhone 6 in India.
    • Your Approach: Used a structured approach to break down the problem into manageable parts, considering market share, pricing, and demand.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice as many case studies as possible in a formal structure and environment.
  • Note feedback from mock interviews and continuously work on improvements.
  • Be clear about why you want to pursue consulting.
  • Honesty and confidence are key—be yourself and avoid lying to impress the panel.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The key takeaways were the importance of structured thinking, confidence, and authenticity. Practicing cases in a simulated environment and being honest about my goals helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d emphasize practicing cases thoroughly and staying true to yourself during the interviews.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Round:
    • Questions Asked: Case studies on profitability and growth for a stock broker player.
    • Your Approach: Focused on structuring the problem, identifying key drivers of profitability and growth, and providing actionable recommendations.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice solving case studies, especially those related to profitability and growth.
  • Watch Victor Cheng’s videos for case interview techniques and frameworks.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. Practicing cases beforehand helped me stay structured and confident during the interview. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on case practice and understanding business fundamentals thoroughly.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Discussion on projects in the public sector.
    • Your Approach: Analyzed the distribution of kerosene across various nodes and discussed measures to control leakages at retailer and wholesaler points.
    • Outcome: Had a good discussion; felt confident about this round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Case on a hotel operating at losses, calculating profit margins for ‘Room’ & ‘Non-Room’ segments, followed by qualitative discussion on improving profitability.
    • Your Approach: Initially nervous but took a step back to form an income statement and identified the ‘Non-Room’ segment as the issue. Discussed ideas to improve it.
    • Outcome: Felt this round did not go well; received minimal feedback from the interviewer.

  • Round 3 - Guesstimate Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Estimation of 1-year revenue for NEUFC (ISL team).
    • Your Approach: Broke revenue into components (stadium sales, merchandise, sponsorships, etc.) and focused on stadium sales for the tournament.
    • Outcome: Interviewer seemed impressed; considered this the best round.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions, including “What is so special about you?”
    • Your Approach: Answered confidently despite the interviewer appearing disinterested.
    • Outcome: Satisfied with my response; discussed the interviewer’s experience at McKinsey.

Preparation Tips:

  • Never panic during the interview; maintain confidence and a smile.
  • Practice case studies thoroughly and introspect daily to build strong HR answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but insightful. The guesstimate round stood out as the highlight. I could have handled the hotel case study more calmly. My advice to future candidates is to stay composed and confident, even if a round doesn’t go as planned.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study & Guesstimates:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me something about yourself.
      2. Asked a lot about my start-up, including how and why I started it, and the problems faced in scaling it up.
      3. Case study: If I get a funding of Rs. 10 Cr, what will I do?
      4. Explained the strategies we had thought about, such as introducing new products and expanding geographically.
      5. Guesstimate: Expected number of customers in 3 years.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the case study, I leveraged my start-up experience to outline expansion strategies.
      • For the guesstimate, I used a top-down approach (rural/urban, age, income level, need-gap).
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 2 - Interview Questions:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me something about yourself.
      2. Why consulting?
      3. Why McKinsey?
      4. Guesstimate: Expected sales of iPhone 6 in India.
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on aligning my start-up experience with consulting skills.
      • Researched McKinsey’s work to tailor my answers.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice cases related to your work experience.
  • Follow a structured approach for guesstimates (e.g., top-down analysis).
  • Research the company thoroughly to answer “Why McKinsey?” convincingly.

Conclusion:
The interview went well because I could relate the case study to my start-up experience. The guesstimates were manageable with a structured approach. For future candidates, I recommend practicing cases and guesstimates extensively and being prepared to discuss your past work in detail.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. General HR questions (background, passion, interests, etc.).
      2. Case: To chalk out a plan for opening a theatre school.
      3. As an advisor to the PM, give suggestions on the MAKE in India Campaign.
      4. A case on testing the profit viability of a baby care firm going online.
      5. A cash flow case on whether the government should invest in eco cars and introduce them across the country.
    • Your Approach:
      • Started with a MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) structure for the plan of action.
      • Asked the interviewer which aspect to focus on first (revenue generation in this case).
      • Listed all possible options for revenue generation and discussed profitability.
      • Demonstrated comfort with numbers by calculating potential annual revenue and profitability.
    • Outcome: Successfully navigated the case study with a structured approach.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Open-ended topic (details not specified).
    • Your Approach:
      • Drew out a MECE structure.
      • Maintained a calm demeanor despite minimal feedback from the interviewer.
    • Outcome: The interview was one-sided, but the candidate remained composed and confident.

Preparation Tips:

  • Always involve the interviewer and remain confident in your responses.
  • Even if the interviewer refutes your stance, stay calm and composed.
  • Maintain a pleasant demeanor throughout.
  • MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) structures are crucial for case interviews as they reflect holistic thinking.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was challenging but rewarding. The key takeaways were the importance of structured thinking, confidence, and adaptability during case interviews. Future candidates should focus on practicing MECE frameworks and staying composed under pressure.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placements.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about yourself.
      2. Discussion on PORs, projects undertaken, and insights.
      3. Guesstimate: Number of tennis balls in India at any point in time (2 approaches).
      4. Case: Falling revenue of a Theatre in Mumbai; detailed discussion on all possible aspects affecting revenue/profitability.
      5. Some basic HR questions.
      6. Follow-up questions/comments on answers in the HR form filled prior to placements.
      7. Case: Valuation of different revenue streams for an Indian Super League Team (mainly number work).
    • Your Approach:
      • For the guesstimate, discussed two approaches and their pros and cons.
      • For the theatre case, asked qualifying questions about the industry and revenue streams, then analyzed the value chain and customer journey.
      • For the ISL case, admitted lack of prior knowledge, took a brief overview, structured the problem, and focused on detailed calculations.
    • Outcome: Successful in demonstrating analytical depth, idea generation, and comfort with numbers.

Preparation Tips:

  • Ensure HR answers are honest and not made-up.
  • Prepare a thoughtful question to ask at the end of the interview.
  • If unsure or if an error is made, gracefully accept and correct it.
  • Practice structuring cases and guesstimates with a focus on depth and clarity.

Conclusion:
The interview was a mix of guesstimates, case studies, and HR questions, testing analytical skills, comfort with numbers, and honesty. The key was to think on my feet, ask clarifying questions, and maintain a structured approach. Being transparent about gaps in knowledge and gracefully handling mistakes worked in my favor.

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Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Guesstimate Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Guesstimate the number of iPhone 6 that would be sold in India post the upcoming launch.
    • Your Approach:
      • Suggested things around SEZs and substituting imports, focusing on specific sectors. Reached a very large number of 30 million over the quarter, which was not ideal.
    • Outcome: Feedback indicated the approach was not precise enough.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How would you reduce the waiting time in the OPD of a hospital?
    • Your Approach:
      • Discussed the current work schedule of doctors and suggested ways to reduce waiting time, such as incentives for taking appointments.
    • Outcome: The case was very specific and data-driven, recently executed by a partner. The approach was well-received.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • What were your biggest learnings from your work experiences in all companies/profiles you worked for?
      • Why MBA after such work experience?
      • Biggest failure in life (from the McKinsey test).
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared structured answers focusing on key learnings and aligning the MBA decision with career goals.
    • Outcome: The interviewer was friendly, but I ensured I didn’t lower my guard or overshare.

  • Round 4 - Quantitative & Qualitative Case Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Short quantitative problem on variable/fixed expenses of a hotel.
      • Qualitative case: How would you reduce the setup cost of a hotel company?
      • What would your suggestions be to PM Narendra Modi on making the recently launched MadeInIndia Campaign successful?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the quantitative problem, broke down the expenses logically. For the qualitative case, suggested cost-saving measures like bulk purchasing and process optimization. For the MadeInIndia question, focused on sector-specific strategies.
    • Outcome: The quantitative problem was solved efficiently, and the qualitative answers were well-structured.

Preparation Tips:

  • HR answers are crucial—take time to prepare them well.
  • Some interviewers may try to make you comfortable to get you to overshare; stay professional.
  • Practice guesstimates and case studies thoroughly, focusing on precision and structure.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was insightful, with a mix of technical and HR-focused rounds. While the guesstimate round could have been better, the case study and HR rounds went well. Future candidates should focus on structured answers and not let their guard down, even in friendly interactions.

12

Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about yourself.
      2. Why Theatre?
      3. Why consulting?
      4. Why McKinsey?
      5. Your learnings in B-school and in Internship.
      6. Why MBA after Engineering?
      7. Why consulting after Engineering?
      8. How have your experiences shaped you?
      9. Tell me about yourself (repeated).
      10. Why not Theatre as a profession?
      11. Why consulting (repeated)?
      12. What all can you do for Theatre?
      13. “You own Surbhi Theatre company. How will you promote Theatre?”
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly, linking my passion for Theatre with my analytical skills and interest in consulting. For the Theatre promotion question, I structured my thoughts and provided a detailed plan.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • “You own Surbhi Theatre company. How will you promote Theatre?” (continued from Round 1).
      • Calculation of revenue from Theatre festivals.
    • Your Approach: Asked for time to structure my thoughts, listed bullet points, and divided the revenue calculation into cities with strong and weak Theatre cultures. Verified assumptions with the interviewer.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with the analysis.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be yourself and stay calm.
  • Keep a smile on your face to ease nerves.
  • Think on your feet and structure your thoughts before answering.
  • Always verify assumptions with the interviewer.
  • Read the interviewer’s cues and expressions to gauge their satisfaction.
  • Prepare a thoughtful question to ask at the end of the interview.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. I felt confident in my ability to link my diverse interests (like Theatre) with consulting. Taking time to structure my answers and verifying assumptions were key to my success. For future candidates, I’d advise practicing case studies and being authentic in your responses.

13

Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:

  • Questions Asked: If you were the Prime Minister of India, how would you tackle the persistent problem of anemia?

  • Your Approach: Suggested conducting a pilot program and involving rural local leaders as strong opinion leaders.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

  • Questions Asked: A well-reputed pharma firm wants to enter the Indian market. Chart out the structure for the same, including the decision on whether to manufacture locally or import from the host nation. Slight costing structure figures were provided, requiring basic calculations.

  • Your Approach: Outlined a structured market entry plan, weighing the pros and cons of local manufacturing vs. importing.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Why consulting? What are your long-term goals?

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly, aligning my aspirations with the consulting role and long-term career growth.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - Guesstimate Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Estimate the size and revenue of Apple iPhone 6 in India.

  • Your Approach: Broke down the problem into manageable parts, considering market share, pricing, and demand.

  • Outcome: Successfully completed the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice as many case studies as possible in a formal structure and environment.
  • Note feedback and continuously work on improving.
  • Be confident and honest during interviews; authenticity is highly appreciated.
  • Clearly articulate why you are interested in consulting.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. Being myself and staying honest worked in my favor. Practicing cases in a structured manner and taking feedback seriously helped me perform well. For future candidates, focus on clarity, confidence, and genuine interest in consulting.

14

Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Guesstimate Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Guesstimate the number of iPhone 6 that would be sold in India post the upcoming launch.
    • Your Approach: Suggested ideas around SEZs and substituting imports, focusing on specific sectors. Reached a large estimate of 30 million over the quarter, which was not ideal.
    • Outcome: Feedback indicated the estimate was too high, and the approach could have been more refined.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Need to reduce the waiting time in the OPD of a hospital. How would you do it?
      2. Qualitative case: How would you reduce the setup cost of a hotel company?
    • Your Approach: For the hospital case, discussed the current work schedule of doctors and suggested incentives for taking appointments. For the hotel case, focused on operational efficiencies and cost-saving measures.
    • Outcome: The interviewer appreciated the structured approach, especially for the hospital case, which was data-specific and recently executed by a partner.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about yourself.
      2. What were your biggest learnings from your work experiences?
      3. Why MBA after such work experience?
      4. Biggest failure in life (from the McKinsey test).
    • Your Approach: Prepared answers in advance, ensuring clarity and conciseness. Highlighted key learnings and tied them to the MBA decision.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with the responses, though the “biggest failure” question required careful handling.

  • Round 4 - Quantitative Problem Solving:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Short quantitative problem on variable/fixed expenses of a hotel.
    • Your Approach: Broke down the problem into fixed and variable components, using basic arithmetic to derive the solution.
    • Outcome: Solved the problem correctly, but the interviewer emphasized the importance of speed in such calculations.

Preparation Tips:

  1. HR Answers: Spend time preparing well-structured answers for HR questions. They are crucial.
  2. Case Studies: Practice data-specific cases and focus on structured problem-solving.
  3. Guesstimates: Work on refining estimates and avoiding overly large numbers.
  4. Interviewer Dynamics: Some interviewers may act friendly to make you comfortable, but stay professional and avoid oversharing.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but insightful. The case study round stood out as the most engaging, while the guesstimate round highlighted areas for improvement. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation for HR questions and practicing guesstimates with a focus on realistic numbers. Staying composed and structured in responses is key to success at McKinsey.

15

Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Guesstimate Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Guesstimate the number of iPhone 6 that would be sold in India post the upcoming launch.

  • Your Approach: Suggested ideas around SEZs and substituting imports, focusing on specific sectors. Reached a large estimate of 30 million over the quarter, which was not ideal.

  • Outcome: Feedback indicated the estimate was too high, so this round didn’t go as well as hoped.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • How would you reduce the waiting time in the OPD of a hospital?

  • Your Approach: Discussed the current work schedule of doctors and suggested ways to reduce waiting time, such as introducing incentives for taking appointments.

  • Outcome: The case was very specific and data-driven, recently executed by a partner. The approach was well-received.

  • Round 3 - HR & Behavioral Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • What were your biggest learnings from your work experiences?
    • Why MBA after such work experience?
    • Biggest failure in life (from the McKinsey test).

  • Your Approach: Prepared structured answers focusing on key learnings, career progression, and personal growth.

  • Outcome: The interviewer was friendly, but I ensured I didn’t lower my guard or overshare.

  • Round 4 - Quantitative & Qualitative Case Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Short quantitative problem on variable/fixed expenses of a hotel.
    • Qualitative case: How would you reduce the setup cost of a hotel company?
    • What would your suggestions be to PM Narendra Modi on making the Made in India Campaign successful?

  • Your Approach: Used structured frameworks for the quantitative problem and brainstormed actionable suggestions for the qualitative cases.

  • Outcome: The quantitative problem was solved efficiently, and the qualitative suggestions were well-articulated.

Preparation Tips:

  • HR answers are crucial; take time to prepare them thoroughly.
  • Some interviewers may act friendly to make you comfortable, but stay professional and don’t overshare.
  • Practice case studies and guesstimates regularly to build confidence.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but insightful. The case study and guesstimate rounds were particularly challenging, but they taught me the importance of structured thinking. I could have improved my guesstimate accuracy and been more concise in my answers. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on both technical and behavioral preparation, and always staying composed during the interview.

16

Company Name: McKinsey & Company

Position: Intern

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIM Lucknow.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Guesstimate Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Guesstimate the number of iPhone 6 that would be sold in India post the upcoming launch.
    • Your Approach: Suggested ideas around SEZs and substituting imports, focusing on specific sectors. Estimated a large number (30 million over the quarter), which was not accurate.
    • Outcome: Feedback indicated the estimation was too high and not realistic.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Need to reduce the waiting time in the OPD of a hospital. How would you do it?
      2. Short quantitative problem on variable/fixed expenses of a hotel.
      3. Qualitative case: How would you reduce the setup cost of a hotel company?
    • Your Approach: For the hospital case, discussed the current work schedule of doctors and suggested incentives for taking appointments. For the hotel cases, focused on cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies.
    • Outcome: The interviewer appreciated the structured approach but noted the need for more data-specific insights.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about yourself.
      2. What were your biggest learnings from your work experiences?
      3. Why MBA after such work experience?
      4. Biggest failure in life (from the McKinsey test).
    • Your Approach: Answered concisely, highlighting key learnings and aligning the MBA decision with career goals. For the failure question, framed it as a learning experience.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with the responses.

  • Round 4 - Strategy Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What would your suggestions be to PM Narendra Modi on making the recently launched MadeInIndia Campaign successful?
    • Your Approach: Focused on policy-level suggestions, such as improving infrastructure, incentivizing local manufacturing, and addressing sector-specific challenges.
    • Outcome: The interviewer appreciated the macro-level thinking but asked for more actionable steps.

Preparation Tips:

  1. HR answers are crucial—prepare them thoroughly.
  2. Some interviewers may appear friendly to make you comfortable, but stay professional and avoid oversharing.
  3. Practice case studies and guesstimates with a focus on structured thinking and data-driven insights.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but insightful. I realized the importance of balancing creativity with realism in guesstimates and the need for deeper data analysis in case studies. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing under timed conditions and refining HR answers to align with the company’s values.