Why McKinsey? A practical guide to craft a convincing answer for your office
Why it matters
When an interviewer asks Why McKinsey, they want two things: proof you did your homework on this firm and this office, and a clear signal your working style and values fit how McKinsey operates. This guide keeps you specific and office focused and includes fill in the blank scripts that work across the US and Europe.
Use this alongside Culture and values, Interview process, and Career path.
What “Why McKinsey” actually tests
Keep your answer short, specific, and office focused. 30–60 seconds is perfect.
The two reason structure that works
- Reason 1, proof of homework. One specific, verifiable detail about the office or practice you are joining. Name a client type, a capability, a sector push, or a local program.
- Reason 2, fit signal. One personal trait or motivation that matches McKinsey’s culture. Link it to apprenticeship, feedback intensity, impact, or training. Finish with a one line career path link.
Fill in the blank template
“I’m targeting [Office] because it staffs heavily in [sectors/capabilities] and is growing in [practice]. That overlaps with my experience in [short example]. I thrive in [apprenticeship/feedback/fast problem solving] environments, which is why McKinsey’s [training/PEI culture] fits. Long term, this sets me up for [career path link].”
Office specific research checklist
Pick three items you can verify for your target office. The US and Europe differ by staffing, travel, and sector mix, so keep this local.
Write your facts in plain notes. You only need one to two of them in your final answer.
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