How to Answer "Why McKinsey?" in Your Personal Interview

Landing a role at McKinsey & Company is a goal for many aspiring consultants, but getting through the interview process requires more than just strong case-solving skills. One of the most important personal interview questions you’ll face is: "Why McKinsey?"

McKinsey interviewers ask this question to assess whether you truly understand what makes the firm unique and why you are a good fit. A weak or generic answer can make it seem like you’re simply applying to McKinsey for its prestige, while a well-structured, thoughtful response can set you apart from other candidates.

This article will break down why McKinsey interviewers ask this question, the key components of a compelling response, and a step-by-step approach to structuring your answer. We'll also highlight common pitfalls to avoid and provide sample answers to help you prepare effectively. These insights can also strengthen your McKinsey cover letter. Plus, you can access a downloadable list of common personal interview questions to refine your preparation further.

Why Do McKinsey Interviewers Ask This Question?

McKinsey is looking for candidates who are not just talented problem solvers but also aligned with the firm’s culture, values, and way of working. The "Why McKinsey?" question helps interviewers assess several critical factors:

• Your understanding of McKinsey’s differentiators – Do you know what sets McKinsey apart from Bain and BCG? Have you done enough research to appreciate its unique consulting style?
• Your genuine interest in the firm – McKinsey wants candidates who are excited about working there for the right reasons, not just because of its prestige.
• Your ability to communicate clearly – Consultants need to express their ideas concisely and logically. Your response will show how well you structure your thoughts.
• Your cultural and professional fit – McKinsey has a strong feedback-driven, high-performance culture. Your answer should demonstrate that you thrive in such an environment.

A strong response should be specific, personal, and well-structured, showcasing why McKinsey aligns with your career aspirations.

What Makes McKinsey Different from Other Consulting Firms?

To answer the "Why McKinsey?" question effectively, you need to highlight what makes McKinsey unique compared to other top consulting firms. While Bain, BCG, and McKinsey all offer high-impact strategy consulting, McKinsey stands out in several ways.

Global Influence and Thought Leadership

McKinsey is recognized for shaping business, government, and economic strategies worldwide. The firm publishes influential reports, such as those from the McKinsey Global Institute, which provide insights into global economic trends, digital transformation, and industry-specific strategies.

Because of this, McKinsey consultants often work on projects that influence not just individual companies but entire industries, governments, and economies. If you are someone who is excited about working on globally relevant challenges and having a direct impact at a macro level, this could be a key reason for choosing McKinsey.

Structured Problem-Solving Approach

McKinsey is known for its hypothesis-driven problem-solving methodology, which provides a structured framework for tackling complex business issues. This method ensures that every recommendation is based on data, logic, and a clear set of structured assumptions.

While all MBB firms use a structured approach, McKinsey’s training in hypothesis-driven problem-solving is highly formalized, making it an attractive environment for those who thrive in rigorous, data-backed decision-making. If you enjoy breaking down ambiguous challenges into logical components and testing different hypotheses to find the best solution, McKinsey’s approach may align well with your working style.

Global Staffing Model

Unlike Bain’s local staffing model, where consultants primarily work with clients in their home office region, McKinsey follows a global staffing model. This means consultants often work across different countries and regions, gaining broader exposure to various markets, industries, and cultural perspectives.

For candidates who are interested in working on international projects and developing a global consulting career, this staffing approach is a key differentiator. If you enjoy working in diverse, cross-border teams and want the opportunity to experience different business environments, this could be a compelling reason to choose McKinsey.

Strong Alumni Network and Career Acceleration

McKinsey is often referred to as a CEO factory because of the number of former consultants who go on to become senior leaders in Fortune 500 companies, startups, and even government organizations. The firm’s alumni network is one of the most extensive in the consulting world, offering lifelong connections and career opportunities.

If you are considering a long-term career in business leadership, entrepreneurship, or public policy, McKinsey’s reputation for accelerating career growth and providing access to influential networks could be an important reason for your decision.

Key Elements of a Strong "Why McKinsey?" Answer

A strong answer to the "Why McKinsey?" question should go beyond general statements about prestige and career growth. Interviewers want to hear a response that is structured, specific, and personal to you.

Be Specific and Avoid Generic Responses

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is providing a response that could apply to any consulting firm. Saying that McKinsey is a top consulting firm with smart people and exciting projects does not set you apart. Instead, focus on what uniquely draws you to McKinsey compared to Bain or BCG.

A weak response would be:
I want to work at McKinsey because it is a prestigious consulting firm that works with top clients and offers great career opportunities.

A stronger response would be:
I am particularly drawn to McKinsey’s hypothesis-driven problem-solving approach. I enjoy structured thinking and have applied similar methodologies in my previous projects, so I know I would thrive in McKinsey’s analytical environment. I also appreciate McKinsey’s global staffing model, as I want to gain international experience early in my career.

Show a Personal Connection

Your answer should not just be about McKinsey’s strengths but also how those strengths align with your career goals and personal interests. Think about what type of work environment helps you succeed and how McKinsey fits into that.

A strong response might include:

• A conversation with a McKinsey consultant that reinforced your interest in the firm.
• A past experience where you used a structured, hypothesis-driven approach similar to McKinsey’s consulting style.
• A specific career goal that McKinsey’s training and global opportunities will help you achieve.

For example:
I spoke with a McKinsey consultant who emphasized the firm’s strong feedback culture and focus on continuous learning. I thrive in environments where I receive structured feedback and can rapidly develop new skills, so McKinsey’s apprenticeship model is something that really excites me.

Keep It Structured and Concise

A great response follows a clear, logical structure. A useful framework is:

1. Start with what excites you about McKinsey.
2. Highlight two or three key aspects that differentiate McKinsey from other firms.
3. Connect those aspects to your experiences and career goals.

For example:
What draws me to McKinsey is the firm’s emphasis on structured problem-solving and its global staffing model. I enjoy breaking down complex problems into clear, testable hypotheses, and I know McKinsey’s approach will help me refine that skill. Additionally, I want to work on projects across different regions, and McKinsey’s global model offers that opportunity early in my career. These aspects make McKinsey the right fit for me.

How to Structure Your "Why McKinsey?" Answer

Having a strong answer to the "Why McKinsey?" question is important, but delivering it in a structured and logical way is just as crucial. A well-organized response shows your ability to communicate clearly—an essential skill for consultants.

Step 1: Express Genuine Interest in McKinsey

Begin your response by stating what initially drew you to McKinsey. Avoid generic statements like "McKinsey is a top consulting firm" and instead highlight something specific that resonates with you. This could be McKinsey’s problem-solving approach, global staffing model, industry expertise, or professional development programs.

Example:
I was drawn to McKinsey because of its hypothesis-driven approach to problem-solving. I thrive in structured environments where data and logic drive decision-making, and I know McKinsey’s rigorous methodology would allow me to develop those skills further.

Step 2: Highlight McKinsey’s Differentiators

Once you’ve established your interest, focus on two or three key aspects that set McKinsey apart from other consulting firms. These should be points that genuinely matter to you and align with your career goals.

Some key differentiators you could mention include:

• The global staffing model, which allows consultants to work across different regions.
• The strong alumni network, which provides long-term career opportunities.
• The structured problem-solving approach, which is more hypothesis-driven than Bain’s or BCG’s.
• The commitment to professional development, including mentorship and leadership programs.

Example:
Beyond the structured problem-solving approach, I appreciate McKinsey’s global staffing model. I want to gain international exposure early in my career, and the opportunity to work on projects across different markets is a key reason I’m excited about McKinsey.

Step 3: Connect McKinsey’s Strengths to Your Personal Goals

Your answer should not just focus on why McKinsey is great, but why it is the right firm for you. Relate McKinsey’s unique qualities to your personal experiences, career goals, and work style.

Example:
I have always thrived in diverse, high-performance environments, and McKinsey’s feedback-driven culture is something I know would help me grow. In my previous role, I actively sought structured feedback to refine my analytical skills, and I’m excited about McKinsey’s apprenticeship model, which I believe will accelerate my development as a consultant.

Step 4: Keep It Concise and Natural

Your answer should be structured yet conversational. Aim for 60 to 90 seconds when delivering it. Avoid over-explaining or listing too many reasons, as that can make your response feel unfocused.

Example of a strong response:
I was drawn to McKinsey because of its structured, hypothesis-driven approach to problem-solving. I love breaking down complex problems into clear, testable ideas, and I know McKinsey’s methodology will help me refine that skill. I also appreciate McKinsey’s global staffing model. I want to gain international experience early in my career, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work on projects across different regions. Finally, McKinsey’s strong feedback culture aligns with my learning style—I know I grow the most in environments where I can continuously receive and apply structured feedback.

Strong vs. Weak "Why McKinsey?" Answers

Understanding the structure of a strong "Why McKinsey?" answer is one thing, but seeing real examples can help you craft a response that stands out. Below are examples of both strong and weak answers, along with explanations of what works and what doesn’t.

Strong Example

I was drawn to McKinsey because of its structured, hypothesis-driven approach to problem-solving. I love breaking down complex challenges into testable ideas, and I know McKinsey’s rigorous methodology will help me refine that skill. I also appreciate the global staffing model, as I want to gain international experience early in my career and work on projects across different markets. Additionally, I thrive in feedback-driven environments, and from speaking with McKinsey consultants, it’s clear that mentorship and professional development are deeply ingrained in the firm's culture. These aspects make McKinsey the ideal place for me to grow and contribute.

Why This Works

• The answer is specific and mentions McKinsey’s problem-solving approach, global staffing model, and feedback culture instead of generic statements about prestige.
• The candidate connects McKinsey’s unique qualities to their personal learning style and career goals.
• The response is well-structured, covering why McKinsey appeals to them, what differentiators stand out, and how they align with their aspirations.
• It stays within the recommended 60 to 90 seconds.

Weak Example

McKinsey is one of the top consulting firms, and I would love the opportunity to work here. The company has great clients, exciting projects, and a strong reputation in the industry. I also like that McKinsey has a global presence, which would give me opportunities to work on international projects. Consulting is something I’ve always been interested in, and I know McKinsey would be a great place to develop my skills.

What’s Wrong With This Answer?

• The response is vague and does not mention what makes McKinsey unique compared to other consulting firms.
• The candidate does not connect McKinsey’s strengths to their own career goals or work style.
• The answer lacks structure and sounds more like a general statement of interest rather than a compelling, well-thought-out response.

How to Improve a Weak Answer

A weak answer can often be improved by adding specificity and tying McKinsey’s strengths to your personal experiences. Here’s how the previous weak response can be revised into a stronger one.

During my preparation, I spoke to multiple McKinsey consultants, and they all emphasized how much the firm prioritizes structured problem-solving and mentorship. That’s something I value because I learn best in environments where I can receive continuous feedback and guidance. I also appreciate McKinsey’s global staffing model. I want to develop a broad skill set and gain exposure to different industries early in my career, and I know McKinsey’s international opportunities will help me do that. Lastly, I’m particularly excited about McKinsey’s strong focus on leadership development, as I hope to grow into a leadership role in consulting over time.

This version fixes the previous issues by making the answer more specific, structured, and personally relevant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering "Why McKinsey?"

Even strong candidates can make mistakes when answering the "Why McKinsey?" question. A weak response can make interviewers question your motivation, cultural fit, or level of preparation. Below are some of the most common mistakes to avoid and how to fix them.

1. Giving a Generic or Vague Answer

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is giving an answer that could apply to any consulting firm. Saying that McKinsey is a top-tier consulting firm with exciting projects does not tell the interviewer why McKinsey is the right place for you.

Weak response:
McKinsey is one of the best consulting firms, and I know I would gain valuable experience here. It has great clients and provides amazing opportunities for career growth.

How to fix it:
Be specific. Highlight what makes McKinsey unique and how it aligns with your goals.

Stronger response:
I’m particularly drawn to McKinsey’s hypothesis-driven problem-solving approach because I enjoy breaking down complex challenges into structured frameworks. I also appreciate McKinsey’s global staffing model, as I want to gain international exposure early in my career and work with diverse teams across different markets.

2. Focusing Too Much on Prestige

McKinsey’s reputation is well known, so stating that McKinsey is a top firm does not add any value to your answer. Interviewers are looking for why McKinsey is the right fit for you, not just why it is a successful company.

Weak response:
McKinsey is one of the most respected consulting firms in the world, and I want to work at a company with a strong brand name.

How to fix it:
Instead of focusing on McKinsey’s reputation, highlight the firm’s culture, working style, or unique opportunities that matter to you.

Stronger response:
What excites me about McKinsey is the firm’s structured problem-solving methodology. I love working with data and hypotheses to drive business decisions, and McKinsey’s approach aligns with my problem-solving style. I also value the firm’s strong mentorship culture, which I know will accelerate my learning and development.

3. Not Making It Personal

Your answer should not sound like a Wikipedia summary of McKinsey. Many candidates make the mistake of listing McKinsey’s qualities without tying them to their own values, interests, or career goals.

Weak response:
McKinsey has a strong problem-solving approach, a collaborative culture, and a global presence.

How to fix it:
Link McKinsey’s strengths to your own experiences and aspirations. Show why these aspects are meaningful to you.

Stronger response:
I have a strong interest in structured problem-solving, and McKinsey’s hypothesis-driven approach is one of the reasons I was drawn to the firm. In my previous role, I worked on a project where I had to break down a complex business challenge using structured frameworks, and I enjoyed that process. McKinsey’s training and methodology would allow me to build on that skill in a way that aligns with my consulting aspirations.

4. Rambling or Over-Explaining

Some candidates try to include too many points in their answer, making it long-winded and difficult to follow. The best responses are structured and stay within 60 to 90 seconds.

Weak response:
I want to join McKinsey because of its culture, mentorship, and career development opportunities. I also love its strong presence in digital transformation and the fact that it has a structured problem-solving approach. On top of that, the global staffing model excites me because I’ve always wanted to work with international teams. I also like the flexibility McKinsey offers for career progression.

How to fix it:
Choose two or three key reasons and structure your response clearly.

Stronger response:
The two things that stand out most to me about McKinsey are its structured problem-solving approach and global staffing model. I enjoy working in a hypothesis-driven manner, and I know McKinsey’s methodology will help me refine that skill. I also appreciate the firm’s global approach to consulting, as I want to work across different industries and markets early in my career.

Final Tips for a Winning Answer

Now that you understand how to structure your response, let’s go over some final tips to ensure your answer is clear, engaging, and well-received by interviewers.

1. Keep It Concise and Structured

Your answer should be no longer than 60 to 90 seconds. If you go beyond that, you risk losing the interviewer’s attention or over-explaining. Stick to a simple three-step structure:

1. Express your enthusiasm for McKinsey and what initially drew you to the firm.
2. Highlight two or three specific differentiators that make McKinsey a strong fit for you.
3. Connect these differentiators to your personal values, career goals, or past experiences.

If your answer feels too long, refine it by focusing only on the most meaningful points.

2. Make It Personal

McKinsey wants to hire consultants who are excited about the firm, not just about consulting in general. To make your answer memorable, avoid listing generic reasons. Instead, choose the aspects of McKinsey that resonate with you the most and explain why they matter to you.

If possible, reference a conversation with a McKinsey consultant, a past experience that aligns with McKinsey’s culture, or a specific reason why you prefer McKinsey over other firms. The more personal your response, the more authentic it will sound.

3. Be Natural and Confident

Many candidates fall into the trap of over-rehearsing their answer, making it sound robotic. While it’s important to practice, your response should still feel conversational. Imagine you’re explaining your reasons to a friend rather than reciting a script.

Maintain good eye contact, speak at a natural pace, and avoid filler words like "um" or "like." Confidence comes from preparation, but authenticity comes from delivering your answer in a natural way.

4. Practice, But Don’t Memorize

Instead of memorizing your answer word-for-word, focus on remembering your key points. This allows you to adapt your response depending on how the interview flows.

A good way to practice is by recording yourself answering the question and then listening to it. Ask yourself:

• Does it sound natural?
• Am I clearly communicating why McKinsey is the right fit for me?
• Am I staying within the 60 to 90-second range?

Quick Checklist Before Your Interview

Before your McKinsey interview, do a final check:

• Have you identified two or three specific reasons why McKinsey is the right fit for you?
• Do those reasons align with your personal values or career goals?
• Is your response structured and under 90 seconds?
• Are you prepared to deliver it naturally, without sounding scripted?
• Have you practiced enough to feel confident but still flexible in your delivery?

If you can confidently say yes to these, you’re ready to answer the "Why McKinsey?" question with impact.