These Are The Top 10 Toughest Companies To Break Into – Have You Got What It Takes?

Dil Bar Irshad | August 13, 2025 | Featured Edition, Business | Follow on Google News

The Top 10 Toughest Companies To Break Into: Expert reveals the top ten companies with the most gruelling hiring processes

Key Points:

• Workplace expert highlights the top 10 companies with the most competitive and challenging hiring processes
• Expert discusses interview processes at Microsoft, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs, detailing the tough questions and assessments candidates face to land a job
• Expert explains that a selective hiring process evaluates a candidate’s ability to think critically and perform under pressure

In the cutthroat world of job hunting, landing a position at a prestigious company like Apple or Chanel can feel like winning the lottery. From tech giants to financial institutions, consulting firms to top fashion houses, these companies boast some of the most rigorous and competitive hiring processes worldwide. 

But what exactly makes these interview processes so challenging, and how can candidates better prepare themselves to succeed? Richard Edwards, Founder and CEO of Vibra Media, a digital PR agency, has studied these hiring patterns extensively and shares his insights on navigating even the most demanding recruitment processes.

“The companies with the toughest hiring processes aren’t just looking only for technical skills,” explains Richard. “They’re testing how you think under pressure, how you solve complex problems, and whether you can adapt when things don’t go according to plan.”

Here are the top ten companies where the interview process will test candidates to their absolute limits, along with Richard’s expert advice on how to prepare for success.

1. Microsoft

Getting hired at Microsoft is no walk in the park. With a process that includes everything from behavioural calls to on-site presentations and project trials, only the best make it through. 

Microsoft typically favours candidates with strong technical chops, a knack for creative problem-solving, and good teamwork skills.

Want to boost your chances? Richard recommends nailing your portfolio, flexing your design thinking, and showing you can collaborate under pressure. 

2. McKinsey & Company

The McKinsey interview process is legendary for its intensity. Expect a mix of behavioural interviews, case studies, and live problem-solving exercises, all designed to push your critical thinking and leadership potential to the limit. 

Candidates with strong analytical abilities, leadership experiences, and a knack for dealing with high-pressure situations will have an edge here. To ace an interview with McKinsey, practice case studies until you can do them in your sleep!

3. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

BCG’s interview process is as sharp as their consultants. They look for candidates with strong leadership potential, the ability to work under pressure, and excellent communication skills. 

With BCG, you can expect multiple rounds of tough case studies and behavioural questions to test your analytical and problem-solving abilities. 

“To boost your chances, immerse yourself in case study prep and be ready to demonstrate your ability to tackle complex problems, both individually and as part of a team,” Richard explains.

4. Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce’s interview process is thorough, testing both technical expertise and behavioural skills. Candidates often face multiple rounds, including phone screenings, technical interviews, and competency-based questions. 

Rolls-Royce is looking for strong technical abilities, especially in engineering, paired with leadership potential and problem-solving skills. 

“To improve your odds, brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss your project management experience,” Richard recommends.

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5. Meta

Meta’s interview process is well-known for involving multiple rounds that test candidates’ technical and leadership abilities. Expect coding challenges (LeetCode style), system design exercises, and behavioural interviews.

Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to articulate complex ideas, and a deep understanding of Meta’s products – these are the skills that will help you ace your interview here. 

“Practice coding problems and brush up on system design, but don’t neglect your non-technical skills. Make sure you can showcase your leadership experience in real-world scenarios,” says Richard.

6. Google

Google’s hiring process is a blend of rigorous technical testing and behavioural assessments. Expect multiple gruelling rounds, including coding challenges, system design exercises, and questions designed to test your problem-solving and leadership abilities. 

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To boost your chances, master data structures, algorithms, and system design, and prepare to discuss real-world problem-solving scenarios with confidence. 

Google also famously tests candidates for ‘Googleyness’, a unique quality defined by Former Google Head of People Operations Laszlo Bock as someone who enjoys fun, has a certain amount of intellectual humility, is conscientious and comfortable with ambiguity, and who has ‘taken courageous or interesting paths in their life.

“To prepare, think about how you fit the attributes they’re looking for, and how you could demonstrate that to your interviewer,” suggests Richard.

7. Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs’ interview process is rigorous and exhaustive, with multiple rounds testing technical, business, and behavioural acumen. Candidates are often asked to solve real-world financial problems, tackle technical challenges, and demonstrate their commercial awareness. 

Strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of financial markets, and the ability to think critically under pressure are key attributes Goldman Sachs interviewers are looking for. To prepare, dive deep into financial concepts, practice coding problems, and be ready to discuss market conditions and your strategic thinking.

8. SpaceX

SpaceX’s interview process is intense, with a focus on both technical expertise and problem-solving ability. Expect a mix of phone screenings, technical interviews, and real-world engineering challenges that test your knowledge of mechanics, physics, and materials. 

SpaceX values candidates with a strong foundation in engineering principles and creative problem-solving skills. 

“To improve your chances, be prepared to discuss your academic and professional projects in detail, especially the decisions and trade-offs you made during design processes,” Richard advises.

9. Apple

Apple’s interview process is designed to test both technical expertise and cultural fit, with a blend of phone screenings, technical interviews, and behavioural questions. 

Expect a range of technical challenges, from engineering problems to case studies and team-based exercises. They seek candidates who are not only skilled but also passionate about their products. 

Richard says: “To succeed, demonstrate your problem-solving ability, be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail, and show a deep enthusiasm for their mission and values.”

10. Chanel

Chanel’s interview process is thorough but relatively straightforward, with a mix of behavioural, technical, and situational questions. Expect multiple rounds, often including phone interviews and in-person meetings. They value candidates who demonstrate a genuine passion for the brand, along with solid professional experience. 

To stand out, focus on how your background aligns with Chanel’s luxury ethos, highlight relevant skills, and be prepared to answer questions about your previous experiences with attention to detail and creative problem-solving.

Richard Edwards, Founder and CEO of Vibra Media commented:

“What makes a hiring process truly selective is not the number of rounds. Truly tough interview processes challenge a candidate’s ability to perform under pressure and think critically, allowing them to demonstrate their potential in real-world situations. This method is effective because it shows how a candidate thinks in real-time, which is often more revealing than any textbook knowledge.

“Preparing for such processes means doing more than rehearsing answers. Do your research on what the company in question might ask, memorise the company’s mission and think about how your values and work ethic might match it, and refine your communication and problem-solving skills.