Re-applying to MBB Milan after CV rejection: how does the cooling-off work?

Question

Hi everyone,

Back in January 2025 I applied for an entry-level role (Business Analyst/Associate) at all three MBB firms for the Milanoffice and was rejected during the CV screening stage at each firm.

Since then I have:

Added 2 months in Group Strategy at a top-tier European insurer (current role).
Completed a 3-month internship in EY Consulting (2023).
Earned a 110/110 cum laude bachelor’s degree (Italy) and a top-tier European Master in Management with a 3.7 GPA.
Total professional experience: 18+ months (no all strategy-relevant and fragmented).

I’m now debating whether to re-apply this month or wait.

My questions

Cooling-off counter – Does the 6-to-12-month ban restart if I submit a new application now, or is the countdown tied to the date of my last rejection?
Timing – Given that it’s been ~7 months since the January rejection, would you advise applying again now or waiting the full 12 months?
Profile fit – With the new strategy experience, do I now meet MBB’s bar for Milan FS/Generalist entry roles?
Market conditions – Has graduate hiring in Milan/Europe picked up for 2025-26, or are firms still over-staffed and selective?
Application windows – Any insight on upcoming MBB Milan deadlines for 2025 graduates?

Any first-hand experience with recent Milan re-applications—or clarity on whether an early re-application resets the ban—would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Not entirely sure all the dates add up (you mentioned applying in Jan 2025, but it sounds like you’ve since earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, plus completed multiple internships?).

If you did apply earlier this year and have since been admitted to a new master’s and gained additional relevant experience, I’d recommend reaching out to HR directly to clarify your reapplication eligibility.

That said, if timing isn’t critical (for example, if you’ll still have time for internships or other experience later in your program), I’d personally suggest waiting at least 12 months from your last application before reapplying.

Cheers,

Kevin

Answer 2

Good job on not only keeping up your spirits, but also working to improve your profile.

Let me try and simplify the situation.

First of all, you should clarify with the recruiters from each firm, whether you can reapply earlier, and if not now, then when you can reapply. Then apply at the earliest time they allow for it.

Second of all, you have a good range of experiences. So do other candidates. What often makes the difference is not so much the past experience, but how effective is the CV at articulating it. This is where lots of candidates fail, and why many choose to get a professional review of their CV. Feel free to reach out to me about this and I can walk you through the process.

Third of all, make sure that you not only apply to the MBBs, but to multiple firms. Luck also plays a part in the process, so it's good to diversify this portfolio of applications. You are likely to find this guide useful:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Keep me posted and feel free to reach out with questions!
Cristian

Answer 3

Hello! First of all, thank you for sharing your story and sorry it didn’t work out the first time you applied. Don’t worry as it’s completely normal and I love you have the perseverance to keep on trying, you’ll get it!!!

I agree with the other coaches - I would wait. From what I’ve seen across MBB and offices, the period is typically 2 years (I.e., you would reapply in January 2027), unless they reject you with a “see you later” message which is an implicit invitation to apply in 1 year rather than 2.

The more you are closer to the 2 year mark, the stronger your story will be, I promise you!

Answer 4

Hi there,

the typical ban period is between 12-18 months. You will definitely have to show development on your CV when you re-apply (which it sounds like you have already achieved). However, your last rejection has only been 7 months ago. I would not just re-apply at this point since it can be viewed quite negatively if candidates just "ignore" the ban period. You could reach out to the recruiter instead to find out when they would appreciate a new application from you.

Best of luck

Answer 5

The cool-off period is normally 12 months for McK in Europe.

I’d strongly recommend reaching out to a recruiter in the Milan office and seeing if you can have a chat with them.

They do sometimes make exceptions, and can clarify the latest recruiting situation.