Your practice track for Management Consultant
at McKinsey & Company

Philippine-specific tips for this role

• ▸ "Sir, honestly speaking, I'm confident in my market size but, uh, I'm not so sure about the profitability part, sorry po. Maybe rely on the client data?" , this over-apologetic tone and use of 'po' undermines the professional, collaborative problem-solving demeanor expected at McKinsey.
• ▸ "I'm so sorry, I think my contribution is small lang. Maybe others can talk more?" , excessive self-deprecation or deferring to hierarchy undermines the confident, equal-footing dialogue McKinsey expects.
• ▸ "Po, I just want a good salary po and prestige. My parents want me to work at a big company." , articulating extrinsic motivators rather than a genuine connection to the firm's work can be a red flag.
• ▸ "Actually sir, with all due respect po, I think my idea is better. You see, many people are already doing it this way, so we should too." , disrespectful phrasing and relying on peer pressure rather than evidence fails to demonstrate persuasive maturity.
• ▸ "I think maybe the problem is the employees? They are not working hard maybe? So we should just cut salaries or fire people?" , oversimplification and a lack of analytical rigor, coupled with a punitive mindset, misses the need for diagnostic depth.
• ▸ Common mistake: blurting out a random number or getting stuck on mental math. Instead, state your approach first, then do the math out loud, and don’t be afraid to say “I’ll round to 1 million for simplicity.” Avoid saying “sorry” if your number seems off.
• ▸ Common mistake: giving a generic answer like “I always take initiative” without a concrete example. Instead, pick one specific, measurable situation and walk through your thought process and actions step by step. Avoid over-apologizing or saying “ito lang po.” Own your contribution.
• ▸ Common mistake: giving a generic answer like “I want to learn and grow” or praising McKinsey’s brand without demonstrating you know what the job really involves. Instead, mention a specific project, value, or opportunity that resonates with your experience. Avoid being overly humble or saying “pasensya na, bobo po ako dito”; confidence is key.