Received a "Keep in Touch" email right after my 1st interview. Could it be an automated rejection or just a system coincidence?

Question

I just finished my first-round interview and have a second one pending. Shortly after the interview, I received a "Keep in Touch" email.

I was previously enrolled in the "A Place for You – Women" initiative, but that program actually concluded last week. Since the initiative is over, I am worried that this email isn't related to that program, but rather a sign that my first-round interview didn't go well and the upcoming second round might be at risk.

Does McKinsey send these "Keep in Touch" emails as a standard automated follow-up to candidates in the pipeline, or could this be a delayed notification from the finished program? I’m trying to figure out if I should stay optimistic for my next round or if this is a subtle "soft rejection."

Answer 1

Hi,

If it were a rejection email, it would usually be quite clear that they are referring to the interview process. Since, from what I understand, that does not seem to be the case here, it is probably related to the A Place For You program instead.

In this situation, the best thing to do is simply send a short email to your recruiting contact to clarify the situation directly. There's no risk.

Hope it helps.
Franco