MBB - Office preferences and rejections

That's a great question. 

Basically, your application goes to your first office preference, and almost always, it stops there. They either invite you to the test or they decline. 

Sometimes, it happens that a candidate might be a better match for Option 2 and Option 1 is not hiring at the moment. For instance, you are Mexican from Mexico City and you are applying for a role in the US where you did your MBA program. Now, a US office is your first preference, but in case they are not hiring, they will forward your application to your second preference, which we can assume to be the Mexico City Office. 

That's about it. 

In short, make sure that your first option is genuinely your first option and it makes sense why you would apply there. You have to have some sort of personal, professional or educational connection to the location where you are applying. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi!

So as I understand the process from discussing with our HR, your application does go to your first preference, and they handle the process. 

Sometimes if the recruiter believes your profile is irrelevant to their office but is relevant to another, they might forward it to another office who will take over the application process. 

but as mentioned here, your 1st preference really should be the real preference as it usually stops there.

Regarding the ban, it is global, meaning if one office denies your application, you can’t apply to another office. 
 

Hope this helps and best of luck,

Yuval

Hi there,

Great questions.

Historically the ranking systems has really been a ranking system at all. If you chose Office A first, then your application gets sent to Office A. If you make it through the recuitment process, then you’re in at Office A. If you Office A dings you, then Office B or won’t review you.

At the moment this isn’t as strictly true as it has been. Office A might only hire a small number, so might interview you and think you’re good enough but they just don’t have space for you so will divert you to Office B. “Common” scenarios are when Office A is an established office and Office B is new/growing or when you have a rare attribute that’s attractive to Office B (language, industry experience, etc).

Rejections are global and strickly enforced. 

All the best, 

B.

Hi there,

Try not to worry about the backend (as it doesn't matter). What matters is that Office A is the one you're saying you really want, and is your “biggest dice roll”. Office B is your next biggest roll, and office C will be unlikely.

Basically, in some instances they'll only consider you for A (centralized decision making) and in others they'll “pass” it down the line.

For example, in one of my MBB applications I was offered an interview for my 3rd office selection! So, it does happen!

Always make sure your office selections make sense (you've networked with them, worked/lived there, speak the language, have working rights, etc.)

Hi there,

Q: What I'm trying to understand is whether a rejection means that all the three offices have received and reviewed your application, or whether once your first office of choice decides you're “not good enough for MBB”, you just get rejected.

Normally, you will be considered for the first office as a first step. If the application is not deemed suitable, it will be moved to the second for their consideration. If you are rejected from the second, it will then move to the third. This is why sometimes you will be offered an interview for your second or third choice.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Regarding the ban period, I talked a couple of days ago with a friend who works as recruiter at McKinsey. She confirmed that if you don't pass the screening in an office, you can apply to any other without any ban period. It is important you have any kind of link with this new office (you were born there, studied there, worked there, etc.) to consider your application.

Best,

Alberto

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