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How many times can you apply?

Hey everyone,

about 2 years ago, when I had just finished my second year of university in Germany, I applied to all big consulting companies and was invited by nearly all of them because I had good grades and consulting experience from a previous internship. 

But I failed most of the cases due to a lack of preparation (1. Consulting Internship didnt requiere case study in interview process) and because I thought I could handle all of this without problems.

Now 2 years later I want to reapply, but there is always one big question in my head: "How many opportunities can I get?"

I still have 2 years of univeristy in my Masters Degree to go (just started) and therefore have plenty of time left. 

In case I fail an interview this time, is there an opportunity to apply for a third time or is a second application already the last opportunity at the big consulting firms?

Thanks for the answers

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Top answer
Egor
Coach
on Oct 01, 2018
Collected McKinsey & BCG offers/ Ex-McKinsey consultant/Harvard/WBS/MSU

Hi Justin,

I am sure you have pretty good chances after your Master degree to get a position in MBB. I recommend you applying for Junior consulatnt/Analyst role.

The best course of action for you now is 

  1. Make imprrovements to your CV
  2. Change e-mail address for new application
  3. Apply for all 3 firms: BCG,McKinsey, Bain
  4. Start practicing for your interviews and tests ASAP

As for a ban period: MBBs typically ban you for a period of time: it may take from 6m to 2years - you should ask local HRs  for a length of your ban.

All the best,

Egor

on Sep 30, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

At a high level. You can reapply everytime your profile changes; this means if/when your professional experience becomes significant better, as well as upon graduating from a Masters program

Vlad
Coach
on Oct 01, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

There is no limit, and I've seen the cases when people applied 3 times and got the offer.

However, you need to apply for different roles and having some updates in your background. E.g. applying as an intern while studying -> applying after you got a masters degree -> applying after MBA -> applying as an experienced hire.

Best

Deleted user
on Aug 25, 2020

Hi A,

First of all, I recommend you to change your mind set and ask yourself, do you really want to get into consulting, not just applying?

If your answer is "yes", ten you have to:

- prepare and polish your CV and cover letter (you have to have significant upgrade in their for these 2 years)

- make active networking in order to apply with referral, that significantly maximizes your chances for being invited for the inerview

- make a calendar and strategy for your preparation

- follow it. 

If you need any further help on one of these mentioned stage, feel free to reach me out. 

Best,
André

0
Gaurav
Coach
on Nov 30, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi Justin, 

You can reapply as many times as you want. 

But I suggest you try to reapply with a referral next time. 

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

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