Offer received but I have questions...

Hi there, 

First of all, HUGE CONGRATS on getting an offer. That is no easy feat!

It is frustrating that the original offer is not at the level you were expecting. But, you can definitely negotiate. When I first joined McKinsey, I also had to internationally relocate and I was able to negotiate a relocation package.

Now, McKinsey offices pay a standard base and bonus structure per role in 99% of the cases. Thus, trying to negotiate on salary is not likely to result in much. However, I have seen numerous successful cases of candidates negotiating for a relocation bonus (myself included), and for a sign-on bonus. Not all of the ones I've seen have succeeded, but many have. 

Regarding the start-date pressure - yes, this is quite standard for McKinsey when they are short-staffed in a region. However, this is the easiest to negotiate - yes, they may be pressuring you to start very soon, but if that is not ideal for you, it is quite likely they will allow a later start date. When they find someone they want to hire, they are most often flexible on that.

My recommendation: 

Definitely go to recruiting/HR and try to negotiate on these elements.There is no harm in going for what you believe you want/need/deserve. I have NEVER seen a case of an offer being revoked because someone tried to negotiate. Just make sure you behave professionally of course.

 Hope this helps!

Sincerely, 
Thor

Sorry to hear about this, but congrats on the offer overall. 

First of all, the relocation and signing bonuses have nothing to do with your interview performance. They exist or they don't at an office level. It's not done on an individual candidate basis. 

Second of all, the compensation is too low - I understand if you had different expectations, but for most roles, especially the more traditional ones (e.g., generalist consultant), they are set at the band level, so there is no space for negotiation. Generally, I'd say, the only space for negotiation with firms like McK is around the relocation bonus if your office offers one. 

And lastly, that the start date is very soon - that might feel like pressure, but there's also a silver lining to it. It sounds like they really need you. You won't need to wait for 9-12 months like other people have to once they signed their office. 

If you decide to go ahead with it, I'm sharing here some articles on how to ensure you have a smooth start in the firm:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! That’s already a big achievement. What you’re describing isn’t unusual when hiring for specific roles with urgent staffing needs. When they give a very short decision timeline, it usually reflects internal project demand, not necessarily anything about your performance.

Compensation at the senior BA level is quite standardized, even for candidates with advanced degrees, and they rarely negotiate base pay. Still, it’s reasonable to ask politely for clarification on relocation support or a short extension to review the offer.

If the role excites you but you’re uncomfortable with the rush, express your enthusiasm and ask for a few extra days to decide. You have nothing to lose. It’s perfectly professional to say:

“I’m very excited about the opportunity and just want to make sure I can make a well-considered decision. Would it be possible to extend the deadline by a few days?”

Best of luck!

You are perceiving this the wrong way.

1. Your interview performance may impact your rank. But the compensation is tied to the rank. You won't be able to negotiate the base compensation, but you should be able to negotiate the sign-on bonus / relocation. 

You have to reach out and explain that having this sign on / relocation assistance is important to you, as it will help you be there faster, well setup, and fully focused right from day one. Paying for advance rent, flight tickets, some new clothes, basic stuff for your home, etc., is expensive, and you want to take care of that BEFORE you start working.

You won't be the first one asking for this.

[p.s. if your interview was that unimpressive you wouldn't be getting an offer]

2. The timeline. You stated that "it sounds like there is almost no negotiation space" right after saying that "they really need people".

Read this again.

Does this really look like they're on the fence and not that interested? No, it's the opposite. They are desperate. They want to hire you. And they need you to start ASAP. So reach out to them, tell them what you need, ideally reassure them that the 1 month starting date is fine with you and that you are ready to make a decision quickly, but that you need to discuss a topic with them and hope that you can reach an agreement within those 2 days.

Of course, they may have a backup plan (i.e. someone else) and that's why they need an urgent answer. But that doesn't prevent you from negotiating with them. Just do it ASAP.

Hello,

Congrats on the offer! 

It’s not unusual for McK to move fast once they’ve made a decision, especially if the team needs people soon. That said, you can absolutely ask for more time and just explain that you’d like to review the offer carefully given the international move. Baseline compensation at the BA/senior BA level can be pretty standardized but it’s still worth it to ask whether relocation support can be included You already have to offer, so you have nothing to lose if you just try to ask politely.

Hey there

It’s not unusual for McKinsey to set short deadlines, especially when the start date is near, but two days is definitely tight. You can politely ask for a few extra days to review the offer; they often agree. Compensation and sign-on bonuses are harder to negotiate at entry or near-entry levels, even with a PhD, but you can still ask about relocation support if you’re moving internationally. The fast process usually reflects internal urgency, not a red flag about you.

Best,
Alessa