McKinsey adds AI virtual client interviews to test job candidates

McKinsey will update its interviews for junior consulting roles this fall, adding an AI client simulation to test how candidates think on their feet and communicate. The first trial runs at some North American offices, targeting undergraduates applying for business analyst jobs, with hundreds of candidates expected to take part. The roughly 10-minute AI talk happens in real McKinsey offices, with partners watching in person. The AI avatar has learned many client personality types and can play a mayor quizzing consultants on a venue plan. It won't score candidates itself, and it won't act angry or set traps. McKinsey says the tool mirrors about 80% of daily consulting work. It aims to remove differences in how strict human interviewers are, making hiring fairer and showing a candidate's true traits when facing new information. If the trial goes well, the company plans to expand it to other roles next year.