Feedback from potential McKinsey consultants who have already played Redrock Study points to poor time management as a common issue. This can indeed prevent you from completing the task, which most likely will impair your chances of advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process.
But fear not! A hands-on, straightforward, and proactive approach will help you excel in the game, supported by the strategies outlined in this article, plus practicing it. This will showcase your skills and make you stand out.
The importance of time management
The Redrock Solve game evaluates candidates' decision-making skills under pressure by testing their efficiency in managing tasks, analyzing data, organizing thoughts, and formulating strategic solutions, all while simulating real-world business challenges.
Excelling in this game demands a refined approach to managing time.
The steps outlined below will help you effectively optimize your efforts and overcome the game.
35 Minutes to success: winning strategies to master Redrock Study
You have only 35 minutes to complete the Redrock Study and demonstrate your cognitive and behavioral skills. Therefore, make the most of every minute available, managing effectively your time, obstacles and issues you might face.
If you're new to the game, check out our blog post about Redrock game essentials. It will help you understand the basics by offering a comprehensive overview and providing practical advice.
Now let’s get back to mastering time.
Case management strategies
On the big day, the Redrock Study might present itself in two different scenarios: with either 6 or 10 cases. For this reason, check the count by looking at the top left corner of the screen, like in the picture below:
We recommend you allocate time accordingly:
- 6 cases scenario: 70% of available time for analysis and 30% for case solving.
- 10 cases scenario: you will need to speed up your analysis by using 60% of time for it, plus 40% for solving.
The idea is prioritizing data analysis and understanding the game's context.
If you can't find a solution to a case, we suggest making an educated guess and moving forward rather than wasting precious time.
It's better to complete the game with a potential mistake than to leave 3 to 4 cases unresolved.
Maximize analysis quality
When playing the Redrock Study, the analysis phase is critical. Therefore, focusing on the Investigation Part is highly recommended. This involves meticulously examining the situation and gathering all necessary information in the Research Journal, a valuable digital tool provided to candidates.
This journal serves as a virtual notebook, essential for documenting information and data collection during the game. Utilizing this resource effectively is fundamental for adeptly managing complex scenarios and showcasing analysis and organizational skills.
Avoid collecting unnecessary information and maintain conciseness when recording data. This will help you save time without compromising the accuracy of your understanding, crucial for the decisions you will have to make.
Improving the time dedicated to analysis enhances its quality and reduces decision-making risks associated with errors. Consider investing extra 2 or 3 minutes, that could tip the scale of the outcome.
Maximize your Redrock Study success!
As you have probably realized, while time management is essential, practicing the game is even more critical. Using a simulator is an excellent method to become familiar with the game, when you do have time.
The advantages are significant:
- It gives you hands-on experience mastering the challenges you will encounter in McKinsey's selection process. It will help you better grasp the format and expectations of the test.
- It allows you to identify areas that need improvement and focus on their practice accordingly.
Moreover, becoming familiar with the test alleviates stress and boosts your self-confidence, which leads to improved performance!
Very few candidates practice before tackling the Redrock Study Game, make sure you're one of them!
Download our Redrock free template and also the full Redrock game simulator to start practicing with our tips and strategies.
Unlock your potential, learn by doing it.