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Is applying to entry-level roles harder as a graduate than final year student?

Hi all,

I've applied to multiple consulting roles for the London offices this year, but have so far been unsuccesful. I went into the process thinking that I had a reasonably strong application but have found that I was wrong.

I also graduated from University this summer, I wondered if that would be held against me in applying to graduate roles?

Thanks!

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Top answer
on Nov 07, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Did you use the recruiting channel of your school? Final year students can benefit from campus recruiting, which could lead to an advantage.

In any case, the #1 thing you can do to improve your chances of an invitation is to find a referral. You can find more on that at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Nov 08, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

It's honestly just really competitive.

What I recommend (either now or in a year or two) is:

1) Really make sure your resume is as good as it can be

2) Ensure your cover letter is compelling + clean + sharp

3) Try to get a referral and network aggressively beforehand

Gaurav
Coach
on Nov 07, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi Anonymous,

As being said, it's become highly competitive to get into MBB now, even more than ever before.

Consider applying to other offices and not necessarily London. But anyway, you should provide yourself with a referral to improve your chances of getting an interview invite.

Do you need any help with your CV?

GB

Ken
Coach
edited on Nov 07, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Sorry to hear. It wouldn't have been held against you as long as you have a strong CV but there would be a question mark if you don't have an explanation in your CV or cover letter. It's also an exceptionally competitive year where many firms are being careful with how to manage their headcount and so I would also keep that in mind as an explanation too.

Udayan
Coach
on Nov 06, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

It is harder because as Vlad pointed out London is super competitive to begin with and they already have a strong pipeline of students from their target schools. Your best bet at this stage is to get a partner to refer you so you at least have an interview.

Clara
Coach
on Nov 08, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Yes, indeed, exact same process. I was an intern in McK before being a Business Analyst so I know this one first hand. 

Hope it helps

Cheers,

Clara

Vlad
Coach
on Nov 06, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I think in your case the problem is that London is one of the most competitive offices. Thus it's really hard no matter what the role is. It's a bit easier from top 3-5 schools during on-campus recruiting.

Best

Anonymous B
on Nov 06, 2020

Hi Anonymous,

It really depends on what kind of masters you will do. Sometimes doing a masters in management (pre-experience) could be a good a idea. But most importantly, you should do it at a top university and get a good gpa (which is usually easier than at an undergrad level). What you need to keepn in mind salary-wise is that even if you have a master's degree (non-mba), you should not expect to get a higher salary. What I know for a fact is that some consulting firms (non-MBB) do not like to hire master's students because of this very reason.

Hope this hepls.

11
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