tech
McKinsey built a free AI tool so candidates stop paying $500/hour interview coaches
McKinsey launched a free AI practice tool for interview case studies. It also tests candidates on how they work with its AI assistant Lilli.
TL;DR
- McKinsey launched a free AI practice tool offering unlimited attempts at quantitative case study interviews.
- The tool aims to reduce reliance on expensive external coaching services, which can cost $200-$500 per hour.
- McKinsey is also piloting final-round interviews that require candidates to use its AI assistant, Lilli, to analyze case studies.
- This shift tests candidates' ability to work effectively with AI, focusing on prompt engineering, judgment, and application of AI outputs.
- McKinsey has integrated AI significantly, with approximately 25,000 AI agents supporting its 60,000 employees.
- The firm has reduced its workforce by over 10% between 2023 and 2025, cutting technology roles as AI automates operations.
- Entry-level positions have been most affected by these changes.
- The consulting industry, including firms like BCG and Bain, is expected to follow McKinsey's lead in incorporating AI into interviews.
- McKinsey emphasizes that understanding the meaning behind AI-generated analysis remains crucial for consultants.
- AI fluency is becoming a mandatory skill for securing jobs at McKinsey and in the broader job market.