Employers Add AI Tests to Non-Technical Interviews as McKinsey Expands Screening for Entry-Level Roles
Updated
Updated · Financial Times · Jun 15
Employers Add AI Tests to Non-Technical Interviews as McKinsey Expands Screening for Entry-Level Roles
3 articles · Updated · Financial Times · Jun 15
Summary
McKinsey has added AI use to junior consultant interviews since late 2025, asking candidates to research, analyze and refine ideas with their preferred tools rather than just answer case questions.
Those tests focus on judgment—how applicants evaluate AI output and apply it to work problems—rather than prompt tricks or mastery of specific chatbots.
Recruiters say the practice is spreading across management consulting, legal, marketing, research and operations roles, with candidates now often asked to explain or demonstrate three practical uses of AI.
Envoy and startup ResiDesk say AI tasks reveal how people think in real work situations, from automating workflows to building draft marketing pages that sharpen interview discussion.
The shift reflects faster demand for AI skills across workplaces, though employers including Prologis and McKinsey say curiosity and adaptability still matter more than perfect technical proficiency.