WSJ · 14 Oct, 14:55 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

McKinsey Is Putting AI Avatars in the Interview Room

McKinsey & Company is integrating artificial intelligence avatars into its recruitment process, deploying them directly within the interview room to assist or observe candidates.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

McKinsey & Company is integrating artificial intelligence avatars into its recruitment process, deploying them directly within the interview room to assist or observe candidates. This strategic shift signifies a broader adoption of generative AI in high-stakes corporate assessments. The firm aims to enhance evaluation consistency and efficiency by leveraging these digital tools during candidate interactions. For professionals, this marks a pivotal moment where traditional face-to-face interviews are increasingly augmented by algorithmic scrutiny. The move reflects the consulting giant’s commitment to technological innovation while simultaneously testing the boundaries of human-AI collaboration in talent acquisition, setting a potential precedent for other major employers.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt your interview strategy immediately. Traditional charisma alone will no longer suffice; you need to demonstrate clear, structured communication that algorithms can easily parse. Focus on refining your storytelling abilities to ensure your responses are logically coherent and concise. Develop strong AI literacy, as recruiters may soon evaluate how you interact with or utilise these tools. Prioritise courses in AI Strategy and Interviewing Techniques to stay ahead. Do not ignore this trend; instead, embrace it by practising with AI-driven mock interview platforms. Your next step is to audit your digital presence and communication style, ensuring they align with both human and machine expectations.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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