M
Management Consulting

McKinsey & Company

The world's most prestigious consulting firm

New York, USA
45,000+ Employees
GBP 60,000–90,000 (analyst/associate, UK)
Very Hard

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Overview

McKinsey & Company is the world's most prestigious management consulting firm, advising CEOs and governments on their most critical challenges. Their recruitment process is among the most rigorous in the world, combining cognitive assessments, case interviews, and personal experience interviews. The process is highly competitive and only a small fraction of applicants receive an offer.

Application Process

1

Online Application

1 week

CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts. GPA matters significantly at McKinsey.

2

McKinsey Problem Solving Game (Imbellus)

35 minutes

A 35-minute digital game that measures cognitive abilities through ecosystem management and plant defence scenarios. No preparation is possible. It tests raw cognitive ability.

3

First Round Interviews (x2)

1 day

Two case interviews with associates or engagement managers. Each includes a 5-minute personal experience interview (PEI) and a 25-minute business case.

4

Final Round Interviews (x2-3)

1 day

Two to three case interviews with partners and senior partners. Higher stakes, more ambiguous cases, and deeper PEI probing.

Test Types

Problem Solving Game (Imbellus)

Used by: Imbellus (acquired by McKinsey)

35 min

A 35-minute digital assessment disguised as a game. Measures systems thinking, decision-making under uncertainty, and cognitive flexibility. Cannot be practised directly. Focus on getting adequate sleep and being in a calm state.

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Personal Experience Interview (PEI)

Used by: McKinsey proprietary

5 min per interview

Deep behavioural interview probing a single experience in depth. McKinsey looks for: personal impact, entrepreneurial drive, and inclusive leadership. Prepare 3-4 stories with extreme depth.

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Sample Question

Practice Question

Case Question: Your client is a European airline that has seen profits decline by 30% over the past 3 years despite stable passenger numbers. What are the possible causes and how would you structure your analysis?

Insider Tips

The Problem Solving Game cannot be practised. Don't try to game it. Focus on being well-rested and calm.

McKinsey cases are more quantitative than BCG or Bain. Practise mental maths to 2 significant figures.

The PEI probes one story very deeply. 'Tell me about a time you led a team' will be followed by 10+ follow-up questions. Prepare stories with extreme depth.

McKinsey values 'structured communication'. Always lead with the answer, then support with evidence (Pyramid Principle).

Networking matters less at McKinsey than at other firms. The process is highly standardised.

Practise 50+ cases with a partner before applying. McKinsey cases are harder than most case prep resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Facts

IndustryManagement Consulting
DifficultyVery Hard
HeadquartersNew York, USA
Employees45,000+
Salary RangeGBP 60,000–90,000 (analyst/associate, UK)

Graduate Roles

Business AnalystAssociateEngagement ManagerAssociate PrincipalPartner

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