How to Get Hired by MBB Consulting: Your Complete Guide to McKinsey, BCG, and Bain (2025)

MBB Consulting consists of McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain, the three big consulting groups with an international reach and are known for their top industry expertise. An MBB consultant solves high-impact business problems for their clients, but the type of work varies from team to team depending on their corporate strategy. 

You should expect a competitive recruitment process, but with proper preparation, you can boost your chances of landing a role at one of these prestigious firms. Keep reading to learn more!

McKinsey is the oldest and most prestigious MBB consulting firm, known for its extensive industry knowledge that has made a significant impact. Operating in over 130 cities and 65 countries, it is no wonder that this consulting firm works with top organizations in the private and public sectors. 

• McKinsey Solve Game: This assessment, also known as the Imbellus Test, is challenging and measures problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making.
  • 2 games, 35 minutes long (60-to-75 minutes total) centered around ecological themes
    • Ecosystem Building and RedRock Game
    • Key Criteria Examined: Critical Thinking, System Thinking, Meta-Cognition, Situational Awareness, and Decision Making

Founded in 1963, BCG is a large global consultancy with offices in over 100 countries. This MBB firm is known for innovative business solutions. 

• BCG Pymetrics Exam: This assessment is a neuroscience-based test that analyzes behavior, cognitive, and social traits. This challenging exam evaluates how well your attributes align with BCG's core competencies.
  • 12 games, 2-3-minutes each (45-50 minutes total)
    • Traits Measured: Problem-Solving, Risk Tolerance, and Attention to Detail. 
  • PRO TIP: Make an impression on BCG by mastering the Pymetric games with our comprehensive, up-to-date test simulation. 
• BCG Case Interview: Recognized as one of the most critical steps in BCG's recruitment process, the Case Interview evaluates a candidate's business skills using a chatbot named Casey. During this interview, candidates will be provided a client case and will have to answer questions as they come (on the spot).
  • 8-10 questions, 25 minutes total
    • Individuals must use thorough data analysis, rational thinking, and quick decision-making for this Chatbot Interview.

Bain is known for its collaborative company culture with a focus on employee satisfaction. The MBB group is located in 37 countries and works with private equity groups.

• The Bain' Sova' Test: Also referred to as the Bain Online Test, this complex assessment includes multiple sections. Some of the skills the test analyzes are numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and situational judgment. 
  • 20-30 questions, 60 minutes
    • Designed to see how you respond to real-life business problems under high-pressure, timed scenarios. 
      • Quantitative Aptitude
      • Situational Judgement 
      • Verbal Comprehension

1. Online Application and Recruiter Screening

• Showcase academic achievements and leadership roles.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to job description.

2. Online Tests

• McKinsey: Imbellus Test (Solve Game)
• Boston Consulting Group: Pymetrics Test 
• Bain: Sova Assessment 

3. Case and Fit Interviews

• Solve real business problems 
• Demonstrate structured thinking and cultural fit

4. Final Interviews

• Meet with senior management and discuss career goals and motivations. 

5. Offer and Negotiations 

• Successful candidates will receive offers and a contract.

• Strategic Advice
• Global Management Consulting
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Organizational Design 
• Marketing Research
• Demand Analysis