What is a PEI?
A PEI (Personal Experience Interview) is McKinsey's behavioral interview format where an interviewer spends 15-20 minutes probing deeply into a single leadership story from your past. Unlike typical behavioral interviews with multiple short questions, the PEI's depth tests whether your experiences are genuine and reveals how you actually think and lead. The PEI accounts for roughly 50% of your McKinsey evaluation.
| Stands for | Personal Experience Interview |
| Used by | McKinsey & Company (exclusive to McKinsey) |
| Duration | 15-20 minutes per interview |
| Weight in evaluation | ~50% of total interview score |
| Dimensions tested | Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial Drive, Inclusive Leadership |
| Stories needed | Minimum 3 (one per dimension) |
Definition
The Personal Experience Interview is McKinsey's approach to behavioral assessment. While BCG and Bain weave short "fit" questions throughout their interviews, McKinsey dedicates a substantial portion of each interview to a single behavioral deep-dive.
The format works like this: The interviewer selects one of three dimensions to test. They ask you to share a relevant story. You give a 2-minute initial answer. Then they spend 10-15 minutes asking follow-up questions that probe the details of your experience.
This depth is intentional. Generic or embellished stories fall apart under sustained questioning. The PEI reveals whether you genuinely led, influenced, or drove results - or whether you're retelling someone else's story.
The Three PEI Dimensions
1. Personal Impact
Your ability to influence others without formal authority. Convincing a skeptic, navigating disagreement, or bringing people to consensus.
Example prompt: "Tell me about a time you had to convince someone to see things differently."
2. Entrepreneurial Drive
Taking initiative and ownership to achieve results. Identifying opportunities, persisting through obstacles, and driving outcomes beyond your formal responsibilities.
Example prompt: "Tell me about a time you saw a problem and took it upon yourself to fix it."
3. Inclusive Leadership
Leading teams through challenges while fostering collaboration. Empowering others, valuing diverse perspectives, and achieving results through people.
Example prompt: "Tell me about a time you led a team through a difficult situation."
How a PEI Works
- Interviewer picks a dimension - They decide which of the three areas to test. You don't get to choose.
- Initial question - They ask a behavioral question related to that dimension.
- Your initial answer (2 min) - You share a relevant story using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Deep probing (10-15 min) - They ask detailed follow-ups: "What exactly did you say?" "How did they respond?" "What were you thinking at that moment?"
- Reflection questions - "What would you do differently?" "What did you learn?"
Key insight: The probing is what makes PEI unique. Interviewers will ask for specific quotes, exact numbers, and moment-by-moment detail. Vague or rehearsed-sounding answers raise red flags.
PEI vs. BCG/Bain Behavioral Interviews
| Aspect | McKinsey PEI | BCG/Bain Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Format | One story, 15-20 min deep-dive | Multiple short questions, 5-10 min total |
| Timing | Separate section after case | Woven throughout interview |
| Weight | ~50% of evaluation | ~30% of evaluation |
| Depth | Extremely deep probing | Surface to moderate |
| Preparation | 3 detailed stories, drill follow-ups | 5-8 shorter examples |
Related Concepts
- McKinsey Interview Guide - Complete guide to McKinsey's interview process
- Behavioral Interview Guide - How to prepare stories for any behavioral interview
- Case Interview - The other half of McKinsey's interview
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PEI stand for?
PEI stands for Personal Experience Interview. It's McKinsey's unique behavioral interview format where interviewers spend 15-20 minutes probing deeply into a single story from your past.
How is a PEI different from normal behavioral interviews?
Unlike typical behavioral interviews with multiple short questions, a PEI focuses on ONE story for 15-20 minutes. The interviewer asks increasingly detailed follow-ups, making it hard to use generic or embellished stories.
How many PEI stories should I prepare?
Prepare at least 3 stories - one for each PEI dimension (Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial Drive, Inclusive Leadership). Each story should withstand 15-20 minutes of probing. Practice telling them out loud with behavioral interview practice.
Can I use the same story for multiple dimensions?
A strong story might demonstrate multiple dimensions, but prepare distinct stories for each. Interviewers may ask for a different example if your story doesn't clearly fit their dimension. Having 4-5 stories gives you flexibility.
Practice PEI Stories
Tell your PEI stories out loud and get feedback on clarity, detail, and impact.
Practice BehavioralLast updated: January 15, 2026