Case interviews are the gateway to a consulting career, especially at top firms like Bain & Company. But Bain does things a bit differently—they zero in on a unique approach called the “Answer-First” principle. This isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about showing you can get straight to the point with a confident, well-structured hypothesis-backed…
Read more
The McKinsey Sea Wolf game (part of the McKinsey Solve assessment) is a 30-minute optimization simulation where candidates must select microbial treatments under time pressure. It is where most rejected applicants lose their chance at a first-round interview. Underestimating it is the default mistake. After collecting hundreds of test-taker debriefs, I can tell you exactly…
Read more
Navigating the McKinsey interview process requires more than just showcasing your analytical skills or listing your professional accomplishments. It’s about sharing your journey, the challenges you’ve faced, and how you’ve overcome them, especially when it comes to the Personal Experience Interview (PEI). Within this critical part of the McKinsey interview, the Drive dimension is particularly…
Read more
For top-tier consultants with firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, leadership skills are not just valuable but essential. Consultants are often at the forefront of driving change, solving complex problems, and guiding teams through uncharted territories to achieve ambitious goals. This requires a unique blend of strategic vision, interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate…
Read more
Updated May 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant The BCG Cognitive Test is an 80-question, 30-minute proctored numerical and logical reasoning assessment that Boston Consulting Group introduced in early 2024 to replace older screening formats at most offices. You get roughly 22 seconds per question, no calculator, and you take it live…
Read more
Florian spent five years at McKinsey as a Senior Consultant and is a highly experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach. Having conducted interviews with hundreds of candidates, he understands exactly what top-tier firms look for in successful applicants.
He founded StrategyCase.com to make top consulting careers more accessible by providing tailored, up-to-date insights into the recruiting process. Recognized as the most successful case and fit interview coach, Florian has helped his clients secure 700+ offers at MBB, Tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms over the past four years.
He is the author of “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview,” “The 1%: Case Interview Workbook,” and “Consulting Career Secrets”, all available on Amazon.
