How to get an interview after failing at Solve?

Sorry, you don't.

You'll need to wait a year+.

Remember, McKinsey is not the end all be all. There are SO many other firms that are great to work for!

Get out there. Network. Apply to other roles.

You should be aiming to apply to 30+ firms if you want to succeed.

Pick yourself up and push ahead - this is just 1 rejection of many and there will be acceptances scattered in between!

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear you didn’t perform well on the McKinsey Solve!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• Unfortunately, there is a ban period in strategy consulting, including McKinsey, of 12-18 months after you were rejected at any point in the recruiting process, independent of the region, country, office, or position for which you applied.
• As such, and from what you wrote, you are already focusing on other strategy consulting companies, and I would highly advise you to continue doing so.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hello A,

To add to Florian's point:

If during the past year, you've done something very important that adds value to your CV (e.i. MBA/MSc, worked for a big4, etc.), then you can reapply after 12 months for a full-time position.

Best of luck!

Hi there,

Unfortunately, once you fail one aspect of the screening you are usually banned from re-applying with McKinsey for

• 12 months if it was an internship application
• 24 months for a full-time application.

This period can be reduced through strong developments on your resume + networking/referrals.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there, 

Sorry to hear the game didn't go well for you. 

If you failed it, then you can only apply in a year or so. I'd advise you to apply to other firms in the meantime and to start preparing for the tests that they will be giving. 

It might also be worth working with a coach at this point, somebody who can guide you through this process in an efficient manner. 

Best,

Cristian

Hi there,

the McK ship has sailed for the foreseeable future unfortunately - due to the ban periods previously mentioned. As you continue to apply to other consulting firms, make sure you practice also for these online analytics tests since other companies have them as well before you reach the first round interview stage.

Best of luck

As many have said that you are unlikely to be invited to interview if you re apply in less than 12-18 months at Mckinsey so your best bet is to apply to other firms as you have said you will do. 

The exception I've seen to this is either for people who start an MBA at a target school or those recruiting for roles with highly specialized skills or knowledge that Mckinsey needs so not a generalist consultant position. 

Hello,

Here are my thoughts:

1) McKinsey evaluates candidates holistically taking into account the solve game, cv, possibly cover letter (for some geographies), and networking.

2) Thus, there is no clear correlation between scoring a certain number of points on the assessment and getting an invite. Doing great during the test does not guarantee interviews. However, if you have done terribly wrong, chances are that you will not be called for an interview.

3) If you have a background which is super sought after and a very interesting profile, then you do have a chance of perhaps getting the interviews!

All the best!

Rushabh

Hi, 

As other coaches mentioned, McK door will be closed for a while - try other options in the meantime and reapply after 12 months. Make sure you add additional experience to your CV, so that the screeners see sufficient progress to consider you again.

Regards, Andi