Alongside the case, McKinsey runs the Personal Experience Interview (PEI), a deep, structured probe of one story per theme, usually leadership, personal impact, and persuasion or conflict.
In 2026 expect a single question like leading a team to a difficult goal, followed by many layers of 'what exactly did you do', 'how did you feel', and 'what would you change'. Interviewers reward depth over breadth, a clearly personal contribution, and honest reflection. Candidates who tell a broad, un-owned 'we' story or run out of detail three follow-ups deep underperform even when the case goes well.
About McKinsey
Top-tier strategy consulting firm; partner-led model; global footprint.
Resume screen and Solve assessment
First-round case plus PEI interviews
Final-round cases plus PEI with senior partners
Offer decision
Round 1 (45 min each)
first-round interviews pairing a case with the PEI.
Round 2 (45 min each)
final-round cases and PEI with partners.
Round 3
The PEI is woven through every round alongside the case.
McKinsey interviewers score answers on structure and specificity, not just content. Use the STAR method for every behavioural question.
Common mistake:Saying "we did X" throughout. Interviewers score your individual contribution. If you can't separate what you did from what the team did, it signals low ownership.
Sourced from 2+ candidate post-mortems. Hit Practice to answer any one with AI voice feedback.