My application is currently stuck at the resume stage without any progress.

Question

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share an update on my job applications this season. I've applied to McKinsey, Bain, Boston, and Kearney. So far, I've received rejections from McKinsey and Bain. After some reflection, I believe there are three main factors contributing to this outcome:

1. My performance on the test may not have met their expectations.
2. I understand that not having a bachelor's degree from their target universities might have played a role.
3. My GPA may not be as competitive as they prefer.

However, it's not all negative. I have significant and highly relevant work experience that I believe adds substantial value to my candidacy.

I am attaching my resume for review and how can I do better. Also, I have applied in batch recruitment . So, I am planning to apply again after some months and what can I do better next time. Don't have any hope from Kearney and Boston (specifically) now.

Answer 1

The challenge with recruiting for a top consulting firm is that you are competing with people who have stellar resumes for the most part. You do have strong work experience and a good resume overall but quite likely given current market conditions your peers might be more qualified on paper.

In my opinion, another route into a top firm could be a more specialized role (e.g., Risk Associate) vs a general consulting role.

All the best,

Udayan

Answer 2

So you're applying from around the world from a non-primary/non-valued market from a US perspective, and with non-valued/non-target/minimally relevant work experience, and trying to get into the three TOP consultancies in the world?

God speed :)

Please remember that you and a million other people want MBB. And you and a million other people want the US.

You need to:

Cast the net wide(er) - 40+ firms
Apply where it makes sense - where you have working rights, where you have lived/worked/studied and speak the language
Network a ton

Master Your Job Hunt with Proven Strategies (preplounge.com)

Answer 3

Hi there,

in addition to what was already commented on, I would recommend for you to consider:

applying to more Tier 2 consulting firms so that you have an overall higher number of applications in the game - especially in the current economic environment
try to secure an internal referral for each firm you are applying to - especially since you might not come from a target school and don't have the desired GPA. A referral would increase your chances to make it to the interview round if you can impress a consultant/manager/partner with your relevant work experience for example
make sure you prepare enough for the online test format (there are various resources on the internet for the various tests individual firms use)

Good luck

Answer 4

Sorry to hear your application didn't go through.

The CV is not in bad shape, though it's a 7 or 8 out of 10 from where it could be. In the sense that if you emphasised the right things and changed formatting and the overall focus of the story, you could get more out of it.

Aside from the CV, there are several other things to consider:

1. The Cover Letter. Most companies these days don't make it mandatory to submit one, but if you can write a good one that helps a lot

2. Referrals. These are critical, especially in the current market.

Sharing a few resources below to help you with the application strategy and also with getting referrals:

Best,
Cristian

Answer 5

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the rejections!

I agree with the sentiment of others here.

It is likely a combination of the current market slowdown and the fact that, in the Middle East, you compete with US-based applicants with Ivey League backgrounds and European-based applicants with Oxbridge, etc. backgrounds.

The market has become increasingly competitive.

All the best,

Florian