McKinsey application status: good sign or standard process?

Question

Hello,

I applied to McKinsey around three weeks ago and have just received an email from HR stating that they would get back to me with a decision in about two months.

I’m trying to understand how to interpret this, as McKinsey does not typically send this type of email a few weeks after applications are submitted. I’m unsure whether this is simply a standard holding message or an indication that my application is still actively under review.

My main question is whether this is a positive signal to start preparing for the problem-solving (psychometric) assessment. From past experience, once the assessment invite is sent, there are usually only a few days to prep & complete it.

For context, this is for the Riyadh office.

Answer 1

This email should be seen primarily as a status update, not a clear positive or negative signal.

For some McKinsey offices, including Riyadh, recruiting timelines can be longer and applications are often reviewed in batches. In those cases, HR updates like this are not unusual and mainly indicate that the review process is still ongoing.

It does mean that your application has not been rejected at this stage, but beyond that it’s difficult to infer much.

Regarding preparation for the problem-solving assessment: it’s reasonable to do some light preparation in advance, as the turnaround time can be (but does not necessarily have to be) short once an invite is sent.

Overall, the message doesn’t materially change your odds, it simply reflects the timing of the process.