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The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment preparation guide, and practice guide for those applying for jobs, internships, and graduate opportunities at McKinsey & Co. globally, including in the US and UK.
Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews and assessment center exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the McKinsey & Co. recruitment and assessment process.
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Should you practice to prepare for the McKinsey online assessment? Research shows 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.
A study found that candidates who do not practice assessments tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers (Bradley et al., 2019).
In a nutshell:
McKinsey uses a digital game assessment at this stage to evaluate you for specific competencies. Prepare for the McKinsey Solve game by practicing with similar game assessments.
Prepare for your McKinsey & Co. case interviews by running mock interviews and answering typical interview questions for the role you are applying for. For McKinsey interview practice, use the following:
Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer several times.
Our video interview practice platform provides interview questions that test your skills and knowledge in specific industries. It is similar to other popular employer interview platforms like HireVue and Pymetrics.
Review your responses and enhance your interview skills.
McKinsey makes use of a variety of exercises on experience days. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises including:
Continue reading to find out answers to the following critical McKinsey & Company questions:
For your McKinsey online assessment test practice, click on the links below to get started now with our practice assessments!
Practice all the assessments above for your McKinsey application process with our Go Premium package.
The McKinsey recruitment process includes several stages which we will break down in this guide. But first, let’s find out more about McKinsey & Company!
McKinsey & Company is an American multinational management consulting firm that provides professional services such as consultancy and digital solutions to corporations, governments, and other organizations.
McKinsey is an industry-leading company that employs 45,000+ people in 133 office locations around the globe. Competition for McKinsey jobs is high which is why your application must stand out.
McKinsey has several roles you can apply for as the company has several business areas. Some of the business areas you can apply to at McKinsey include the following:
Now, let’s go into further detail about all the stages of the McKinsey assessment process.
The McKinsey online application is the first step of your McKinsey application process. It will involve you completing an online application for your desired job at the firm. The application will ask for the following information:
McKinsey & Company Online Application
Source: McKinsey & Company Careers
Good to know: The McKinsey online application usually does not make cover letters a requirement. You may only submit a cover letter if you have additional information to share with McKinsey recruiters and the hiring team.
Depending on the role, McKinsey may also include some role-specific questions in the application that may relate to McKinsey’s values. You will also be measured against these values throughout the recruitment process.
The McKinsey has three core values, which are:
Adhere to the highest professional standards:
Put client interests ahead of the firm’s. Maintain high standards and conditions for client service and observe high ethical standards.
Improve our clients’ performance significantly:
Follow the top-management approach. Pursue holistic impact and use our global network to deliver the best of our firm to all clients.
Create an unrivaled environment for exceptional people:
be nonhierarchical and inclusive. Sustain a caring meritocracy. Develop one another through apprenticeship and mentoring.
After submitting your McKinsey online application, you are likely to be invited to complete the McKinsey aptitude test known as the McKinsey Problem Solving Game.
The McKinsey online test is a game-based assessment known as the McKinsey Problem Solving game or simply as the McKinsey Solve game. It includes strategy games developed by Imbellus to help McKinsey evaluate different competency skills.
The McKinsey Solve game lasts for about 70 minutes and contains two major games that assess your critical thinking, decision-making, metacognition, situational awareness, and systems thinking. These McKinsey games are:
Good to know: The McKinsey Problem Solving game has largely replaced the McKinsey Problem Solving test in the recruitment process because it allows McKinsey to assess more cognitive competencies than the traditional test does.
Let’s find out what each McKinsey Problem Solving game is all about below.
The McKinsey ecosystem game is a game-based assessment that requires you to build a sustainable ecosystem for 8 species out of 39 within 35 minutes.
The main objectives of this McKinsey digital assessment are:
McKinsey Ecosystem Game Solution: A crucial tip to note about this McKinsey digital assessment is to study the needs and requirements of each species thoroughly so you can achieve a good balance with the ecosystem you build.
McKinsey Ecosystem Game
Source: McKinsey & Company
After completing the McKinsey Ecosystem game, you will move on to face the next assessment, the McKinsey Redrock Study.
The McKinsey Redrock study is a game that will require you to study, investigate, analyze, and report on specific data relating to species on an island. You will also be required to study cases and answer multiple-choice and numerical questions.
This McKinsey online assessment lasts for 35 minutes and contains two parts. You will be required to complete both parts within this time limit.
McKinsey Redrock Study Tip: There are no separate time constraints for each part of this McKinsey aptitude test. However, it’s advisable to allocate more time to the first part and less to the second part as it requires you to analyze and report.
McKinsey Redrock Study
Now that you know the games in the McKinsey digital assessment, how do you pass them? Read our critical tips below to help you pass the McKinsey Solve game.
Below are important tips to help you pass the McKinsey Problem Solving game.
Use our game assessments to boost your McKinsey game test practice by sharpening and developing the same skills assessed by the McKinsey digital assessments.
After completing the McKinsey and Company assessment, your results and your application will be reviewed. Depending on decisions, you may move on to face the McKinsey case interviews.
McKinsey case interviews are usually conducted for Advanced Professional Degree candidates such as Masters and PhDs. These one-on-one interviews will typically involve you analyzing a business case study and each of the last 50 minutes.
The McKinsey case interviews are conducted in two phases. The first round will have 1-2 interviews conducted virtually. The final round will include 3 interviews that may be virtual or in-person at the office branch of the role.
Good to know: The McKinsey interview process at this stage will include a business case interview to test problem-solving, a behavioral interview, and an experience interview to test other role-related skills at both stages.
This stage of the McKinsey hiring process is technical and thorough and you will need to be very prepared. For your McKinsey case practice, read our crucial tips below.
Use our video interview tool to practice for the McKinsey interview process. Practice more case interview questions and gain first-hand feedback to improve your answers.
For some roles, the McKinsey assessment process ends after the case interviews. However, some other roles have a final step; the McKinsey Experience Day.
The McKinsey Experience Day is an assessment center that invites you and other shortlisted candidates to attend a full day of activities. The McKinsey Experience Day takes place either virtually or at a McKinsey support office.
At the McKinsey Experience Day, you will be required to complete the following exercises:
Good to know: The McKinsey Experience Day is conducted only for McKinsey internal roles such as those involved with running the firm internally and not working with clients. It is designed to offer a realistic view of the role and responsibilities.
Let’s find out what each of these McKinsey test activities are all about.
The McKinsey roleplay exercise will involve a role simulation activity to test your skills. You will typically be required to act out a potential scenario you are likely to face in the role.
The McKinsey role-play exercise is designed to study your reactions and how you handle a potential scenario to evaluate your communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Looking to practice for your McKinsey Experience Day? Use GF’s practice assessment center exercises today!
The McKinsey group exercise will involve pairing you with other candidates where you will be required to analyze and problem-solve together in a team setting.
The McKinsey group exercise evaluates your teamwork and ability to work efficiently in a team. It also measures your communication skills and innovation.
Watch our video below to learn more about what to expect in your McKinsey group exercise!
The McKinsey final interview is the final stage of McKinsey’s Experience Day. This interview will be conducted by McKinsey colleagues and will essentially aim to assess your overall fit for the role and firm.
The McKinsey final interview will look to get to know you better personally and professionally to determine if you align with McKinsey and fit well in the role. It will include both competency and behavioral questions.
For the McKinsey behavioral interview, you should work on preparing two personal examples to demonstrate your skills in the following behavioral areas:
Personal Impact
Being able to interact with people to create positive, enduring change.
Entrepreneurial Drive
Having an innovative mindset, an openness to new approaches, and a continuous quest for learning and growth.
Inclusive Leadership
The ability to lead people with different backgrounds and create belonging where everyone can be at their best.
Courageous Change
Embracing change with courage and positivity and being adaptable in unexpected situations.
Problem Solving
Strong intellectual abilities and rigor, as well as, a practical sense of what works and what does not.
Expertise
Having deeper industry-specific expertise and technical acumen.
So how do we ace this final McKinsey interview? Check out our top tips below.
Watch our short video below to discover questions you can ask in your McKinsey final interview.
What are some common McKinsey interview questions you can be asked at this stage? Find out below.
Some common McKinsey interview questions you may be asked in your McKinsey final interview are:
Read on for an example answer to some of these McKinsey interview questions below and a tip on how to answer.
How to Answer: Use the STAR+R Method. Structure your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps ensure your response is clear and concise.
Good Answer:
Situation:
As a Consultant Intern at ABC Consulting, I worked on a team developing a strategic plan for a retail client, alongside experts in operations, marketing, and finance.
Task:
A conflict emerged between the operations and marketing teams over whether to focus on aggressive expansion or address logistical challenges.
Action:
I facilitated meetings where each team presented their views, actively listened, and integrated the best aspects of both perspectives into the plan.
Result:
This led to a strategic plan that both teams and the client accepted, resulting in increased market share and efficiency, and improved team collaboration.
Reflection:
I learned the importance of open communication and data-driven decision-making in resolving conflicts, and I will continue to use these strategies in future projects.
How to Answer: Focus on a combination of skills and experiences that uniquely position you to add value to McKinsey. This could be a blend of industry knowledge, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities that create a distinctive advantage, as well as, showcase how you align with McKinsey values.
One of my key advantages is my unique blend of deep technology expertise and strong client-facing skills. My background in software engineering and consulting enables me to effectively bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders.
In my previous role, I led a digital transformation project, managing the technical implementation while collaborating with senior leadership to align solutions with strategic goals. This combination of technical acumen and strategic insight allows me to deliver innovative, practical solutions, making me a valuable asset to McKinsey and its clients.
And that is all you need to know about the McKinsey recruitment process! Big thumbs up for sticking around till the end. If you pass the McKinsey application process, you will be contacted and given an offer.
However, before you go!
Check out some more bonus information about McKinsey’s current student and graduate career opportunities!
McKinsey & Company offers student programs for students from all backgrounds and entry levels. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an undergraduate, McKinsey has opportunities for you to get a head start in your career.
Some students and recent graduates opportunities at McKinsey are:
Other McKinsey Early Career programmes are provided for the following candidates:
Find out more details about each of these McKinsey graduate programs below!
McKinsey business presentation specialists use their creativity, attention to detail, and project management skills to create memorable and impactful presentations for client communications. You will work directly with colleagues from all over the world, translating their ideas into eye-catching slides.
McKinsey Executive Assistants fulfill a broad range of requests to enable other colleagues and firms to operate efficiently. This opportunity allows you to build meaningful, collaborative relationships with your teammates and colleagues.
The McKinsey Executive Assistant intern will learn how to provide a broad range of administrative support, such as managing calendars or troubleshooting travel logistics. You’ll develop your communication, organizational, and decision-making skills and build collaborative relationships with your colleagues.
As a McKinsey Global Helpdesk professional, you will proactively advise colleagues on getting the most out of the firm’s technology and efficiently solve needs. You will also receive continuous training in both soft skills and the latest technologies.
McKinsey also provides separate job opportunities for undergrads, MBA candidates and Advanced Professional Degree candidates. McKinsey typically enlists undergrads as business analysts, and MBA and APD candidates as associates.
With that, we have covered everything you’ll need to know about the McKinsey hiring process, online assessments, and student and graduate opportunities you could apply to.
But wait!
Before you start your McKinsey application, explore our FAQ section below for more answers about the McKinsey hiring process.
McKinsey & Company takes between a few days to a week or two before getting back to you after a final interview. However, this may take longer in rare cases depending on the role and internal McKinsey procedures.
The McKinsey recruitment process takes between one to a few months depending on factors such as the role, the location of the role, the level of the role, etc.
The McKinsey internship lasts for 10 weeks in the summer. The applications for summer internship start at least 7 months before the commencement of the internship.
McKinsey holds an average of 3 rounds of interviews. Depending on the role, you may face about 6 to 7 rounds of McKinsey interviews.
Getting hired by McKinsey is challenging due to high competition and a rigorous selection process. However, success in the McKinsey recruitment process is achievable with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, along with a good cultural fit.
The McKinsey Solve game is also the McKinsey personality test as it allows McKinsey to assess certain behavioral and personality traits of the candidate while through the games.
Do you want to pass your McKinsey online assessment tests the first time? Sign up to take numerical, logical, verbal reasoning and situational judgement practice tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Do you want to pass your McKinsey online assessment tests the first time? Sign up to take numerical, logical, verbal reasoning and situational judgement practice tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
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