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Written by “Oussama Atlassi, founder of StratMachina
Updated on October 27, 2023
McKinsey introduced PSG (no no, not the soccer club... Problem Solving Game) in order to test the problem-solving skills of candidates early in the recruitment process. This game - developed by Imbellus - makes you evolve in an open environment and does not require any business knowledge. The reason being that the old test used by McKinsey (the PST or Problem-Solving Test) favoured candidates from business schools, all of whom were much more used to GMAT tests than engineering candidates, designers etc.
Our McKinsey coaches and alumni have put together this article to give you all the secrets to pass this test and distinguish yourself. Attention, the score on this test is complementary to the screening of your CV and your cover letter. An excellent performance on this test does not guarantee getting an interview. McKinsey is using it more to weed out people with low scores and to deal with the ever-increasing flow of applications.
Here, we focus on the French version of the game, used for recruiting offices in Paris and Casablanca. The game interface is in English. Each level of the game will be preceded by a non-timed tutorial that will allow you to understand the principle of the game but also, when you reach the next level, to take a break and breathe a little. Once the real level has started, you will always be able to open the tutorial by clicking on the bottom left of your screen but that will not stop the time. The timer with the remaining time will be displayed at the top of your screen. We do not recommend using this tutorial function when you are on time, unless necessary. It is very important to respect the time limits of each event and we recommend that you try to finish a few minutes early, at the risk of being penalized and having to make up for a delay that is difficult to make up. The French version of the game is composed of 2 levels: level 1 corresponds to the creation of an ecosystem and lasts 35 minutes and level 2 will aim to protect your ecosystem (25 to 35 minutes, variable). Non-French versions of the game generally have a level 3 on the theme of the spread of disease (those who have already played Plague Inc. should recognize the principle). The two levels test different qualities: the first level will allow you to analyze your ability to make a good recommendation in the face of a very large volume of data and with a time constraint. The second level will test your agility and your ability to evolve your solution by integrating the information you gradually obtain.
You must understand that the game you are going to play tests 5 cognitive skills. Knowing and anticipating it will allow you to better understand the logic of each level and therefore to better meet expectations. The 5 cognitive skills tested are:
1. Critical Thinking : your ability to form rational reasoning based on facts
2. Decision Making : your ability to select the best option among several possibilities
3. Meta-cognition : your ability to use strategies (frameworks, categories, proxies, etc.) to facilitate your learning and problem solving
4. Situational awareness : your ability to identify the links between different factors and to project the results of different scenarios (determined by the different combinations of factors)
5. Systems Thinking : your ability to understand cause-and-effect relationships involving several factors and feedback loops
Note that the game will capture all of the candidate's actions (each mouse movement, hesitation, time taken to complete a given action) and will analyze all of this data to assign a score to each of these skills. It is therefore better to spend as much time as you think you need to fully understand the tutorial and instructions before you start.
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No stress : Don't worry, it's important to manage your stress before, during and after the game. We recommend that you take advantage of the game's second tutorial to breathe, hydrate yourself and start the second level in the best conditions. Also, missing a level or the whole test does not mean that you will be eliminated. If you have an excellent academic and professional background, the firm may decide to invite you for an interview. Several candidates we coached were able to get an offer at McKinsey and yet failed their Imbellus...
Plan the right equipment and the right environment : a good internet connection, several sheets, a spare pen and pen, a calculator, a spreadsheet, a plugged in charger. If you do not live alone, warn people who may interrupt you about your unavailability during your time slot.
Manage your time : keep an eye on the progress bar and monitor your timing throughout the game to avoid a setback.
Don't try to copy and paste other people's solutions : it would be a bad idea because digital assessment generates a new and unique scenario for each applicant. Your solution will therefore necessarily be different. And you are able to succeed without cheating:)
Adopt the right mindset : be comfortable with the idea of making imperfect recommendations and solution proposals. Your aim is to be as close as possible to the optimal solution, in a limited amount of time and in a stressful situation.
