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Rejected by MBB. Could I reapply to other countries?

I have been rejected by MBB. Is it possible to apply to MBB at other countries? I have heard several cases that candidates still received interview invitations after being rejected by the office in another country. 

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Deleted user
on Mar 06, 2022

Hi there! I would say, DEFINITELY. In my opinion, location matters a lot: in terms of the candidate requirements and the level of competition. For instance, here in Europe, MBB looks to recruit candidates from top schools as well, but these schools themselves are much larger and less selective, compared to Ivy Leage in the US, hence, through this combination of factors, the acceptance bar into consulting naturally becomes lower.

So my strategy would be not to give up, reapply to a different office and then relocate to your long-term office of choice. 

Best of luck!

9
Moritz
Coach
on Mar 05, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

Yes this is an option, but I'm not sure if it's a real strategy.

If you got rejected in country A, a location with a highly competitive candidate pool (US, Germany, UK, etc.), country B should be distinct regarding candidate pool i.e. not 100s of Harvard MBAs lining up to apply. However, this implies relocation to a completely different region.

In this case, country B can process your application despite the ban. However, they will only do so if you failed the interview in location A because of something minor. If the personal fit was poor, you'll have a hard time…

Hope this helps a little! Best of luck!

Florian
Coach
on Mar 07, 2022
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

For MBB, the recruiting bans are usually global, meaning that if you fail in one office, you will be banned for re-application for 12 to 24 months.

However, this period can be shortened by 

  • impressive improvements in your resume (e.g., career, education, extracurriculars, experience abroad)
  • excessive networking with senior leaders in the organization

All the best!

Florian

on Mar 05, 2022
Empathic coach, former McKinsey Engagement Manager |Secure offers from top consulting firms

It is mostly exceptional cases where this is possible, however simply consider starting out at a firm of a different tier. You can always switch to MBB later.

Ken
Coach
on Mar 05, 2022
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Generally speaking, you are not.  However, you're right that there are exceptions.  Best way is to just apply and find out.

Ian
Coach
on Mar 06, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Yes you can but the application ban period does apply universally.

So, if you were rejected by McKinsey in one office, you will need to wait around 12-18 months before you re-apply.

When you do, please make sure you've:

  1. Optimized your resume
  2. Optimized your cover letter
  3. Networked extensively and ideally gotten a referral
Pedro
Coach
on Mar 08, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Senior Coach | Principal | Recruiting Team Leader

That's a bit unlikely, but can happen after a few months (6 months) if you performed decently in your cases. But… unlikely.

I suggest instead targeting tier 2 companies rather than waiting for the end of the ban period.

on Mar 06, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I have been rejected by MBB. Is it possible to apply to MBB at other countries?

If you apply during the ban period to another office, it is possible to be rejected automatically due to the previous applications.

In your case, I would recommend to:

  • Wait at least 6 months before a new application
  • Look for a referral
  • Mention to the person referring you that you have applied before and align with him/her on the next steps. Possibly he/she may have an “informal” chat with HR and verify the options without the need for a formal application

You can find more on networking and referrals here:

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

Good luck!

Francesco

Sara
Coach
on Mar 06, 2022
Ex-McKinsey |Former McKinsey Interviewer|Tailored Interview Prep| 7 years Teaching Experience

Hi there, 

You can apply again in the same country in the 6 months. So just wait a bit!