McKinsey introduces AI mayor simulation into its rigorous consulting recruitment

McKinsey & Co. is piloting a new hiring exercise that features an AI-driven simulation of a city mayor, designed to mimic real consulting challenges. Applicants will be asked to advise the virtual mayor on matters like the placement of a costly new arena, with the AI injecting follow-up questions and contextual layers as the conversation unfolds. In addition, a portion of the test allows candidates to employ AI tools to solve a specific problem, mirroring the technology-focused workflow expected of consultants.

Despite the AI components, human interviewers will still make the final selection, focusing on candidates' listening skills, responsiveness, and ability to build trust. The firm, which historically accepts only about 0.5% to 1.5% of applicants, hopes the approach will help identify high-caliber talent more efficiently as it seeks to grow its workforce by 12% in 2026. Saleem Zafar, a partner in the Dallas office, helped develop the chatbot, while global attraction partner Blair Ciesil highlighted the consistency the AI persona brings to assessments.