McKinsey asks graduate candidates to “collaborate” with an artificial intelligence tool as part of its project. recruitment processas mastery of technology becomes a requirement to compete for high level jobs.
The blue-chip consulting firm is incorporating an “AI interview” into some final interviews, according to CaseBasix, a U.S. company that helps candidates apply for positions at large strategic consulting firms.
In a online publishingCaseBasix said applicants in the “selected final rounds” in the United States were invited to complete tests using McKinsey’s in-house AI tool Lilli. They are required to carry out practical consulting tasks with the help of Lilli.
“In the McKinsey AI interview, you must prompt AI, review its results, and apply your judgment to produce a clear, structured answer. The emphasis is on collaboration and reasoning rather than technical expertise in AI,” CaseBasix said.
“In practice, candidates are usually presented with a business question or scenario similar to real consulting work. Instead of relying solely on their own analysis, they use AI as a helping tool to explore information, structure thinking and refine information.”
CaseBasix said applicants are not expected to know advanced prompting techniques – the term used for asking AI to perform tasks or respond to queries. However, candidates must show that they can use AI as a “productive thinking partner” and communicate their reasoning clearly, similar to how consultants interact with junior team members.
“Based on early reports and candidate feedback, the McKinsey AI interview appears to assess how candidates think, judge, and collaborate with an AI tool rather than their technical knowledge of AI,” CaseBasix said.
The use of Lilli in the interview process for business school graduates has been first reported by the Financial Times. McKinsey declined to comment.
CaseBasix said the AI interview would take place alongside two other assessments: problem solving and structured thinking; and personal impact, leadership and values.
Microsoft announced in 2024 that McKinsey would be an early adopter of its Copilot Studio project, capable of managing autonomous AI agents, or virtual employees, capable of performing tasks such as handling customer queries and identifying prospects. Other companies participating as initial users included law firm Clifford Chance and retailer Pets at Home.
McKinsey Chief Executive Bob Sternfels told the Harvard Business Review’s IdeaCast that the company has a “headcount” of 20,000 agents working alongside its 40,000 employees.
Last year, British recruitment specialists told the Guardian that an affinity and skill with AI was becoming a priority. crucial part of the selection process.