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Expedite the interviewing process

Hi all!

I have passed my first round with Mckinsey and I am waiting for them to set the final round time. Meanwhile, I have received an offer from BCG but since Mckinsey is my first choice I will be waiting to go through the interviews before making a final decision. 

I want to ask McKinsey t expedite the process as I have a deadline on my BCG offer. How should I communicate this to the HR team? Also, should I say that the offer is from BCG?

Thank you. 

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Aug 11, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi,

First, yes definitely reach out but do not say it's from BCG. Discretion is important in consulting.

Second, you should say something along the lines of:

1) Looking forward to the interview

2) Have just received an offer from another firm but McKinsey is my top choice

3) Was wondering if we could expedite the process as the company requires a decision by x date

Robert
Coach
on Aug 13, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

Nothing against asking politely, and they'll do whatever they can. It's no secret that most likely BCG is the other player involved (since almost all candidates I coach go to either McKinsey or BCG and reasonably apply to both of them), but there is no need and no benefit to say that explicitly.

Since it's also clear that you are asking because you really prefer joining McKinsey, it's also a good incentive for them to try to make it happen, since it's in their own interest to get people who are really committed to the firm!

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Deleted user
on Aug 13, 2020

Dear A,

First of all, my congratulations from the BCG! Well done!

I would strongly recommend you to reach out to HR requesting them to expedite the process and mentioning that you already have an offer with due date, but McKinsey is your first choice and therefore request them to speed up the whole process. 

Meanwhile, you can also get in touch with BCG asking them for additional time in order to make your decision and finalise the application process. 

Hope it helps,

If you need anu further questions or guidance how better to communicate it, drop me a line. 

Happy to help you,

Best,
André

3
Anonymous B
on Aug 10, 2020

Hi Anonymous 

Yes you can definitely ask for them to expedite the process. I don't see any harm in telling them it's BCG but personally I would just say an offer from another reputed consultancy to further minimise risk of BCG finding out

Best

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