Breaking into consulting is hard. But one question makes it even harder: “Why McKinsey?”
I’ve worked with dozens of candidates, many from non-traditional backgrounds, who froze on this exact question.
They weren’t unprepared.
They were smart, motivated, and interview-ready.
But when asked why McKinsey, their answers came out vague, generic, or overly polished, and the opportunity slipped away.
The truth is, your answer to this question doesn’t need to be perfect. But it does need to be personal, specific, and believable.
That’s what I’ll help you build here.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What McKinsey is really listening for in your answer
- How to avoid sounding scripted, shallow, or too polished
- A 7-step process to craft a response that feels sharp and true to you
Let’s start by understanding why this question matters more than most realize.
Why the “Why McKinsey?” Question Actually Matters?
Most candidates treat the “Why McKinsey?” question like a formality, a chance to say something flattering about the firm before moving on to the real interview. That’s a mistake.
This question is NOT about praise.
It’s about purpose. And for many candidates, it’s the silent dealbreaker.
McKinsey’s recruitment is famously rigorous: each year the firm receives over one million applications globally, yet invites only 10–15% of candidates to an interview, fewer than 150,000 people, making it more competitive than most large employers by an order of magnitude.
Even among those who make it to the interview stage, many stumble, not because of weak résumés but because of vague or unfocused answers to behavioral questions like “Why consulting?” or “Why McKinsey?”
McKinsey interviewers are trained to listen for three things:
- Clarity: Do you know what you’re signing up for?
- Insight: Have you thought deeply about why this firm?
- Intent: Is this a career move, not just a resume filler?
This question is less about saying the “right thing” and more about showing how you think, what you value, and where you’re headed. It reveals mindset, which, in consulting, matters as much as raw ability.
Handled well, your answer becomes a moment of signal:
This candidate gets it.
They’ve done their homework.
They’re not guessing, they’re choosing.
Handled poorly, it’s a missed opportunity to stand out in a room full of lookalike resumes.
So don’t aim for perfection.
Aim for precision, self-awareness, and a real reason (your reason).
The 7 Steps to Craft a Strong “Why McKinsey?” Answer
Crafting a great answer to “Why McKinsey?” isn’t about memorizing a script; it’s about building a response that’s sharp, personal, and grounded in real thinking.
Here are seven practical ways top candidates approach this question during McKinsey interviews without sounding generic or rehearsed:
- Understand what McKinsey is actually testing
- Pinpoint what uniquely draws you to McKinsey
- Tie your motivation to specific traits of the firm
- Highlight how you’ve engaged with the firm
- Show what you’ll contribute, not just what you’ll gain
- Keep it simple, sharp, and human
- Stress-test your answer with real people
We’ll break each one down so you can build your own compelling answer from the ground up, starting with what McKinsey is really listening for.
Step 1: Understand What McKinsey Is Actually Testing
Before you even open your mouth, McKinsey interviewers are listening for something deeper than just your words.
They’re not grading you on enthusiasm or looking for a perfectly polished script. They’re assessing how you think and, more specifically, how clearly you’ve thought about the decision to pursue this firm, this career, and this path.
Most weak answers fall into two camps:
- The vague answer: “They’re the best consulting firm in the world.”
- The resume filler answer: “It would be a great stepping stone for my career.”
Both of these fail the clarity test. They suggest you haven’t really done the work of understanding what McKinsey values or why you’d actually thrive there.
So what is the firm testing?
Here’s what I’ve seen consistently in coaching candidates for McKinsey interviews:
- Clarity of intent – Have you made an intentional decision to pursue McKinsey, or are you just applying everywhere?
- Firm-specific insight – Can you articulate something about McKinsey, not just consulting in general?
- Strategic self-awareness – Do you understand what kind of environment you perform best in, and how that aligns with the firm?
A strong answer doesn’t just show you know what McKinsey is. It shows you’ve reflected on how your motivations and strengths fit what the firm actually looks for.
If you want a simple way to sharpen your thinking, reverse-engineer the question:
“If I were the interviewer, what would this answer tell me about the candidate’s judgment, curiosity, and intent?”
That lens will immediately raise the quality of how you approach this and everything else in the interview.
Also checkout: How Hard Are McKinsey Case Interviews?
Step 2: Pinpoint What Uniquely Draws You to McKinsey (Not Consulting in General)
Let’s get one thing straight: saying you’re excited to “solve big problems in a fast-paced environment” doesn’t separate you from thousands of other applicants.
Every consulting firm offers that.
Your job is to explain why McKinsey, specifically, aligns with who you are and what you value. This question isn’t asking “Why consulting?”
It’s asking “Why us?”
And your answer needs to reflect that you’ve done the thinking most candidates skip.
So, what actually makes McKinsey different?
Without comparing or criticizing other firms like BCG or Bain, here are a few real differentiators that often resonate with candidates:
- The depth of the apprenticeship model: McKinsey’s mentorship culture is more structured and direct than most firms. Consultants receive frequent, candid feedback, even from day one. If you grow through fast feedback loops, that’s a strong fit.
- Problem-solving methodology: McKinsey consultants tend to approach problems through rigorous, first-principles thinking. You’re expected to challenge assumptions, not just follow frameworks. If that excites you, say so.
- Global reach and client scope: McKinsey has arguably the broadest client base across industries and geographies. Some candidates are drawn to that scale and diversity of work.
- Culture of personal ownership: From early on, you’re trusted with real client-facing responsibility. The firm expects initiative and autonomy, and rewards it.
Pick one or two traits that honestly resonate with you. Then explain why they matter, not just that they exist.
Pro Tactic: Use Real Research, Not Google-Level Fluff |
Instead of skimming a careers page, do this:
|
Here is an example of how you can incorporate any such insight into your answer:
“What drew me to McKinsey was a conversation I had with a former consultant who shared how structured feedback helped her grow faster than she expected. I’ve always learned best through direct, real-time feedback, and the firm’s apprenticeship model, where feedback is embedded into daily work, really stood out to me. It’s rare to find a culture that prioritizes both performance and development, and that’s exactly the environment where I know I thrive.”
This isn’t flashy.
But it’s thoughtful, specific, and clearly tied to something the candidate values.
That’s the bar.
When you stop trying to impress McKinsey and start being honest about why it genuinely fits you, that’s when your answer starts to land.
Step 3: Tie Your Motivation to Specific Traits of the Firm
Now that you’ve identified what draws you to McKinsey, it’s time to connect the dots: How does that connect to you?
Top interviewers don’t just want to know what you admire about the firm; they want to see how it aligns with your goals, values, and learning style. They’re asking: “Can this person thrive here?”
Most answers fall short here.
Candidates might mention something McKinsey is known for, like mentorship or global exposure, but they don’t explain why that matters to them personally.
Here’s what I’ve seen work over and over again:
- A candidate reflects on a past experience that mirrors McKinsey’s culture.
- They connect that experience to how they learn or grow.
- They link it to something specific about how McKinsey operates.
That’s the formula, and it works because it proves self-awareness, not just surface-level research.
Here is an example:
“During a university consulting project, our team was assigned a mentor who gave us structured weekly feedback. At first, it was uncomfortable; I had to learn fast, rethink how I communicated, and get better at breaking down complex problems. But I loved that pace. When I later learned how McKinsey builds real-time feedback into their model, that clicked with me. That kind of environment is where I grow best.”
Notice what’s happening here:
- It’s not a brag.
- It’s not a script.
- It’s a story → a realization → a connection to McKinsey.
That’s what makes it believable.
Common traits candidates often align with:
You don’t need to stretch; you just need to reflect. Here are a few McKinsey-specific traits you might genuinely connect with:
- Structured feedback and mentorship
- Emphasis on team problem-solving
- Focus on building leaders through direct responsibility
- High bar for clarity, precision, and communication
- Diverse industry exposure early in your career
- Analytical rigor and evidence-based decision-making
If one of those traits resonates, explain WHY.
Tell them where you’ve seen it, how it matches your strengths, or when you’ve already experienced something similar.
The best answers don’t just say “I’d love to be challenged.”
They say, “I’ve been challenged before, and here’s what I learned from it.” Then they show how McKinsey would take that growth to the next level.
Also read: How to Know If You’re Taking Too Long to Answer McKinsey Personal Fit Questions?
Step 4: Highlight How You’ve Engaged With the Firm (Beyond Just Reading)
You’d be surprised how many candidates say they’re “really passionate about McKinsey”, but have never actually spoken to anyone at the firm, attended a session, or read a single client report.
That’s not passion.
That’s surface-level prep.
McKinsey hires people who do their homework.
One of the fastest ways to show genuine intent and rise above the noise is to demonstrate real engagement. Not just Googling. Not just listing awards. But actually doing the work to understand how the firm operates and thinks.
Here’s how strong candidates I’ve coached have done it, and how you can too:
Tactical Ways to Engage With McKinsey (That Actually Matter)
Tactic | What It Shows | How to Use It In Your Answer |
Coffee chats with consultants | You’ve taken initiative and built relationships | “After speaking with a McKinsey associate who started in engineering, I realized…” |
Attending firm-sponsored webinars or events | You’re plugged into the firm’s values and culture | “During a virtual info session on McKinsey’s problem-solving approach, I noticed…” |
Reading McKinsey Insights & case studies | You care about how the firm thinks, not just where they work | “I found a recent article on supply chain resilience that matched how I approach problems…” |
Following alumni or mentors with McKinsey experience | You’re learning from people who’ve done it | “My mentor, a former McKinsey BA, shared how the feedback culture shaped his growth…” |
Reviewing past McKinsey projects in industries you care about | You’re connecting firm work with your interests | “I’ve been following their work in sustainability, and it aligns with my academic research…” |
Don’t force all of these into your answer.
Just one or two used naturally can send a powerful signal: “I’ve seen this firm from the inside, and it resonates with me.”
Here is a strong example:
“After speaking with a McKinsey associate who transitioned from engineering, I realized how much the firm values structured thinking and clear communication across any background. That conversation helped me see how my own skill set, analytical but adaptable, could fit into that same model.”
This kind of insight can’t be faked. It shows you’ve gone deeper than a careers page, and that you’re not just applying to McKinsey, you’re actively choosing it.
That distinction matters more than you think.
Related: The Best Materials to Prepare for McKinsey Interviews in 2025
Step 5: Show What You’ll Contribut,e Not Just What You’ll Gain
Most candidates approach this question from one angle: “Here’s what McKinsey can do for me.”
Career growth.
World-class training.
Elite brand.
Those are all valid. But if that’s the only narrative, you sound like a consumer, not a future colleague.
McKinsey doesn’t just hire talent. It hires contributors. People who add something to the room, whether that’s analytical sharpness, industry insight, cultural perspective, or sheer drive.
The best candidates flip the script; they talk about what they can bring, not just what they’ll get.
Ask yourself: “What perspective, experience, or skillset would I bring to a McKinsey team on day one?”
You have something valuable even if you don’t have a traditional background. The key is naming it clearly, showing it with evidence, and connecting it to how you’d work inside a team.
Here are a few examples I’ve seen work well:
- Analytical depth: “As a physics major, I’m trained to simplify complex systems. I know how to break problems down, even under pressure.”
- Frontline experience: “I spent two years in retail operations before business school; I understand what execution really looks like on the ground.”
- Entrepreneurial mindset: “I co-founded a startup in college. I’m comfortable navigating ambiguity and taking initiative when things aren’t clearly defined.”
- Resilience & grit: “I was the first in my family to attend university. That’s shaped how I show up, lead, and push through challenges.”
Each of these is real, practical, and grounded in impact, not fluff.
Now, let’s look at this example:
“One of the reasons I believe I’d contribute at McKinsey is my experience translating technical ideas into client language. At my last internship, I worked between data science and marketing, helping leadership make sense of insights that were buried in analytics. That’s the kind of bridge I’d bring to consulting teams.”
When you frame your answer this way, you’re doing something most candidates don’t: You’re already acting like a consultant, thinking about value creation.
Want to sharpen this part of your pitch even more?
This short video breaks down how to talk about what you’ll contribute in any job interview, with live examples:
WHAT CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMPANY? (The PERFECT ANSWER in a Live JOB INTERVIEW!)
While not McKinsey-specific, the mindset and tactics apply directly to consulting interviews, especially for underdog candidates who need to make every sentence count.
Step 6: Keep It Simple, Sharp, and Human
Here’s the trap most candidates fall into:
They overthink it. They overwrite it.
Then they deliver it like they’re reading off a teleprompter.
Interviewers can spot this a mile away. It sounds safe, polished, and completely forgettable. The best “Why McKinsey?” answers aren’t perfectly rehearsed. They’re clear, structured, and human, like something you’d actually say out loud to someone you respect.
Think about it this way: If your roommate wouldn’t understand your answer, it’s too abstract.
You don’t need a fancy framework or MBA-level polish. You need to sound like a sharp, thoughtful person who’s genuinely done the work to figure out why this place fits.
Here’s a simple structure that works, without ever sounding robotic:
- What draws me to McKinsey: Focus on one or two authentic, specific traits that align with your learning style, values, or goals.
- How I’ve explored the firm: Mention a real experience, a conversation, an event, or an insight from a case study, that gave you clarity.
- Why I believe I’d thrive and contribute: Bring in a short story or reflection that shows how your skills or mindset fit the way McKinsey teams work.
That’s it. That’s the playbook.
Here’s What That Sounds Like:
“I’m drawn to McKinsey because of the intense focus on growth through mentorship, it’s something I’ve valued since leading a student project where structured feedback helped me level up fast. After speaking to a consultant who described how feedback is embedded into the day-to-day, that really stood out. I believe I’d thrive in that kind of environment, where learning is constant and initiative is expected.”
It’s short. It’s sharp. It’s personal.
And it’s miles ahead of: “Because McKinsey is the top consulting firm in the world.”
Remember that you’re not writing an essay. You’re starting a conversation.
So ditch the jargon. Trust your voice. And give an answer that sounds like you, just on your best, most focused day.
Step 7: Stress-Test Your Answer With Real People
Once your answer feels solid on paper, don’t stop there.
Now you need to pressure-test it.
Too many candidates wait until the actual interview to hear their “Why McKinsey?” answer out loud, and that’s where it falls apart. It sounds robotic. Or flat. Or worse, confusing.
The fix?
Practice it out loud, with someone who will actually challenge you.
Not a friend who says, “Yeah, that sounds good.”
Find someone who’ll pause and ask:
- “What does that actually mean?”
- “How is that different from what you’d say about BCG?”
- “Why should McKinsey care about that?”
These aren’t trick questions; they’re exactly what a McKinsey interviewer is already thinking.
The goal isn’t to memorize a perfect script. The goal is to stress-test for three things:
- Clarity – Does your answer make logical sense?
- Believability – Does it sound like you, not a LinkedIn post?
- Tone – Does it land with the right mix of confidence and authenticity?
A simple rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t say it out loud to a McKinsey consultant over coffee, don’t say it in the interview.
This is especially important for candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. When you rehearse with someone sharp, ideally a peer who’s also preparing for consulting interviews or even a coach, you get exposed to blind spots before the real thing.
Even better, record yourself.
You’ll pick up things you’d never notice otherwise, such as pacing, tone, overuse of buzzwords, or filler like “I just feel like…”
Bonus Tip |
Pair this with behavioral mock interviews or “fit question” practice sessions. Answering “Why McKinsey?” in context, not isolation, helps you develop the kind of natural fluency that stands out in real interviews. |
How to Make Your Answer Stand Out If You Come From a Non-Traditional Background?
If you’re not from a target school…
If you don’t have a business degree…
If your cover letter doesn’t scream “consulting”…
That’s not a weakness, unless you try to hide it.
I’ve worked with dozens of candidates from non-traditional paths who landed offers at McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. What made their answers stand out wasn’t a perfect resume. It was how clearly they connected their story to what the firm actually values.
Here’s what McKinsey looks for, regardless of your background:
- Strong problem-solving under pressure
- Clear, structured communication
- Evidence of ownership, resilience, and a growth mindset
- A natural sense of curiosity and intellectual agility
If you can show how you’ve built those muscles, even outside of traditional business roles, you’re in the game.
Here are some tactical ways to frame a non-traditional background:
Background Type | How to Frame It for McKinsey? | Why It Works? |
Teaching / Education | “Designed lesson plans that translated complex ideas into clear concepts under time pressure.” | Highlights structure, communication, and leadership |
Engineering | “Used analytical thinking to troubleshoot real-time problems in high-stakes settings.” | Connects directly to problem-solving and logic |
Startup Experience | “Led ambiguous projects with no roadmap and drove real outcomes with limited resources.” | Signals ownership, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking |
Social Impact / Nonprofit | “Managed competing priorities, worked cross-functionally, and built consensus under constraints.” | Demonstrates people skills, strategy under pressure |
Athletics / Performing Arts | “Operated in high-pressure environments where feedback, repetition, and mental toughness mattered.” | Shows coachability, discipline, and resilience |
Here is an example:
“One candidate I worked with came from a public school teaching background. She didn’t try to hide it. Instead, she focused on how managing 30 students taught her to communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and build trust fast. She explained how those skills were directly transferable to client-facing consulting work, and McKinsey bought in.”
The key here isn’t to ignore your background.
It’s to own it and translate it into a language the firm understands.
You’re not apologizing for where you come from. You’re showing why that experience built the very strengths consulting teams need to win.
Further reading: McKinsey Final Round / Partner Interview: What to Watch Out for and Questions to Ask
Real Examples: How Strong Candidates Answered “Why McKinsey?”
The best way to learn how to answer “Why McKinsey?” is to hear how top candidates actually do it.
Below are five hypothetical but realistic answer snippets I’ve seen work in real coaching sessions. Each one comes from a different background, but all follow the same core principles:
- They’re personal, not generic.
- They reflect clear, McKinsey-specific thinking.
- They highlight both interest and fit.
Let’s break each one down, and why it works.
1. The Non-Traditional Candidate (Teaching Background)
“What drew me to McKinsey is the culture of structured thinking and constant feedback. As a teacher, I learned to translate complex topics into clear, engaging explanations; fast. After speaking to a former educator who’s now at McKinsey, I saw how those same communication skills are used to drive clarity with clients. That overlap made the firm feel like the right next step.”
Why it works:
- Shows self-awareness about transferable skills
- Mentions real engagement with someone at the firm
- Ties past experience to how McKinsey teams work
2. The Technical Candidate (STEM/Engineering)
“McKinsey’s reputation for rigorous, first-principles problem solving really resonates with me. During my time in mechanical engineering, I often worked through ambiguous challenges using structured logic, exactly the skillset I saw reflected in McKinsey case studies. I want to apply that thinking to broader business problems, and I believe this is the best environment to do that.”
Why it works:
- Anchors on a firm-specific trait (first-principles thinking)
- Connects technical training to consulting mindset
- Shows a real shift in thinking, from academic to client-focused
3. The Business Candidate (Finance/Corporate Experience)
“What stands out to me about McKinsey is how much responsibility junior team members take early on. In my current corporate strategy role, I’ve led internal initiatives, but I’m often one step removed from direct client impact. What excites me is the chance to be closer to the problem and the people, learning fast by doing real work that matters.”
Why it works:
- Speaks to McKinsey’s “apprenticeship” and high-trust model
- Highlights a gap in current role, not as a weakness, but as a growth opportunity
- Clearly articulates what McKinsey will allow the candidate to do, and why that’s meaningful
4. The Underdog (Non-Target School)
“I don’t come from a target school, so I’ve had to build my own path, and what impressed me most was how McKinsey evaluates potential, not just pedigree. I connected with two associates who shared similar journeys, and both emphasized how the firm rewards sharp thinking and coachability. That’s what I’ve built through internships, case practice, and feedback, and I’m excited to apply it here.”
Why it works:
- Tackles the non-target issue head-on, with confidence
- Cites specific qualities the firm values (coachability, thinking)
- Subtly demonstrates networking and initiative
5. The Career Switcher (Startup/Entrepreneurship)
“After two years building a tech startup, I’ve developed the ability to move fast in ambiguity and lead small teams under pressure. What draws me to McKinsey is how those traits are valued, but also sharpened through high-caliber mentorship and structured problem-solving. I want to take what I’ve learned and apply it in an environment where the bar is high and the learning curve is constant.”
Why it works:
- Shows both what they’ve done and what they want to build next
- Speaks to specific firm values: mentorship, structured thinking, performance culture
- Reflects maturity, not just ambition
None of these answers is perfect. That’s the point.
They sound like real people, not rehearsed robots, and that’s what makes them powerful.
When crafting your own version:
- Ground your answer in real experiences
- Avoid buzzwords and vague praise
- Speak directly to how you think, what you value, and how you’ll contribute
That’s the kind of answer interviewers remember, because it actually sounds like you.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your “Why McKinsey?” Answer
Even strong candidates can stumble on this question, not because they lack potential, but because their answer falls into one of these avoidable traps.
Here are the five most common mistakes I see in coaching sessions, and how to steer clear of each one:
1. Generic Praise With No Depth
“McKinsey is the best consulting firm in the world. I’d be honored to work there.”
Yes, the firm has a global reputation. But saying that, without adding your OWN reason, tells the interviewer nothing. It’s the verbal equivalent of copy-pasting from a careers page.
Fix it: Choose one specific trait that resonates with your values or learning style, and explain why.
2. Mixing Up Consulting Motivation With McKinsey Motivation
“I love solving problems and working in fast-paced environments.”
That’s great, but it could describe any consulting firm, tech startup, or investment bank. It doesn’t explain why McKinsey is the right fit.
Fix it: Shift your answer from “Why consulting?” to “Why this firm?” Mention something McKinsey uniquely offers: culture, mentorship, way of thinking, and connect it to your story.
3. Over-Reliance on Prestige or Exit Opportunities
“I know McKinsey opens doors and sets you up for success.”
That may be true, but it makes your answer sound transactional, like you’re just here for the brand name. Interviewers want to know why you want to contribute now, not just where you plan to go next.
Fix it: Focus on what you’re excited to learn, build, or contribute inside the firm, not where you’re trying to jump to after.
4. Sounding Overly Rehearsed or Robotic
“My motivations align with McKinsey’s culture of excellence and client impact.”
This type of response might sound polished, but it lacks personality. It feels like a RESUME, not a conversation. If it doesn’t sound like something you’d say over coffee, it’s probably too stiff.
Fix it: Use a conversational tone. Speak like a thoughtful, real person, not a pitch deck.
5. Failing the Specificity Test
If your answer could apply to Bain, BCG, Google, or a Big 4 firm… it’s not specific enough.
This is the most subtle, but most critical red flag. Your answer should make it immediately obvious why you’ve chosen McKinsey over any other top-tier firm.
Fix it: Revisit your core message. Is it truly tailored? Have you mentioned anything that shows you’ve done your homework beyond surface-level research?
Related: Are Certain Consulting Offices Harder to Get Into? BCG, McKinsey, Bain Compared
Quick Checklist: Is Your “Why McKinsey?” Answer Ready?
This isn’t just a formality; it’s a test of whether your answer will actually resonate with a McKinsey interviewer. Run your final version through this checklist to see if it holds up under pressure.
If you can confidently check all these, you’ve likely built an answer that’s personal, sharp, and consultant-ready.
✅ I’ve clearly named one McKinsey-specific trait (not a generic consulting quality)
✅ I’ve explained why that trait personally resonates with my goals or learning style
✅ I’ve shown evidence that I understand how McKinsey operates day-to-day
✅ I’ve referenced a real interaction with the firm, not just online research
✅ I’ve kept the tone natural, not overly formal or robotic
✅ I’ve avoided buzzwords and vague statements like “top firm” or “great culture”
✅ I’ve made it obvious why McKinsey is a better fit for me than BCG or Bain
✅ I’ve included one authentic example from my own background or experience
✅ I’ve practiced the answer out loud and refined it based on honest feedback
✅ I can say it in under 90 seconds, with clarity, confidence, and energy
Want Help Perfecting Your Answer (and Everything Else)?
You don’t have to navigate this process alone, and you shouldn’t.
Crafting a standout “Why McKinsey?” answer is just one piece of a much bigger challenge: landing an offer at a world-class firm in one of the most competitive recruiting funnels on the planet.
If you want personal guidance from people who’ve actually sat on the other side of the McKinsey table, Highbridge Academy was built for you.
Our consulting interview prep is developed and delivered by 60+ ex-McKinsey, BCG, and Bain consultants, and is designed specifically for ambitious, high-potential candidates (especially from non-traditional paths).
If you’re serious about your offer, we’re serious about helping you get there.