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…
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“Give me an example of a time you led a group to achieve a difficult goal.” It sounds like a softball question before the case. It isn’t. Most candidates reach for the story where they had a title (captain, president, project lead) and let the title do the talking. In a consulting fit interview, that…
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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…
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Updated July 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant The McKinsey Keep In Touch Program (KIT) is a re-engagement invitation McKinsey extends to candidates who came close to an offer but did not make it, typically due to a near-miss case, a borderline PEI, an experience gap, or timing within the recruiting cycle.…
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Updated July 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant The 12 items every new management consultant should buy before their start date are a well-fitted suit, dress shoes, a durable carry-on suitcase, a structured laptop bag or backpack, noise-cancelling headphones, a portable charger, an e-reader, a universal travel adapter, a sleep mask and…
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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.
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