McKinsey is using AI tool Lilli to analyze case studies for next-generation hiring tests

Consulting firm

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/14/mckinsey-graduates-ai-chatbot-recruitment-consultancy

McKinsey AI Interview Explained - Final Round Expectations
https://www.casebasix.com/pages/mckinsey-ai-interview

McKinsey challenges graduates to use AI chatbot in recruitment overhaul
https://www.ft.com/content/de7855f0-f586-4708-a8ed-f0458eb25586

McKinsey Asks Graduates To Use AI Chatbot in Recruitment Process - Slashdot
https://slashdot.org/story/26/01/14/179257/mckinsey-asks-graduates-to-use-ai-chatbot-in-recruitment-process

CaseBasix, a US firm that supports the hiring process at major consulting firms, revealed that McKinsey has incorporated a process of confirming 'how to use AI' as part of the final interview process for new graduates.

According to CaseBasix, McKinsey required candidates to use its in-house AI tool, Lilli, during the final interviews for its US recruitment process, where finalists were asked to complete practical consulting tasks using Lilli.

CaseBasix explains, 'McKinsey's AI interview requires candidates to give instructions to the AI, review its output, make judgments, and provide clear, structured answers. The interview emphasizes collaboration and reasoning skills rather than technical AI expertise. In practice, candidates are typically presented with business questions and scenarios that resemble actual consulting work. Rather than relying solely on their own analysis, candidates can use AI as a supporting tool to explore information, organize their thoughts, and refine their insights.'

CaseBasix says candidates don't need to be skilled in advanced prompting techniques to get AI to perform tasks or answer questions, but they should demonstrate they can use AI as a 'productive thought partner' and clearly communicate their reasoning, similar to how a consultant interacts with a junior team member.

CaseBasix also notes that 'early reports and candidate feedback suggest that McKinsey's AI interviews assess not technical knowledge of AI, but rather how candidates think, judge, and collaborate with AI. According to CaseBasix, the AI interviews also assess factors such as problem-solving, structured thinking, personal influence, leadership, and values.'

Microsoft also announced that McKinsey will be an early adopter of Copilot Studio in 2024. The project will use Copilot Studio for tasks such as responding to customer inquiries and generating leads. In addition to McKinsey, other early users of the project include Clifford Chance and Pets at Home.

McKinsey CEO Bob Sternfels said in an interview with the Harvard Business Review that McKinsey has a workforce of 40,000 employees and 20,000 agents.