Rejected after McK Final Round. Can I apply elsewhere?

Hi there, 

I completely agree with other coaches, that making it to the 2nd round is a great success, less than 8-10% of the applicants get here!

You have plenty of options:
1. Try yet once again to MBB same position after the period of time (6-12 months)
2. Try a lower position (e.g. Internship) at MBB, when performing well you have a great chance to extend to full time position 
3. 2nd tier consulting → very likely you will pass the interviews
4. Any other fancy Industry job (tech, etc.)
5. Anything else
 

For the step 1 and 2, I would recommend: 

1. Ask for feedback on all your interviews, what are the areas you should improve

2. Recall what type of cases you are not as strong & benchmark vs. feedback

2. Get a coach to help you with the are that came as weak 

3. Practice, drill!

Good luck!

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Hi there,

Sorry to hear! Looks like you did well though getting to the final round, which is a great starting point for pursuing alternatives.

As you already pointed out, visa can be a key issue. Setting that aside for a moment, all ME offices for Bain/BCG and Tier 2 firms should be interesting.

Regarding your undergrad + work experience, it's hard to tell how competitive you are for junior roles (you'll be looking at roles equivalent to McKinsey Business/Location Analyst). This will come down to school/grades and employer/role, etc. as well as impressive extra-curriculars.

Might be worth scheduling a session with a coach that can help you work through this and get your application documents in tip top shape!

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Dear candidate,

please do not worry at all. Since you have made it to the final round, you made it far. Consider all other MBB and next tier firms. Surely you will find a place. Once you decided where to apply to, network first and only send your application afterwards, if you can, to advance your chances also take a moment (if you have) to grow and learn from your experience. Not saying that there is anything in particular you need to do better, making it to the final round is already really good, but it is just great to add some extra practise and be even more ready for the next interviews.

Best regards,

Charlotte

Hi there,

Of course you can! You can apply for any company (except McKinsey)!

1 - Network extensively and keep the doors open. Apply anywhere that looks interesting. Google consulting firms and just go down the list! You need to reach out and network with people beforehand to see what's available to you

2- For entry level, it's “enough” as long as you have good grades, a good degree, and a strong resume. Make your resume as good as possible, network, and get more experiences! Given McKinsey interviewed you, it sounds like you have “enough” experience.

In order to do better in the interview next time around, read the following:

Case: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

Fit: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

Hello There, 

1. Consulting activity in the ME region is at its peak and all the consulting firms (Tier 1 and 2) are in a hiring mode to meet the demand. You should network with current employees and explore your options in all the big name firms (not just OW)

2. Yes, for an entry level position. 

Happy to connect offline if you have any specific questions about the firms in the Middle East

Good luck. 

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the rejection. In terms of your questions:

1- Which consulting firms should I apply to and where? (Depending upon who would be open for visa sponsorship etc.) I am considering Oliver Wyman's Middle East offices.

You will need to do your own research on what is interesting to you in terms of firms. If you target prestige, the immediate names are BCG, Bain, OW, Kearney, Strategy&, RB. There are several other firms you may target such as SK, ADL, Delta Partners. You should apply where you can get (i) working visa and (ii) satisfy language requirements.

2- I currently have a bachelor's degree plus 1.5 years of work experience in a full-time role. Is this something that would be enough?

If you passed the CV screening with McK, your CV is good enough for the others as well, so far that you satisfy the points in 1.

I would also recommend to find referrals to increase your chances. You can find some tips here:

▶ https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/networking-as-part-of-the-management-consulting-preparation-process

You can also check here recent trends in consulting that may be useful to select a firm:

▶ https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/consulting-industry-trends-2022

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi,

as others have mentioned, having reached final round with one of the top consulting firms is a testament of your capabilities and level of preparation. At times, the level of business need for hiring in certain domestic offices and inflow of applications can make the process easier/more difficult.

1. Do not fret, there are many other consulting firms you can still apply to. Beyond the MBB realm, PWC, EY, Delta Partners, Oliver Wyman are great firms to work for in the Middle East. They have the right scale to support (almost hand hold…) clients on strategy projects. If you have any connections, please use them for a referral, makes the process often much quicker and easier at the start

2. Your background secured you an interview with McK, this should be more than sufficient for an entry role at the above firms. In fact, state you have some industry experience, goes a long way during the hiring process.

Best of luck with the process!

Hi,

Re 1: given your profile got you invited to McK, chances are it's suitable for other major consulting firms too. If Middle East (esp Dubai) is an option, can consider BCG, Bain, OW, Kearney, Strategy&, Deloitte Monitor and alike. Visa there is usually not a major issue, once recruiting process is successful

Re 2: that's absolutely fine and in line with expected criteria for typical entry / junior level positions across the firms mentioned.

Regards, 

Andi

Hey

The Middle East is actively recruiting so would heavily advise. Also, what cases were you faced with for MCK Final Round?