Glossary
What is the Personal Experience Interview (PEI)?
The Personal Experience Interview (PEI) is McKinsey & Company's behavioral interview format. Candidates tell one detailed story across three dimensions: Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial Drive, and Inclusive Leadership (formerly Courageous Change). Stories must be 4-6 minutes, structured, and demonstrate quantified personal impact.
In depth
The PEI is run alongside the case interview and is a hard gate. McKinsey rotates the dimensions per round; candidates need a unique 4-6 minute story prepared for each. Personal Impact tests persuasion of someone senior or skeptical. Entrepreneurial Drive tests building or driving change against resistance. Inclusive Leadership (the most recent dimension) tests creating environments where diverse contributors can do their best work. BCG's 'Fit' interview and Bain's 'Insight & Inclusion' probes are similar but less rigid.
FAQ
How long should a PEI story be?
4-6 minutes. Shorter answers signal lack of ownership or depth. Longer answers exhaust the partner's attention.
Can I reuse a PEI story across dimensions?
No. McKinsey expects three distinct stories. Reusing one signals a thin story bank.
Is the PEI used at BCG and Bain?
Not under that name. BCG calls it the 'Fit' interview; Bain uses 'Insight & Inclusion'. The dimensions overlap with PEI but the format is less prescriptive.
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