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Can a second-round MBB be reduced to one interview due to lack of partner availability?

Does it ever happen during certain peak periods when partners have very low availability that second round interviews are reduced to just one interview instead of two?

Have you ever heard of such a thing happening?

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Top answer
on Nov 09, 2023
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi!

I haven't. 

That would mean creating an unfair advantage (or disadvantage, depends on how you see it) for one specific candidate. 

Instead, what they do is that they either postpone the interview, or they try to find interviewers from other offices or at other seniorities. 

Has this happened to you, or how come you're asking about it?

Good luck!
Cristian

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Aude
Coach
on Nov 08, 2023
Director, Mitsubishi Financial Group / Ex-BCG / Ex-EY

Hi there,

Great question - didn’t happen during my process at McKinsey and BCG. Could also be that you really impressed on all your interviews before but I would say the MBBs would typically maintain the same process and format for all candidates.

Best of luck with the rest of the process!

Aude Augias

Moritz
Coach
on Nov 08, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

No, this is unlikely to happen. 

When I interviewed for McKinsey for example, something similar happened but they found a Partner who connected via his mobile phone (with a poor connection) while boarding a plane…

They will always find someone who can take at least a quick/unorthodox call or else they'll reschedule. This is especially true for the current climate where there's no particular rush to hire folks. Quite the opposite, actually.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

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Hagen
Coach
on Nov 10, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • First of all, it is quite rare that the second interview round to be reduced to a single interview due to partner unavailability. Consulting firms value the interview process highly and strive for consistency.
  • Moreover, I would highly advise you to prepare for the interview as if you were having the full set of interviews either way.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

on Nov 09, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Does it ever happen during certain peak periods when partners have very low availability that second round interviews are reduced to just one interview instead of two? 

I have heard of cases with just one final round interview in some firms, however I would expect this to be due to recruiting needs for the position (eg internship versus full-time) rather than the partner’s availability.

Good luck!

Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Nov 09, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

If it happens it happens. If it doesn't it doesn't.

Your case prep doesn't change!

That said, yes I've heard of this happening, but it is definitely rare! (It also doesn't mean anything inherently and should not change how you approach that interview!)

Nicolas
Coach
on Nov 09, 2023
30% off 1st coaching Promo | #1 Canada Coach | 10y+ Coaching & recruiting | BCG + Industry Executive | INSEAD MBA

Hello! 

No this doesn't really happen as the recruiting process relies on cross-checking approval from different perspectives. 

When this happens about availability, it might result in another case being scheduled at a later date therefore delaying the process. Or by having another office partner / principal step in to support. 

Best of luck in the process - cheers !

Alberto
Coach
on Nov 13, 2023
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

Hi there,

I have never seen this after over 200 interviews at McKinsey. Recruiting processes are very rigorous at MBB.

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

on Nov 09, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Many firms actually just have one partner round not two. So not uncommon. Best, Frederic 

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