Is time a factor in assessing candidates on the Imbellus test?

Similar to the previous McKinsey PST, time management is crucial but there are no benefits to finishing the test early. Considering it is a test that is testing your "engagement", scoring more points for speed would be counterintuitive.

Hey there,

I have interviewed more than 150 people who went through the Imbellus and this specific topic never came up. People pass with more or less time taken as long as they finish both games within the allocated time.

Remember two things, which are relevant here:

1. Manage your time. Not managing their time correctly is one of the biggest pitfalls I have seen with candidates. In fact, It is easy to get lost in the details and the sheer complexity of information.

When you start the game you have no idea about how much time you will actually need. As time progresses you should get a better understanding of how much time each task takes. Adjust your approach accordingly. Keep track of time and roughly stick to the allocated time for each scenario (50/50). Since there is no clock or explicit mention of the time left - other than a progress bar - you could use your own watch or Google on a second laptop as an exact timer.

2. Remember that every move you move is tracked by telemetry. The game evaluates you based on a product score (how good is your outcome) and a process score (how good is your problem-solving strategy). Keep a steady pace and don’t fidget around nervously with the cursor or click through menus like a maniac. On the other hand, try to forget about the fact that your behavior is analyzed. The product score is still more important than the process score. Candidates have told me that they were hesitant to switch between information several times or repeatedly scroll down the selection of different predators or producers. If this is your problem-solving strategy and helps you come up with effective solutions, that is obviously fine.

In sum, don't worry so much about being faster than the time allocated, rather focus on producing correct outcomes (eco-system) or proper strategies (plant defense) while moving through both games (95% of candidates reported only these two in the last 2 months) swiftly and accurately.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

I interviewed tens of candidates who did the Imbellus and I did not find any direct correlation between more time left and passing the test.

However, there is an indirect correlation: if you finish early, you have probably cracked the ecosystem game (unless you did not double-check your chain is sustainable), which is where candidates normally lose more time.

A common reason for failing the game is to spend too much time in the ecosystem game and don’t have enough time to complete the plant defense or disease game. If you finish the ecosystem game early, you won’t have that problem.

If you want to prepare in the best possible way, you can download instantly the guide I created on the Imbellus at the following link:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/mckinsey-imbellus-game-secrets-48

This guide will:

• Show you the perfect strategy for each of the 4 Game Scenarios
• Explain every single part of the Game with ad-hoc pictures
• Detail the exact steps to improve in the 5 Skills tested in the game
• Provide you insider information from previous applicants who succeeded in the game
• Reveal the must-know answers to the most common questions on the Imbellus
• Offer you a ready-to-use Excel template to maximize results in Ecosystem Management (Scenario 1) with a detailed tutorial
• Give you a proven template to build the food chain in Ecosystem Management (Scenario 1)

If you need additional support or have any questions on the test please feel free to PM me, I can provide additional tips for free.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Nope. And, please do not prioritize this regardless! Completing the test properly is what matters here. Of course, time is a factor in the sense of running out of time and not completing the test, but it doesn't quite work the other way.

Hi,

Based on my experience and that of my candidates, I don't think finishing earlier is a plus.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Antonello

Hi there,

It doesn't make any difference actually.

Cheers,

GB

Hello!

Yes for sure, a crutial one.

In the Shop there are prep materials you can leverage

Cheers,

Clara