| Topic Name: |
Got an Offer - BTO |
| Message Name: |
Some Answers |
| Date Posted: |
03/20/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi, all --
I'm slotted to interview w/ McK within the next couple of weeks. I am supposed to start with a phone interview. Can anyone who's actually gone through the process with BTO tell me how the phone interviews typically run - i.e., how do they start out, is there any informal chit-chat, or does it kickoff immediately w/ a PEI followed by a business case or vice versa. How many cases are done over the phone? And how long does the phone interview typically run?
Another question - esp. for those who've successfully completed case interviews w/ McK - after the interviewer asks you a question, do you work it out (e.g., the calcs) silently for a few minutes and then summarize your answer verbally? Is it OK if there are moments of silence or are you expected to "think out loud," so to speak? I don't want to make any quant errors and prefer to validate my answers/calculations at least once (if not twice) before speaking - will that come across as "not good w/ numbers" or as prudently cautious? I've never done a case interview before, and I'm curious what the desired / acceptable rhythym / cadence of one would be...
I'm an experienced hire who was contacted by a recruiter. A friend told me to stop stressing out; they're looking for a reason to hire me and that the cases are simply a vetting process, and that the PEI will be a more important indicator. To anyone who's gone thru the process themselves (either as a candidate or interviewer) - is that the case? Is "fit" and such more important than case performance, equal, or definitely less important?
And... last question - for those of you who've conducted the interviews themselves - particularly w/ experienced hires - do I need to be on my absolute highest order of professionalism, or is it acceptable to make it more of a conversation where I have just as many questions and such about McK as the firm does for me?
Any information and/or advice is very much appreciated. And best of luck to McKCan w/ the NJ BTO. I very well may be joining you in NJ or nearby if I can ace these interviews! |
| Message: |
Here are some answer to your specific questions
1. I did not have any phone interviews so dont know. Typically you might have 1 or 2 phone interviews. My guess is that the first one might just a scan and the second will be by an EM who whill give you a case. If your first one is by an EM and he gives you a case then if you do well in that they will call you in.
2. I did the math out loud and it really helped me. I can tell you that I did make a couple of errors but because I was thinking out loud the interviewer corrected me immediately and I could get his approval on each step. I would say be cautious and go slow since under pressure you are likely to make a mistake which you would not make ordinarily.
3. No I think it will be a mix of cases & PEI. I had a lot more case than PEI. In fact only 1 PEI. MCK is always, and I mean always going to test analytical skills and thats the first barrier. At the end of the day a friend of mine told me (who works there) that they dont mind if the candidate maybe good and if they make a mistake and dont hire him, but they definately dont want the reverse to happen where the candidate is not good and they make him an offer. I would get ready for at least 8-10 interviews
4. I think its ok to ask questions, but let the interviewer drive the interview. At the end of all my interviews I got an opportunity to ask questions.
I would add one more thing, dont take the interview process lightly and practice as many cases as you can.
If you get in email me at oldtimeinsider@yahoo.com
Best of Luck
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