No Imbellus/PSG entrance test for Experienced Hires at McKinsey?

Question

Hey all. I recently had an old MBA classmate at McKinsey offer to refer me for an Associate role (I'm experienced hire candidate coming out of the start-up field with a Masters + MBA + >5 years of R&D/start-up product experience).

He informed me that for applicants having an MBA, who are referred and invited to apply through their system, there is no need to take the Imbellus/PSG exam that would otherwise be necessary for traditional applicants.

I wanted to confirm with other McKinsey folks on here who may have had experience with this situation.

For context, I'm a US candidate applying within McK US offices, if that makes a difference.

Answer 1

Hi there,

To be honest I've seen it go both ways. More recently, it does seem that the Imbellus is more and more required/mandatory. However, if he said that you will skip the Imbellus he is probably right.

Keep in mind however that things are always changing! That said, if you have the take the Imbellus, you have to take the Imbellus - they will let you know, and they will give you time to prepare. Cross that bridge when you get there!

Answer 2

Hello,

That was correct for me when I joined as an experienced hire in 2014.

However, things are always changing, so I would rather listen to your friend than to us.

Hope this helps!

Allen

Answer 3

Hi there,

Actually the main way to skip the McKinsey PSG is not if you are referred but if you are an experienced hire. I helped several MBA candidates who were referred and had to do the PSG anyway.

Given your connection said you will skip the game and you are an experienced hire, I would trust this is what will happen.

In case you have to prepare, you can find at the link below a complete video simulation of the game (full disclosure: I am the author ;):

https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-and-guides-2/imbellus-solve-combo-guide-videos-68

This includes:

15 videos showing how to crack the Ecosystem Game in 23 minutes (instead of the recommended 35) and resist 25+ turns in the Plant Defense
Automated Excel with Formulas to build a chain in 16 minutes
PDF guide with all the 5 game scenarios and how to crack each of them (and not just the common ones)

If you have other questions please PM me, I will reply within 12 hours.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 4

This may depend on office location and not be as formalized as you might expect from McKinsey (where usually everything follows pretty rigid processes regarding recruiting).

I was hired at McKinsey in 2018 as an Experienced Hire & MBA and was also referred. I didn't have to take the PST but I am not sure which aspect of my application spared me.

If you're unsure, I would try and get some clarification from HR, which you may or may not get. If you can't get clarification, start preparing for the Imbellus.

Answer 5

Hi there,

I am experienced hire myself with 10+ years of industry experience, MBA and no consulting experience and I did only case and fit interviews, no other tests used for generalists at BCG.

Wishing you all the best,

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Answer 6

Hey there,

I have seen both from my coachees over the last year in the US.

MBA hires have usually not done the Solve game
Some experienced hires with a career transition had to do it

If you want to know more about the McKinsey application, check out the articles I wrote on

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 7

I am an experienced hire, post-MBA, no referral. I had to do the Imbellus game. :)

Answer 8

Hello!

It´s not about being referred or not (that the only thing that does it to flag your CV to HR), but about being an experienced hire.

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 9

There's no universal truth on that question, but it is likely to be true.