How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in a McKinsey & Company Interview: (3 Proven Approaches for 2026)
Rishabh Jain
TL;DR
For a McKinsey & Company interview, your "Tell me about yourself" answer should highlight problem-solving excellence, leadership impact, distinctive achievements, and growth mindset. McKinsey seeks exceptional talent who can solve the hardest problems for the world's most important organizations. Emphasize your track record of impact, intellectual rigor, and genuine desire to develop yourself and others.
Why "Tell Me About Yourself" Matters at McKinsey
McKinsey & Company is the world's most prestigious management consultancy, advising CEOs and governments on their most critical challenges. When you answer this question, you're demonstrating whether you have the intellectual horsepower, leadership presence, and personal impact that defines McKinsey consultants. They want people who are not just smart, but who make those around them better.
Understanding behavioral interview questions is essential because McKinsey's Personal Experience Interview (PEI) evaluates your leadership dimensions from your very first answer.
What McKinsey Interviewers Look For
| Quality | What It Means at McKinsey | How to Demonstrate |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Solving | Structured thinking on complex issues | "I broke down a $500M cost problem into components and found the root cause..." |
| Leadership | Inspiring and developing others | "I built and led a team of 15, with 4 promoted during my tenure..." |
| Personal Impact | Making a difference wherever you go | "I transformed a struggling division into the company's highest performer..." |
| Entrepreneurial Drive | Creating value and driving change | "I identified an opportunity and built a new business unit from scratch..." |
| Inclusive Leadership | Bringing out the best in diverse teams | "I created an environment where every team member felt empowered to contribute..." |
3 Proven Approaches to Answer
👩🏻💼 Professional Tone
Best for: Experienced hires and APD/EM roles
"Good morning, I'm [Your Name], and I've spent 8 years leading transformation efforts in the technology sector. At [Previous Company], I led a turnaround of a $200M business unit, growing revenue 40% and improving margins by 15 points while developing a high-performing leadership team. What draws me to McKinsey is the opportunity to work on the most consequential problems with the most talented people—and to continue growing myself while making an impact at scale."
🎓 Early Career Tone
Best for: Business analyst and associate roles
"Hi, I'm [Your Name], and I'm driven by solving hard problems that matter. At [University/Previous Role], I led a team that developed a healthcare access solution that reached 50,000 underserved patients—from identifying the problem to designing the solution to convincing stakeholders to implement it. McKinsey's mission of creating lasting change for the world's most important institutions is exactly where I want to build my career."
🚀 Entrepreneurial Tone
Best for: Candidates with startup or non-traditional backgrounds
"Hello, I'm [Your Name], and I built a fintech startup from idea to $15M ARR and 200,000 users. I led everything from product to fundraising to operations—and learned that the best solutions come from truly understanding the problem. I'm drawn to McKinsey because I want to tackle different problems at the highest level while continuing to develop my leadership capabilities."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too humble – McKinsey expects you to clearly articulate your achievements
- Missing the leadership angle – Show you make others around you better, not just individual excellence
- Lacking structure – Even this answer should feel organized and logical
- Forgetting the "why McKinsey" – Show genuine understanding of what makes McKinsey distinctive
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my answer be at McKinsey?
Aim for 60-90 seconds. This is your first impression in the PEI portion—be concise but impactful.
Should I mention my case interview preparation?
No. Focus on your real achievements and leadership. The case interview will speak for itself.
How do I stand out among elite candidates?
Be specific about your impact, show genuine passion for problem-solving, and demonstrate that you elevate those around you—not just yourself.
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