Fit

Personal Experience Interview (PEI)

A deep, structured dig into one of your real stories.

Last reviewed 28 September 2026

What does Personal Experience Interview (PEI) mean?

The Personal Experience Interview is how McKinsey runs its fit interview. The interviewer picks a theme, such as a time you led or persuaded people, and digs deep into one real story with many follow-up questions, testing whether it is specific, structured and truly yours.

Where does it come up in case interview prep?

Building and telling a strong storyLesson in The fit, behavioral, and personal interview
Framing your experience, and the questions you will hearLesson in Experienced hires, PhDs, and other advanced degrees

STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)A clean shape for telling a story.
Fit interviewThe personal half of the interview, about you.

What does Personal Experience Interview (PEI) mean?

Where does it come up in case interview prep?

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