Consultant applicants have rated the interview process at McKinsey & Company with 3.8 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 51% positive. To compare, the company-average is 64.3% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Consultant roles take an average of 30 days to get hired, when considering 289 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at McKinsey & Company overall takes an average of 40 days.
Common stages of the interview process at McKinsey & Company as a Consultant according to 289 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on one interview: 26%
Skills test: 17%
Phone interview: 14%
IQ intelligence test: 10%
Presentation: 9%
Personality test: 8%
Background check: 6%
Group panel interview: 5%
Other: 3%
Drug test: 2%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Chicago, IL) in Nov 2011
Interview
I was an APD candidate and took a 26 question multiple choice test. Then there were breakout sessions with 4 other candidates and a current consultant to work through cases as the case interview was unfamiliar to many of us. It was an odd experience and our invitation for a second interview was based solely (or so they say) on our performance on the 26 multiple choice questions. The word questions were not overly complex but they involved a lot of calcuations and you are not allowed a calculator. Work on basic mental math before you interview!
It was an odd way of being judged and the day I was informed I would not be invited for a second interview I heard an NPR piece on a former McKinsey big muck who was indicted on multiple counts of insider trading.
I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Athens, Athens, Attica)
Interview
Overall good experience besides the fact that I had to undertake a numerical online test. I find it a bit obsolete in 2026 to use this type of assessment method
I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Ciudad de Mexico)
Interview
Interview process was really great, all interviewers were friendly and professional. Started with a phone screen, then two case interview rounds with a partner and a senior associate, followed by a final round covering fit and problem-solving skills
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you had to influence someone without formal authority
It was a one-to-one interview with a consultant. It's a typical case study. The experience was traumatizing. I know my answers weren't great, the consultant was elegant and didn't bother to hide his boredom.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was the most difficult situation you have encountered in the workplace? What did you do about it?