Mckinsey second time applying

Question

Hello,

I am a junior consultant at a Big 4 digital transformation practice (non-strategy) with 2.5 years of experience.

I might not get my promotion next year due to conflicts at work and some mental health issues that are now being resolved.

I applied to a European McKinsey office 2.5 years ago and passed the screening, as I come from a target school and had extracurriculars that helped me stand out, in addition to being from a foreign country. However, I didn’t pass the first round at that time, I wasn’t ready.

This year, I feel it’s my best chance to apply again for a Business Analyst or Pre-Associate position. I am practicing case studies seriously, and preparing to put myself in the best position possible (networking etc.)

What are my chances to pass the screening if I apply in the next couple of months ? I feel like I have to do something extraordinarily to pass the screening again because this time I am no longer the fresh graduate with the perfect CV.

Of course, I will also consider MBB and other strategy firms.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hey there :)

Your chances are still solid. McKinsey does not automatically screen you out just because you’ve applied before. If you passed the CV screen once, you’ll likely pass again, especially now with relevant consulting experience at a Big 4. What matters more is how you frame your story: highlight the transformation work you’ve done, emphasize leadership and impact, and show how you’re now ready for strategy work. You don’t need something “extraordinary,” you just need to connect the dots and make your profile consistent with a strategy consultant role.

Given your background, you should definitely apply again and also try to network with consultants from that office to strengthen your chances. The real hurdle will be the interviews, not the screening.

best,
Alessa :)

Answer 2

Hi there,

it is good to be you! You’re still in a good position. Passing the screen once means your profile is competitive, and with 2.5 years of Big 4 consulting experience you can now show tangible client impact and professional growth.

The most important thing is how you frame your story: emphasize progression, problem-solving, and leadership rather than the exact label of your practice. From my experience, McKinsey doesn’t expect something “extraordinary” for a reapplication. Rather they want a clear, consistent narrative and strong interview performance.

Networking will help, but your biggest lever is interview readiness. If you prepare cases rigorously and polish your CV/cover letter, you’ll have a solid shot.

Best,
Lukas

Answer 3

Hi there,

You don’t need to do something “extraordinary” to pass screening again — your chances are still solid if you position your profile well;

You already passed screening once, which means your academic background and extracurriculars were strong enough. That hasn’t changed.
Now you bring 2.5 years of professional experience at a Big 4, which adds credibility. Even if it’s not pure strategy, you can frame your work in terms of problem-solving, client impact, and transformation projects.
Networking with McKinsey consultants will strengthen your chances significantly — it shows commitment and can help your CV get another look.

Where to focus:

CV/storyline: Highlight leadership, analytical skills, and client impact in your projects. Show progression even if promotion timing is uncertain.
Networking: Get referrals; this can easily offset the “no longer a fresh grad” concern.
Case prep: Be sharp — if you pass screening, interviews are your moment to prove you’ve grown since the last try.

Overall, your chances of passing screening are still high. McKinsey hires plenty of people with Big 4 backgrounds, especially if they show strong problem-solving and leadership. Don’t undersell your current experience.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.

Best,

Evelina