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McKinsey US timeline after application

I have applied for a role at one of the US locations for McKinsey Generalist role through a referral from an EM. What tends to be process after the application? In my previous application to McKinsey in practice specific roles (Transformation, Implementation, etc) I got a rejection within 4-5 days. However, this one has been showing as submitted for a while.

What tends to be process (how long does it typically take) and timeline(what are the various stages)? Are recruiters the people who take the call to proceed a candidate to the next stage or does it go a hiring manager or so?

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Jun 01, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

  • First of all, I would strongly advise you to wait and see how your application process goes. While I understand your nervousness, there is no universally applicable lead time.
  • Moreover, however, while the timeline can vary, it usually takes 2-3 weeks to receive a response after applying.
  • Lastly, it depends. You will receive the feedback call from one of your interviewers, but the recruiter will typically discuss the application process.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey pre-interview assessment and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Mariana
Coach
on May 29, 2025
xMckinsey | Consulting and Tech | 1.5h session | +200 sessions | Free 20-min introductory call

Hi there!

2-4 weeks. HR will screen your CV, after passing this phase you’ll have to do the Solve assessment and both the CV and Solce results will be evaluated to see if you’ll move to the interview phases.

If you haven’t adapted your CV after being rejected, it would be a good idea to do so. That’s the main reasons why people don’t get accepted to the process.

Happy to do a free evaluation of your resume if you plan to apply for other firms, to see if that is what’s preventing you to move forward. 

Best,

Mari

Mihir
Coach
on May 29, 2025
McKinsey Associate Partner and interviewer | Bulletproof MBB prep

As other coaches have said, the timeline will vary. But normally within 6 weeks. I applied in September and was invited to interview in October, with interviews starting in mid-November.

on May 30, 2025
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

It really depends.

On the office, the recruitment cycle, the role that you're applying for and so on...

But typically, within two weeks or so after you applied, you hear back from them with an invitation to Solve. Then, after you do Solve, they look at your whole application, CV, CL, referral, Solve score and decide whether to invite you to the first round. 

In almost all offices, the selection of the candidates at this point is done by the recruiters. Then once you go to the actual live interviews, the decision is made by the consultants who will be interviewing you.

Best,
Cristian

Alessa
Coach
on May 30, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call for free

Hey there :)

When you apply to a generalist role at McKinsey US, especially with a referral, the process can take a bit longer than for specialist tracks. It's common for the status to stay "submitted" for 1–3 weeks while they review applications in batches. Unlike practice roles, generalist roles go through a central recruiting team, and recruiters typically make the initial screening decision—your referral from an EM can definitely help push your profile through.

If you’re selected, the next steps would usually be Solve + the PEI, then Round 1 interviews. If it’s been more than 2–3 weeks, feel free to (very politely) follow up with the recruiter or your referrer.

Let me know if you'd like help drafting a follow-up note!

best,
Alessa :)

Deleted user
on May 29, 2025

Hello,

 

You will receive an email from them between 2-10 weeks after your application. But it would be great if you could already prepare for the inteviews. Best of luck

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