Postponement due to sickness

Question

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Hi! I’m scheduled to interview at McKinsey (in one of the Nordic countries) for the Junior Associate role in 3 days, with both R1 and R2 on the same day. Unfortunately, I’ve come down with a really bad case of the flu and have completely lost my voice. I won't be able to recover in time to perform well.

I want to ask for a postponement but I’m worried they might remove me from the process entirely, since the Nordic offices are smaller and have fewer interview cycles. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Is it possible to reschedule without being dropped from the current cycle? Or could they possibly defer me to the Spring 2026 round instead? I’ve worked really hard to get this interview, so I’m hoping there’s some flexibility.

Would really appreciate any insights or advice. Thanks so much in advance!

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from McKinsey!

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

First of all, I would strongly advise you to inform your recruiter as soon as possible, explain your situation briefly and clearly, and ask kindly for a postponement - being sick and unable to speak is a fully valid reason.
Moreover, McKinsey is usually understanding in these cases, even in smaller offices. If there’s no flexibility in this cycle, they might suggest moving you to the next one, but it’s very unlikely they would just remove you from the process without discussion.
Lastly, I would advise you to not try to power through the interview while being unwell - that could hurt your performance and outcome more than a short delay would.

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 interviews, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi! congrats on the interview and sorry that you're unwell. You have a genuine reason and can of course ask them - if you don't ask, there's no way to know.

If at all they don't have flexibility, the most they will do is make you aware of it. But firms are really quite accomodating wherever they can be, and your interview invite is a sign that they are hoping you can get through the process and actually join them. Don't worry!

Answer 3

Hi there!

Sorry to hear that you're feeling unwell.

Don't be worried about it. You should communicate it to them, and communicate also your concern. They are flexible and understanding about these things.

Wishing you a quick recovery!
Best,
Cristian

Answer 4

Hi there,

You have a very valid reason to ask for a few days postponement. Usually recruiting team would understand and can help to get some flexibility for such legit reason.

Just ask nicely (consider providing doctor's diagnosis if you have). You won't have any upside if you don't ask.

Get well soon!

Best,

Emily

Answer 5

Hi there,

McKinsey is usually flexible with rescheduling if you have a valid reason like illness. The best approach is to email your recruiter as soon as possible, explain that you’re unwell and wouldn’t be able to perform at your best, and politely ask if it’s possible to reschedule. They won’t automatically drop you for this. It’s better to request a postponement than try to push through while sick. Depending on timing, they may be able to slot you later in the current cycle or, if not, defer you to the next one.

Answer 6

Hey there :)

It’s completely fine to ask for a postponement due to illness, just be honest and polite. McKinsey understands that candidates can’t perform well when sick, and Nordic offices usually try to accommodate rather than drop someone immediately. When you write, briefly explain your situation, express your strong interest, and ask if it’s possible to reschedule within the current cycle or, if needed, defer to the next one. Most likely, they’ll offer a new date rather than removing you.

best,
Alessa :)

Answer 7

Usually is not a problem. If it is, they will let you know. Go and ask them!

Answer 8

Hi,

Just ask for the postponement. Recruiters are humans too and they know unfortunate events happen. I have shifted out interviews before myself.

Don't worry too much about it. What's more important is that you are feeling your best when attempting the interview.

All the best!

Answer 9

Hi,

in general this should not be a problem and you are not the first person this happened to. So just inform them as fast as possible and they will usually be very understanding.

Good luck!
Lukas