Kirkland & Ellis · Psychometric Tests
Kirkland & Ellis sifts candidates through Streamlined human-reviewed video interview platform (no psychometric provider) before any interview. Below: the exact format, what each section tests, and how to practise it in identical conditions until you walk in confident.
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The format
At Kirkland the 'online assessment stage' is the video interview itself. The firm does not use a traditional psychometric test, no Watson Glaser, situational judgement test, numerical reasoning or game-based assessment. The short-format video interview is the sole filter between the written application and the assessment centres.
Most psychometric tests split into 3-5 sections, each with its own clock. Speed and accuracy both count.
Modern formats get harder if you answer correctly, easier if you struggle. Your final score reflects what you can actually do under time pressure.
Kirkland & Ellis sets a pass mark per test type. Below it, you don't progress regardless of how strong the rest of your application is.
Completion window. The link usually arrives shortly after you submit, or in a wave after the application window closes, with a strict completion window (typically 5-7 days; some cycles cite 3-5).
By division. The process is uniform across all UK applicant pools: first-year insight, winter/spring/summer vacation schemes and direct training contracts all face the same video submission rather than a quantitative or critical-thinking test.
Recent changes. Kept intentionally minimalist over the last 2-3 cycles: no AI facial-expression tracking or game-infused sub-products, in favour of a direct, human-reviewed format.
The provider
Kirkland & Ellis configures its own selection of Streamlined human-reviewed video interview platform (no psychometric provider) modules. Below: the exact products in the suite, why they were chosen, and what the provider's reputation is across the candidate pool.
History at Kirkland & Ellis. Used as the firm's sole digital filter for several consecutive cycles in place of psychometric testing.
Candidate reputation. On forums such as The Corporate Law Academy and Legal Cheek it is regarded as one of the most intense yet refreshingly brief assessments in the City; the pressure comes from the tight 15-second preparation and 60-second speaking constraints.
Section breakdown
Each section has its own format, timer and trap pattern. Worked examples below show exactly what you will see and where candidates drop points.
What it tests. Written analytical capability, commercial fluency and professional alignment.
Common traps. Generic textbook definitions of private equity or copied commercial-awareness newsletter templates.
How to handle it. Make every CV line show high performance or a clear pattern of interest in corporate finance.
15 seconds preparation, 60 seconds recording
What it tests. Synthesising complex career motivations into an ultra-concise, high-impact pitch under extreme time pressure.
Worked example. Hit Kirkland's differentiators: the pure-play private equity model, the fast track to salaried partner (often around 6 years PQE) and the mega-cap sponsors such as Blackstone and KKR they represent.
Common traps. Waffling or reading a 200-word script word for word, which makes you rush, lose eye contact or get cut off.
How to handle it. Do not just say 'high-value cross-border M&A'; name the sponsor-side model and a concrete recent detail.
15 seconds preparation, 60 seconds recording
What it tests. Behavioural agility and structured delivery (STAR) compacted into a 60-second window.
Worked example. Spend about 10 seconds on situation/task, 35 on your concrete action and 15 on the result and its translation to a fast-paced US firm.
Common traps. Cramming a multi-stage story so 45 seconds go on background and only 15 on what you achieved.
How to handle it. Deploy a hyper-efficient execution model; keep the introduction short and let the action carry the answer.
Pass mark
Scoring is qualitative and holistic, not percentile-based. Human reviewers grade each response on a 1-5 scale.
Methodology. Scores aggregate holistically: a stellar written application cannot rescue a poor video, and a charismatic video cannot rescue a CV full of typos. Because there are only two questions, one weak answer (running out of time, or not answering the prompt) is roughly half your interview score and usually triggers a rejection.
Response time. Typically 3-5 weeks after the application window closes, given human screening.
Score visibility. Kirkland does not automatically share raw scores or feedback sheets at this preliminary stage.
How to practise
Same provider, same section structure, same time pressure. With a scored report after every test so you can fix the weakest section before the real one.
Free practice section, scored. Keep practising free on Intervyo.
Why candidates fail
Specific failure patterns documented across past applicants. Most are avoidable with structured preparation.
The script-reading glaze
Reading perfect responses off virtual post-its; assessors spot the lack of natural eye contact and inflection.
Failing the 'why Kirkland' test
An answer that fits any elite US firm and never mentions the corporate structure or private equity dominance.
Severe over-waffling
Being cut off by the 60-second limit while still describing the background of a story.
Poor environmental control
A messy background, bad lighting or intrusive ambient noise.
No grit signalling
Sounding intimidated by the firm's high-intensity reputation rather than leaning into it.
Underestimating the 15-second prep
Panicking during the countdown and starting the recording visibly flustered.
What works
Concrete habits drilled by candidates who clear the cut-off, drawn from applicant accounts and practice patterns.
Mastery of brevity
Finish your points clearly around 55 seconds, hit stop, and deliver a crisp conclusion.
Direct camera eye contact
Treat the lens exactly like a senior partner sitting across the table.
Granular commercial knowledge
Say 'I am drawn to Kirkland's ability to advise sponsors across the entire fund lifecycle, from formation to leveraged buyouts and eventual exits,' not 'I want to work on big deals.'
Clear vocal pacing
Consciously slow down to hold authority and clarity despite the 60-second adrenaline.
Explicit tailoring
Link your own experiences directly to Kirkland's meritocratic, non-lockstep model.
From past applicants
Anonymised candidate accounts of how recent applicants approached the Kirkland & Ellis assessment. Each covers the prep, the experience, and the outcome.
Non-law graduate (passed)
Prep. Used the unlimited practice question to fix framing; jotted three keywords, PE lifecycle, salaried partner track, pro bono.
Experience. Expected a Watson Glaser and was relieved it went straight to a video interview. Got 'why Kirkland' and a resilience question; the 15-second prep felt like a heartbeat, but speaking naturally beat memorising a speech. Finished both answers around the 52-second mark.
Outcome. Invited to the insight day four weeks later.
Corporate law applicant (passed despite a stumble)
Prep. Adapted after the first answer.
Experience. Packed too much about a recent transaction into question one and was cut off on the final point. For question two on managing deadlines, kept the introduction under 10 seconds and used a strict STAR structure. Believes the clear second answer and a clean CV saved the application.
Outcome. Progressed to the assessment centre. Lesson: speed kills, speak slower than you think you need to.
Practice strategy
Bypass generic psychometric practice and build the specific muscle memory for a 15-second-prep, 60-second-answer interview.
The mirror / camera drill
Use your phone camera, set a 15-second timer to read a commercial question, then record exactly 60 seconds and review for verbal ticks such as 'like', 'um' and 'ah'.
The keyword restriction method
Prepare answers using only three single-word bullets so you structure arguments on the fly instead of reading a script.
Free practice on Intervyo
Rehearse firm-style video answers under the real timing to calibrate before the live attempt.
Time investment. Allocate around 5-8 hours of dedicated video recording practice in the week before your deadline.
Time management
FAQ
No. Kirkland does not use a traditional psychometric online assessment. The video interview is the only digital filter between your written application and the assessment centres.
The other rounds
Psychometric Tests is one of four rounds. Practise each one free on Intervyo.
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Intervyo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kirkland & Ellis, SHL, Pymetrics, Cubiks, AON or any other assessment provider. Test details are sourced from past applicants and published guidance; verify on the firm's careers site before applying. Sector: Commercial Law.
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