# According to the WSJ, McKinsey will test an AI client in interviews

- Published: 2026-10-14T22:53:31.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-15T10:05:47.561Z
- Section: AI in practice
- Page: https://aidailyjournal.com/en/n/2026/10/14/according-to-the-wsj-mckinsey-will-test-an-ai-client-in-interviews/
- Sources: [The Verge](https://theverge.com/news/1011654/mckinsey-ai-client-interview)

## Summary

According to The Wall Street Journal, McKinsey & Company will ask some entry-level candidates to have a 10-minute conversation with an AI-based client simulation during the hiring process. The tool aims to represent 80% of the scenarios consultants may encounter in their day-to-day work, but it was not designed to mimic an unhinged client.

The AI will not score candidates: humans will be present to assess how they handle the simulated situations. The system will be tested this fall with undergraduates seeking business-analyst jobs at some McKinsey offices in North America, and hundreds of candidates may use it, the newspaper also reports.

## Why it matters (editorial interpretation)

For consulting candidates, part of the selection process will involve responding to AI-simulated situations, although humans will still conduct the assessment. The test could also give McKinsey a way to observe skills closer to day-to-day work, but its initial scope is limited to some offices and candidates.

_Summary written by AI Daily Journal in its own words, based on the sources above. For details, read the original articles._