McKinsey & Company, a global leader in management consulting, is changing how it hires new graduates. The firm has introduced an AI chatbot into its final interview rounds. This move adds a modern twist to the traditional recruitment process.
AI Collaboration in Final Interviews
According to career preparation firm CaseBasix, candidates in select final rounds now face practical consulting tasks. They must complete these tasks with help from McKinsey's internal AI tool called Lilli. This AI interview works alongside the company's established assessment methods.
The McKinsey interview process now includes three distinct components:
- Case Interview: This tests problem-solving skills and structured thinking abilities.
- Personal Experience Interview (PEI): This evaluates leadership qualities, personal values, and impact.
- AI Interview: This new component assesses collaboration with AI during consulting tasks.
What McKinsey Looks For in AI Interviews
McKinsey wants to see how candidates interact with artificial intelligence. The company observes whether applicants can use AI effectively as a tool. Specifically, they evaluate several key capabilities.
Candidates must demonstrate they can:
- Use AI to support structured thinking rather than bypassing it completely
- Apply good judgment when AI outputs appear incomplete or imperfect
- Maintain ownership of decisions instead of simply deferring to technology
- Communicate their reasoning clearly within an AI-supported workflow
How the AI Interview Actually Works
The process requires candidates to engage actively with the AI system. They need to show practical skills in working alongside artificial intelligence.
During the interview, candidates are expected to:
- Prompt the AI with clear and focused questions
- Review AI outputs carefully for accuracy and relevance
- Iterate by refining their prompts when responses fall short
- Synthesize insights into structured recommendations
The emphasis falls squarely on judgment, reasoning, and communication skills. McKinsey does not expect technical AI expertise from candidates. According to CaseBasix, applicants need not know advanced prompting techniques. Instead, they must show they can use AI as what the firm calls a "productive thinking partner." This approach mirrors how consultants typically work with junior team members.
Why McKinsey Made This Strategic Move
This recruitment change reflects broader shifts in consulting work. Artificial intelligence is becoming embedded in everyday problem-solving across industries. McKinsey has invested heavily in AI platforms like Lilli. These tools support research and synthesis across various client engagements.
McKinsey CEO Bob Sternfels highlighted the firm's AI integration last year. He told the Harvard Business Review that McKinsey already operates with what he called a "workforce" of 20,000 AI agents. These work alongside approximately 40,000 human staff members.
The consulting giant was also an early adopter of Microsoft's Copilot Studio. This platform enables autonomous AI agents to handle specific tasks. These include managing client queries and processing sales leads efficiently.
Current Implementation and Evaluation Shift
McKinsey has not commented publicly on this new interview component. CaseBasix reports that the rollout remains limited to certain parts of the United States currently.
The evaluation criteria for consultants are evolving significantly. CaseBasix notes that consultants are no longer judged solely on independent problem analysis. The firm now also assesses how candidates work responsibly with advanced tools like AI.
This development marks an important moment in professional recruitment. As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in workplaces, how companies evaluate potential employees must adapt accordingly. McKinsey's approach could influence hiring practices across the consulting industry and beyond.
