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- •STAR Structure
- •Specificity & Numbers
- •Ownership Language
- •PH Workplace Context
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Log InWhy consulting, and why McKinsey specifically for you at this point in your career?
Why This Is Asked
This tests your motivation, self-awareness, and whether you have done your homework on both the consulting career and McKinsey’s unique culture. Consultants spend 80% of their time on the road and under pressure, so they need to know you truly understand what you’re signing up for.
General Approach
Structure your answer in three parts: 1) Why consulting (your authentic reason, not just prestige), 2) why McKinsey (specific programs, culture, or impact), and 3) why you (how your background fits). Be honest, specific, and confident.
Sample STAR Answer▾
Situation
In my final-round interview at McKinsey Manila, the partner leaned back and asked me point-blank why I wanted to be a consultant and why I was choosing McKinsey over other firms.
Task
I needed to give a genuine, specific answer that showed I understood what consulting entails, why McKinsey’s culture and work appealed to me, and how my past experiences aligned.
Action
I took a breath and said: “I want to solve the toughest business problems in the Philippines and across Asia, and consulting is the fastest way to build that capability. I chose McKinsey because of its commitment to developing its people through apprenticeship and formal training, and because I’ve seen how McKinsey’s work here in Manila has helped local companies navigate digital transformation. Specifically, I admire how McKinsey’s approach balances analytical rigor with a genuine understanding of local context. My experience leading a process improvement project at my BPO company showed me that I thrive in ambiguous, high-stakes environments, and I believe McKinsey is the best place to turn that into a career.”
Result
The partner nodded and followed up with a question about how I handle feedback, which I answered by referencing a specific instance where I adjusted my presentation style based on a senior colleague’s advice.
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