Application ban period

This is a crucial question, and it speaks to one of the most frustrating, opaque parts of the consulting recruiting process.

Yes, unfortunately, submitting your CV and receiving a formal rejection (whether automated or personalized) almost always initiates the re-application countdown. The system treats a CV rejection the same way it treats a second-round interview rejection because they operate on the principle that your current profile has been formally assessed and deemed not competitive for the role at this time. The standard timeframe for MBB (Bain, McKinsey, BCG) is 12 to 18 months, and they are usually extremely strict about this.

This isn’t punitive; it's administrative. They need to see a material change in your candidacy. Simply waiting six months and submitting the exact same profile is a waste of resources for them. You need time to gain a new promotion, finish an advanced degree module, or make a significant job transition that fundamentally alters your value proposition. Use this waiting period strategically to generate that required material change.

When looking at Tier 2 firms, the hard ban policy is often similar (12 months), but they tend to be slightly more flexible, especially if the firm is scaling quickly or if you can leverage a powerful partner referral. However, assume the 12-month rule holds across the board unless you have specific, confirmed insider information that your targeted office is desperate for headcount and is willing to manually override the system.

All the best!

hey there :)

In most cases, a CV rejection does count as an application and triggers a cooldown, usually around 12 months at MBB, while Tier 2 firms are often more flexible and can be 6 to 12 months depending on the firm and reason for rejection, so it’s always smart to use the waiting time to clearly strengthen your profile before reapplying. Feel free to reach out if you want to time your next application well.

best,
Alessa :)

Yes. 

Basically, if you applied and didn't get to the interview, it still counts as a rejection and you need to wait about a year. 

If you're at the application stage, you might find this guide useful:

• • Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian