Hi, I have an interview in eight days, but I don't feel prepared. Next week, I won't be able to study properly for it because I'm going through a busy period at work. Would it be inappropriate to ask for it to be postponed, given that they told me about the interview in august but they informed me about the exact date two weeks ago? In case, what should I write in the email? Would this harm my chances? Thank you
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Hi there,
First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with McKinsey thus far!
I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:
- First of all, it’s absolutely fine to ask for a postponement - consulting firms usually understand that candidates have commitments, especially when you're working full-time. I would advise you to keep your message short, polite, and to the point.
- Moreover, I would advise you to highlight that you’re fully committed to the process and want to be as well-prepared as possible to show your best self. Just say that due to unforeseen work obligations, you’d kindly ask to move the interview a bit later.
- Lastly, I would strongly advise you to suggest a time frame so they can re-schedule smoothly. This shows you're still serious about the process.
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 McKinsey interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Best,
Hagen
Hi there,
it’s quite normal to ask for a postponement, and McKinsey is usually accommodating if you have a valid reason. You’re not penalized for wanting to perform at your best: they prefer candidates to come in well-prepared rather than under pressure.
The key is how you ask: keep it professional, polite, and show continued enthusiasm. This won’t harm your chances: the worst case is they say no, but in most cases they will suggest an alternative date.
Best of luck!
Hi,
sure! Just ask them. You got nothing to lose and in my experience they are happy to accommodate your schedule.
Best.
Lukas
Hi there,
It's completely fine to ask to postpone an interview, as long as you're polite about it and provide a high-level explanation. This is not going to hurt your candidacy.
Hi there,
Yes, you can ask to postpone – it’s not uncommon and won’t hurt your chances if you do it early and politely. In your note, thank them for the opportunity, explain briefly that due to work or personal commitments you can’t give the interview your full focus on the scheduled date, reaffirm your strong interest in the role, and ask if it would be possible to reschedule. Keep it professional and concise.
Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out
Best,
Evelina
Yes, postpone it.
Typically, they're flexible with it and give you more time.
In some situations they refuse either because of how they structured the recruiting process (e.g., they are interviewing everybody in one cohort between this and this date) or because they want to fill in the position quickly.
Either way, you have nothing to lose. Even if they say no, it won't affect your chances in the interview.
Just make sure you're polite about it and ask as early in advance as possible.
Best,
Cristian
Yes, you can ask for a postponement.
Looks like next week it is not compatible with your current job... that fine, it's a perfectly valid reason.
Hi,
Yes you can definitely request to postpone. No harm asking. Best case, you get the extension. Worst case, they don't agree but at least you still have a shot.
All the best!
