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Every McKinsey interviewee last year got at least 1 non-traditional case. Most candidates are still only prepping for standard business cases.

Namaan breaks down what's actually different about case interviews in 2026, and it's not just the case types.

McKinsey is piloting an AI-enabled interview round. Bain's also adding one this summer.

The bar on communication and presence just went up too, because AI raised the floor on sounding prepared – but sounding ready isn't the same as being ready anymore.

Resources:

• If you've only drilled business cases, Case Foundations will get you ready for the case types firms are actually giving in 2026
• Want a coach who is up to date on 2026 cases? Black Belt builds your prep around what firms are testing for right now, not two years ago

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

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The reality of MBB recruiting: 100 candidates apply. 15 get an interview. 1 gets the offer.

Most of the 99 who don't get it aren't underqualified. They just had a bad plan.

Kabreya Ghaderi, who coached hundreds of candidates and spent time at McKinsey, PwC, and Bridgespan, sees strong candidates still miss because their prep plan has a hole in it they can't see from the inside.

In this episode, Kabreya walks through the 4 gaps that sink even candidates who are doing everything "right." What stood out:

• Logging more cases can actually lock in the wrong habits, faster
• One candidate did 80 practice cases and was still nowhere near ready
• Feeling ready and being ready are two different things, and most people can't tell which one they are

Resources:

• Get the personalized plan you need + expert coaching by joining Black Belt
• Book 15 minutes with Katie to get your questions answered
• Start building case proficiency today with our free Case Foundations starter course
• Book 1:1 coaching with Kabreya

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more