McKinsey & Company is using artificial intelligence to reshape how it identifies and evaluates top job candidates, according to CEO Bob Sternfels. Traditionally known for hiring elite talent from top universities and high-performing professionals, the firm is now redefining what it means to be a "perfect" candidate, thanks in part to AI-driven insights. In a recent interview on the Harvard Business Review's IdeaCast podcast, Sternfels revealed that McKinsey used AI to analyze two decades of hiring data to uncover patterns in the success of its partners. The analysis revealed a key insight: candidates who had experienced setbacks and demonstrated resilience in overcoming them were more likely to succeed and eventually become partners. “This turned out to be a bias in our system,” Sternfels said. “We were overly focused on perfect academic records and flawless resumes, but we weren’t giving enough weight to how people recover from challenges.” As a result, the firm has adjusted its interview process to place greater emphasis on resilience, adaptability, and real-world problem-solving. The shift comes at a time when McKinsey is promoting fewer new partners than in past years. In December, the firm promoted around 200 employees to partner—its smallest class in years, compared to about 400 in 2022. This reflects a more selective and deliberate approach to leadership development. McKinsey partners typically earn a base salary under $500,000, with total compensation often reaching into the hundreds of thousands more through bonuses and profit sharing. The firm receives approximately 1 million résumés annually and plans to hire about 1% of applicants in 2024, consistent with its 2023 hiring rate. The company seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds—both early-career students and seasoned experts in fields like technology, finance, and law. A key part of the evaluation process is a game-based assessment called Solve, which tests problem-solving abilities in a dynamic, real-time environment. To level the playing field, McKinsey provides resources to help candidates prepare, ensuring that individuals from underrepresented or less privileged backgrounds—those without access to consulting clubs or elite networks—can still showcase their strengths and distinctiveness during the hiring process.