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Personal Fit

I recently completed my first-round interviews for an internship at a Tier 2 management consulting firm. While I didn’t advance to the second round due to a lack of confidence and case leadership, the interviewers organically reassured me that I was a strong fit for the firm. They emphasized that they see potential in me and could envision me working there in the future. They also praised my constructive and positive attitude and encouraged me to reapply next year for a full-time Business Analyst position.

I’m now wondering how genuine this feedback is. Do firms often provide such encouragement to many candidates, or can I take this as a strong indication that I’ll be considered seriously if I reapply next year?

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Thabang
Coach
on Dec 17, 2024
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Ex-McKinsey | Top MBB Coach | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there, 

Consulting firms pride themselves in transparency and a strong development feedback culture. So that praise they gave you is most likely genuine and something to be happy about and believe in. 

Feedback is designed to help you improve on areas that need development but also hold on to and keep doing the things you are good at. So your attitude and characteristics that they determined in the fit are things you should retain whilst working on the case leadership and other elements in your case

All the best

Alberto
Coach
on Dec 20, 2024
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

As a former interviewer at a tier-2 firm, I’m 99% sure the feedback is genuine.

If you don’t like a candidate at all, the last thing you’d want is to waste time on their application next year.

Best,

Alberto

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Sierra Sprints - New Product Launch

on Dec 16, 2024
Ex-BCG Project Leader (Energy + Climate & Sustainability) | Experienced Interviewer

Hi there,

That praise is no small accomplishment. If you stick with it and invest in your case/fit interview preparation for re-application, you should have a strong chance of landing this offer and others.

I experienced the same thing at BCG in 2019. During my first round, the team was impressed with my background and potential for the role, but my case performance fell short of expectations. They invited me to re-interview in six months, and I put in the work to ensure I landed the offer.

This has shaped my understanding of how to prepare effectively (or not) and informs my strategy for coaching candidates to break into consulting. I learned it hard and hope to make it easier for folks now. 

Reach out if you want to learn more! 

Best

Vini

Alessa
Coach
on Dec 16, 2024
10% discount in August |xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call for free

Hey!

Based on my experience at McKinsey, where I also served as an interviewer, firms don’t provide such specific and positive feedback to everyone. If they praised your fit, attitude, and potential and encouraged you to reapply, it’s likely genuine. Consulting firms are keen on retaining strong candidates who just need more time to develop their skills. Use this year to strengthen your case skills and confidence, and you’ll have a strong chance next time. Good luck!

Alessa :)

Hagen
Coach
on Mar 30, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejection!

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

  • First of all, you can always reapply after the ban period, which is usually 12-18 months, regardless of the feedback. So technically, it does not really matter whether it was genuine or not.
  • Moreover, and contrary to what other coaches said, while feedback may not always be completely honest, the feedback you received sounds authentic based on your description.
  • Lastly, I would highly advise you to work on the weaknesses mentioned to avoid getting rejected again or with other consulting firms as well.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Florian
Coach
on Dec 20, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Sorry to hear!

If they told you about a great fit, you should believe it. The feedback you will receive is always honest.

Cheers,

Florian

Evelina
Coach
on Aug 26, 2025
EY-Parthenon (7 years) l BCG offer holder l 7+ years coaching l 10% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS

Hi there,

Consulting firms generally don’t give false encouragement — if they tell you that you’re a good fit and should reapply, it usually means they genuinely see potential. That said, feedback like this is not a guaranteed offer next year. It means:

  • They liked your profile and personal fit, but you need to improve case performance (confidence, structure, leadership).
  • You should absolutely reapply, as they’ll remember you positively, but you’ll still need to go through the same competitive process.
  • Your chances will be stronger if you show improvement and highlight what you’ve done since (extra experience, practice, leadership roles).

So yes, the feedback is genuine and encouraging, but take it as motivation to come back stronger — not as a secured spot.
 

Best, 

Evelina

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