McKinsey & Company is piloting a new AI-powered interview exercise for some entry-level business-analyst candidates, asking them to speak with a simulated client for 10 minutes as part of the hiring process.
The tool is designed to mirror practical consulting scenarios, reportedly covering a large share of situations consultants might face in day-to-day work. Rather than replacing interviewers, the AI creates a realistic role-play environment while human evaluators observe and assess how candidates respond.
Why this matters
This is a promising example of AI supporting skills-based hiring. Instead of relying only on traditional questions or case interviews, candidates can show how they communicate, think on their feet, and manage client-style conversations in a controlled setting.
- AI can help standardize interview scenarios across applicants.
- Human judgment remains central to the final assessment.
- Job candidates get a more realistic preview of the work.
While still in testing, the pilot points to a broader future where AI helps companies evaluate practical skills more fairly and consistently, especially when paired with human oversight.