Considered for a higher position than initially planned

Question

Hello everyone,
I'm contacting you because I applied as a BA at Mckinsey and having 2 years' experience HR told me I had to apply as a Pre Associate, having previously passed the PSG test.
I have several questions about this:
1) Is the selection process really harder?
2) I don't know if I'm really qualified, in the sense that I had an experience that ended quite badly, in fact I was let go after 6 months, for reasons of under-performance and the firm's poor health, and despite a role linked to strategy, I don't have the impression of being greatly stimulated in my current job and so I don't think I've developed as much as someone who'd been at McKinsey for 2 years.

In the end, I can't see myself telling HR that I'm not sure I've got the shoulders for the job she told me to apply for without sounding like I lack of confidence in myself. On the one hand, it's an opportunity, but on the other, it makes me nervous.

Thanks again for your feedback and advice.

Answer 1

Hello there,

Congratulations on making this far!

1. You'll have to ace the case interview as anyone would have to, probably the expectations are not that different from the BA role, and in the behavioral interview you should likely focus on recent job-related stories considering your 2 years of work experience.

2. I am so sorry you have got such a challenging time. It seems this has caused you a negative impact. Based on your statements, you are afraid this higher position may be too much to handle. What I can say is: apply anyway. It will be hard, really, because it is even for people with previous strategy experience. However, you most definitely can make it work! You'll have some time to ramp up after joining McKinsey and if you have some time to prepare before starting (say, 2 months for instance), tyou can grasp the main topics you'll be handling in your fist months. The rest you'll learn at the job with peers and managers.

Happy to chat about this if you would like, I joined McKinsey having 0 experience in a strategic role, so I know how scary that may seem.

Best,

Mari

Answer 2

Hi there,

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

First of all, and contrary to what other coaches have said, yes, the selection process for Pre-Associate is slightly tougher than for Business Analyst, whether you notice it or not. But if the recruiter invited you to apply at that role, it means this is the correct role for you.
Moreover, I understand your hesitation. It’s okay to feel nervous. I would advise you to keep those doubts to yourself during the interview process and instead, use the interviews to show that you’re ready to step up, even if you don’t feel fully ready yet.

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 your application files, for your McKinsey upcoming pre-interview assessment and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 3

To answer briefly:

1) The selection process is the same - same interviews, contents, bar for pre-ASC and BA is not really that different

2) Don’t let a previous bad experience discourage you from applying - you’ll receive a lot of on the job training and support. A lot of pre-ASC (or JA, as it’s called in some regions) have experience totally unrelated to consulting, so that’s not a must.

Give me a shout if you want some help preparing - we can probably get you to a good place.

Answer 4

Hi,

My advice is not to think about it too much. In the end it will be the hiring managers who make a call on seniority. You need to focus on making sure that you are a fit for McK and the seniority issue can be tackled at a later stage.

Please chat me if you want to brainstorm more. Also I am happy to explain to you the difference in expectations between the two roles and how to ace both

Answer 5

Hey there :)

Totally valid to feel a bit conflicted. First, yes—the Pre-Associate process is a bit tougher than BA, mostly because expectations for structure, communication, and depth of insight are higher. But HR wouldn’t suggest it if your background didn’t support it on paper. Everyone’s path looks different, and what matters most is how you tell your story—not whether you had a dip or slower growth in one role. Many people come in with non-linear experiences.

You don’t need to tell HR you’re unsure—just prepare well and show up with clarity and calm. If it still feels overwhelming, happy to help you frame your experience in a confident and honest way!

best,
Alessa :)

Answer 6

The process is the same but the expectations will be higher - in terms of the quality / depth of answer, maturity etc

Recruiters are seasoned and are able to gauge profiles normally pretty well, so it's good they think you should apply for a Pre Associate.

Your bad experience is unfortunate, but I would instead focus on the positives and look forward - focus now instead on making sure you prepare and perform the best for this rare opportunity that you have gotten, many would kill to be in your position.

Answer 7

Hi there,

I understand. It's a challenging situation.

Try asking her first why she believes you should go for the more senior role.

Indeed, the process is more difficult, so I understand why you wouldn't want to make your life harder.

Best,
Cristian