Let’s be honest: the “Why Kearney?” interview question trips up more candidates than it should.

I’ve worked with brilliant applicants who’ve crushed cases, only to stumble on this one, simple-sounding question. They freeze, ramble, or repeat something off the company website… and the interview quietly slips away.

The problem?

Their answer sounds like everyone else’s.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need a perfect script. You need a real, compelling reason, and the ability to communicate it clearly.

Today, I’ll show you exactly how to craft an authentic, specific, and confident answer that makes your interviewer believe you belong at Kearney.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Why “Why Kearney?” matters more than most candidates realize
• What top candidates do differently in their responses
• How to craft your own answer that feels personal and persuasive

Let’s start by understanding what this question is really testing.

Why Interviewers Ask “Why Kearney?” in the First Place?

If you’ve ever wondered why this question gets asked in nearly every consulting interview, you’re not alone. It seems simple on the surface, but firms treat it as a major signal.

Here’s what they’re really trying to figure out: Are you serious about this role, or just applying to every firm with a pulse?

Kearney, like most top consulting firms, interviews thousands of candidates each year.

In fact, according to a 2024 LinkedIn survey, only about 3–5% of consulting applicants make it to a final offer. That means your answer to Why Kearney? isn’t just a formality; it’s one of your biggest opportunities to stand out in a sea of polished resumes and sharp case skills.

So what are interviewers really listening for?

• Genuine motivation: Why do you want this firm, not just a consulting job?
• Self-awareness: How well do you know what you’re getting into?
• Cultural fit: Do you align with Kearney’s unique way of working?

This isn’t the moment to impress them with surface-level praise like “Kearney has a great reputation” or “I like the global exposure.”

Those answers are safe and forgettable.

What they want is evidence that you’ve done the work. That you’ve spoken to people. That you understand what makes Kearney different, and why that difference matters to you.

Because let’s be real: generic answers are the fastest way to land in the rejection pile.

Strong candidates treat this question as a reflection of their preparation, their values, and their clarity. If you nail it, you’re not just showing interest but proving you’d thrive on their team.

Further reading: What Makes Kearney Different Than MBB? An Insider’s View

How to Craft a Standout “Why Kearney?” Answer: Step-by-Step Breakdown

So, how do you actually build an answer that feels authentic, specific, and interviewer-ready, without sounding like you copy-pasted it from the website?

The good news?

You don’t need to be poetic or perfect.

You just need to be clear, honest, and intentional.

Here’s a proven, four-step approach that I’ve seen work over and over again:

• Step 1: Identify the real reasons you’re drawn to Kearney
• Step 2: Connect those reasons to your background and goals
• Step 3: Choose one personal story that shows alignment
• Step 4:Practice until it sounds natural, not scripted

Let’s break each one down, so you can build your own answer with confidence.

 Step 1: Find the Real Reasons You’re Drawn to Kearney

Before you can answer “Why Kearney?” with confidence, you need to get clear on why you actually care.

Not the polished brochure version; your version.

The real one.

Most candidates never go beyond the surface. They skim the company website, memorize a few value statements, and hope that’s enough.

It’s NOT.

If you want your answer to land, you need to connect with something real, whether that’s Kearney’s project work, its people, its industry focus, or its culture.

Instead of relying on surface-level copy, go deeper using these sources:

• Talk to current or former consultants at Kearney, especially analysts or associates who recently went through the process. Ask what surprised them, what stood out, and what keeps them there.
• Explore Kearney’s recent client work through case studies and press releases. Look at the type of problems they solve and the sectors they specialize in (e.g., supply chain transformation, operations optimization, digital acceleration).
• Read leadership blogs or watch panel discussions from Kearney partners. These often reveal how the firm thinks differently from competitors.
• Pay attention to their culture and tone, you’ll notice they speak more openly about collaboration, trust, and long-term client relationships than many other firms.

You’re not hunting for buzzwords.

You’re looking for 1–2 specific things that genuinely resonate with you.

That might be:

• Their heritage in operations and implementation.
• Their strength in the supply chain and transformation strategy.
• Their reputation for hands-on client work and close-knit teams.
• Or even a personal connection to someone who loved their experience at Kearney.

If your answer feels copyable, it’s too generic.

But when your reasons are specific and rooted in what actually excites you, your answer will stand out as credible and real.

Step 2: Identify the Overlap Between Your Experience and Kearney’s Focus

Once you’ve pinpointed what genuinely excites you about Kearney, the next step is just as important: connecting that to your own story.

Because it’s one thing to admire the firm; it’s another to show how you’d fit right into it.

Kearney isn’t looking for candidates who just repeat back their mission. They’re looking for people who reflect the firm’s way of thinking and working.

Start by asking yourself:

“What parts of my background align with what Kearney is known for?”

Think about your:

• Academic focus: Did you study operations, strategy, international business, or analytics?
• Internships or projects: Have you worked on transformation, process improvement, or supply chain?
• Soft skills: Have you thrived in collaborative, client-facing, or ambiguous settings?
• Personal values: Do you value autonomy, intellectual curiosity, or global work exposure?

Now, tie those to what Kearney emphasizes in its own work and culture.

Here are some good examples:

• “I was drawn to Kearney’s deep strength in operational strategy because during my last internship, I led an initiative to streamline internal workflows, reducing delivery delays by 20%. I loved that hands-on, systems-level thinking.”
• “What stood out about Kearney was the way your teams operate with autonomy and trust. That mirrors my experience managing cross-functional student consulting teams where we had full ownership from strategy to execution.”
• “As someone passionate about global exposure, I appreciated Kearney’s commitment to international collaboration. Growing up across three countries, I’ve always gravitated toward diverse teams solving global problems.”

Pro Tip: Keep It Human

You don’t need to force-fit every part of your resume. Choose 1–2 clear overlaps, and explain them with honesty and relevance. That’s what makes your answer personal and persuasive.

Step 3: Choose One Personal Story That Shows the Fit

A great “Why Kearney?” answer doesn’t just list reasons, it shows them.

And the most effective way to do that is through a short, meaningful story from your past experience.

Interviewers remember stories more than bullet points. So when you pair your admiration for Kearney with a specific, relevant example from your life, it becomes easier for them to picture you as part of their team.

It doesn’t need to be dramatic or packed with results. It just needs to show that you’ve already operated in a way that reflects Kearney’s values.

Here’s the checklist your story should hit:

• It reflects something you genuinely care about.
• It shows initiative, problem-solving, or collaboration.
• It links to something Kearney prioritizes (e.g., client impact, analytical depth, global work).

Let’s check out a few good examples:

• “Last year, I led a student consulting project where we helped a small logistics firm cut delivery delays. I built a tracking dashboard that revealed 3 key bottlenecks, and the team used that to streamline routes. That project taught me how impactful structured operations work can be, which is what first drew me to Kearney’s legacy in this space.”

• “In my last internship, our client engagement required real-time problem-solving across four departments. I took the lead on aligning deliverables and learned how important structured, trust-based teamwork is. When I read that Kearney empowers teams with autonomy and flat hierarchies, it clicked with me instantly.”

• “Growing up between the UAE and the UK, I’ve always thrived in cross-cultural teams. That’s why Kearney’s global integration model and the chance to work with international clients stood out, it aligns perfectly with how I already think and operate.”

You’re not trying to impress them with accomplishments.

You’re showing them you’ve already had experiences that mirror Kearney’s consulting DNA.

If your story reveals that you already think and act like someone who belongs at the firm, it will do far more than a list of polished talking points ever could.

Step 4: Rehearse Without Sounding Rehearsed

By now, you’ve done the hard work: identified your reasons, found the overlap, and backed it with a real story.

But here’s where many candidates drop the ball:

They over-rehearse.

Your “Why Kearney?” answer should sound polished, yes, but not robotic.

If it comes across as scripted or overly rehearsed, it loses the authenticity that interviewers are listening for.

Instead of memorizing word-for-word, practice speaking your answer out loud in different ways. Get comfortable with the ideas, not just the phrasing.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Record yourself answering the question 2–3 times. Notice what sounds natural vs. forced.
• Say it to a smart friend or peer in a mock interview setting.
• Mix up the order during practice. If you can still make your point clearly, you know you’ve internalized it.
• Watch for pacing and tone, don’t speed through. Speak like someone who believes what they’re saying.

Remember that you’re not auditioning for a role.

You’re having a high-stakes conversation with someone who wants to see if you’d be a great teammate.

“Imagine you’re explaining it to a smart friend, not performing for a panel.”

This simple shift in mindset makes your answer more relaxed, more confident, and far more compelling.

What success sounds like?

When your delivery clicks, your answer will come across as:

• Clear, not cluttered
• Confident, not cocky
• Prepared, not rehearsed

That’s what builds trust in the room, and makes your “Why Kearney?” answer truly stand out.

​​What a Strong “Why Kearney?” Answer Actually Sounds Like?

By now, you’ve probably seen what NOT to say.

So let’s flip the script.

What does a great ‘Why Kearney?’ answer actually sound like? One that’s thoughtful, specific, and tailored enough to stand out in a room full of sharp candidates?

Here’s the formula behind the scenes (without sounding formulaic in delivery):

• A clear reason you’re excited about Kearney specifically (not just “consulting”)
• Evidence that you’ve done real research (beyond skimming the homepage)
• A personal connection between how you like to work and how Kearney operates

This kind of answer doesn’t need big words or fancy frameworks.

It needs to feel true, specific, and earned.

Now, let’s look at five real-sounding example snippets from candidates who get it right:

Example #1 – Operational Focus

“What really drew me to Kearney was your deep strength in operational transformations. I saw how you led a $1B supply chain overhaul for a major manufacturer, and that aligns perfectly with my background in logistics analytics. I’m excited by firms that build solutions that work in the real world, not just on slides.”

Example #2 – Entrepreneurial Environment

“I’m someone who thrives when given early ownership, and what stood out about Kearney was how quickly junior team members are expected to lead. A former consultant I spoke to told me about owning workstreams just months in, and I find that kind of trust and expectation energizing.”

Example #3 – People & Culture

“During my conversations with Kearney consultants, the word I kept hearing was ‘supportive.’ Not just intellectually strong, but generous with time, feedback, and mentorship. That stood out. I’ve worked in high-pressure environments before, and I know I do my best when I’m surrounded by driven people who also have each other’s backs.”

Example #4 – Global Exposure

“Having grown up in three countries and led international teams during my internship, I’ve always gravitated toward globally connected work. Kearney’s ability to staff across borders, while maintaining a cohesive culture, really resonates with me. I want to build a global lens early in my career.”

Example #5 – Values in Action

“Kearney’s commitment to apprenticeship and low-ego culture really hit home for me. I’ve always learned best by doing and being coached, not being micromanaged or left in the dark. That approach feels aligned with how I want to grow in my first few years.”

Notice how none of these examples sound rehearsed or robotic. They’re confident, conversational, and tailored, not generic consulting cheerleading.

When you build your own answer, aim for this kind of clarity and personal insight.

5 Most Common Mistakes Candidates Make (and Why They Fall Flat)

Let’s be honest, most “Why Kearney?” answers fall flat before they even get started.

Not because the candidate isn’t qualified. Not because they didn’t prepare. But because their answer sounds like every other one the interviewer’s heard that week.

If you’ve ever answered with something like:

• “Kearney has a great reputation and strong global presence…”

• “I’ve always admired Kearney’s commitment to collaboration…”

• “I’m interested in consulting and think Kearney would be a great place to grow…”

You’re not alone.

And you’re not doomed.

Most people start here. That’s exactly why this guide exists, so you can learn what to stop doing and what to do instead.

Let’s break down the five most common mistakes candidates make when answering “Why Kearney?” and how to fix them fast.

❌ Mistake	Why It Fails?	✅ How to Fix It?
Quoting the website word-for-word	Sounds scripted and lazy. Recruiters know when you’ve memorized a tagline.	Use their language as inspiration, but filter it through your own voice and experience.
Saying what any firm could hear	If your answer could work for BCG, Bain, or Deloitte, it’s not tailored.	Mention something only Kearney does, or something uniquely meaningful to you.
Focusing on what you want, not what you offer	Makes it feel one-sided. You’re not showing what you bring to the table.	Make it mutual. Connect your skills and story to how you’ll add value at Kearney.
Making it too long (or too vague)	Rambling shows a lack of structure. Vague shows a lack of insight.	Focus on 2–3 punchy, specific points. Less fluff, more clarity.
Relying on buzzwords over truth	Words like “innovative” or “impact-driven” blend into the noise without substance.	Speak from experience. Use real examples to show you understand the firm.

Each of these mistakes is fully fixable, as long as you know what interviewers are actually listening for.

Also checkout: Why You’re Not Getting Consulting Interviews (and What to Do About It)

What If You Don’t Know Anyone at Kearney? (No Excuses Approach)

Let’s address the elephant in the room:

“But I don’t know anyone at Kearney… How am I supposed to personalize my answer?”

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a best friend on the inside to give a standout ‘Why Kearney?’ answer. What you need is smart research, creative outreach, and a no-excuses mindset.

Plenty of candidates have landed Kearney offers with zero insider connections. They just did the work to sound like they did.

Here’s how you can too.

Use LinkedIn Like a Research Tool (Not a Resume Scroll)

Most people search for “Kearney” and stop at titles. Instead, use filters strategically:

• Look for alumni from your university, even if they’re 2nd-degree connections.
• Filter by job title + region + years of experience to find junior consultants who recently joined.
• Target those with non-traditional paths; they’re more likely to respond and share insights.

Not sure what to say?

Keep it short: “Hi [Name], I’m preparing for consulting interviews and came across your profile. I’d love to learn more about your journey into Kearney. Would you be open to a quick chat?”

Reach Outside Kearney to Go Inside the Industry

You don’t only need to talk to people at Kearney to learn about Kearney.

• Talk to consultants at peer firms who interviewed at Kearney during recruiting.
• Reach out to ex-Kearney employees who’ve recently moved on; they’re often more candid.
• Compare feedback from people at BCG, Bain, or Oliver Wyman to identify what sets Kearney apart.

You’ll start to notice consistent themes, which become the foundation of your answer.

Mine Public Content Like a Pro

Even if you never speak to anyone directly, there’s no excuse to show up unprepared. Kearney makes a lot of valuable insights public; you just have to look deeper than the first page.

Look for:

• Leadership interviews on LinkedIn or YouTube.
• Kearney-authored articles on industry trends, transformation, sustainability, etc.
• Case studies and client impact stories listed on their site.
• Podcasts featuring Kearney partners or alumni (search “[Name] + Kearney + podcast”).

Note the language they use and the challenges they solve. This helps you mirror their values in your answer, without guessing.

You may not know someone at Kearney. But after doing all this?

You’ll know how they think. What they value. How they operate. And that’s what matters.

You don’t need insider access to deliver an insider-level answer. You just need to put in the kind of thoughtful work that most candidates skip.

Also read: Are Certain Consulting Offices Harder to Get Into? BCG, McKinsey, Bain Compared

If You Get the “Why Kearney?” Question Wrong… Here’s How to Recover

Let’s be real: even well-prepared candidates sometimes fumble this question.

Maybe nerves kicked in. Maybe your answer felt too rehearsed or too vague. Or maybe you only realized halfway through your explanation that it wasn’t really landing.

It happens.

And the good news? One imperfect answer doesn’t automatically kill your shot if you know how to pivot.

What to do in the moment?

If you catch yourself rambling or losing direction, don’t panic. Instead, pause, smile, and say something like:

“Let me take a step back, I want to give you a clearer answer.”

That kind of self-correction shows maturity and self-awareness.

Most interviewers will appreciate the honesty.

Then, quickly realign. Focus on one key point: a real reason you’re excited about Kearney. a client project, a team culture insight, or a value you genuinely connect with.

Even a 15-second pivot can shift their impression from “unprepared” to “human, but self-aware.”

Further reading: How to Know If You’re Taking Too Long to Answer McKinsey Personal Fit Questions?

What to do after the interview?

If you walked out knowing it didn’t go well, don’t spiral. Learn from it.

Take a few minutes to jot down:

• What you wish you had said
• What threw you off
• What felt unclear or generic

Use that insight to fine-tune your next attempt. Often, the best answers come after the first messy version.

Remember: consulting interviews aren’t about perfection; they’re about clarity, coachability, and growth.

A fumbled answer followed by a thoughtful correction tells them exactly that.

Bonus tip: Your thank-you note is a subtle second chance

If you feel you didn’t communicate your “Why Kearney?” well, you can lightly reinforce it in your post-interview email. One sentence like this can help close the loop:

“After our conversation, I’m even more excited by Kearney’s focus on collaboration and client co-creation, both of which align deeply with how I’ve approached problem-solving throughout my career.”

It’s subtle. It’s sincere.

And it shows you were paying attention.

Even if your answer isn’t perfect, your ability to recover can still make a strong impression.

Want Help Perfecting Your “Why Kearney?” Answer Before Interview Day?

Getting this question right can open doors. But it’s not always easy to do on your own.

If you’re still unsure whether your answer will land, or you just want honest feedback before the stakes are high, we can help.

I’ve worked with candidates from every background, including non-traditional paths, who’ve landed offers at top firms by telling their stories with confidence and clarity. And the best part?

You don’t need to “sound like a consultant.”

You just need to sound like you, at your best.

If you want help refining your answer for your upcoming interviews, I’ve coached many candidates through exactly this, and we can make sure your answer is as compelling as possible.

Check out how we support candidates at High Bridge Academy, a platform developed and delivered by 60+ ex-MBB consultants who know exactly what top firms are looking for.

You don’t have to prepare alone.