Rescheduling interview

Question

Hi everyone,

I had to postpone my McKinsey Junior Associate interview today because I was admitted with pneumonia. I had applied for the September 2025 deadline, and my interviews were supposed to happen in October. The interesting part is that this smaller McKinsey office (around 100 people) holds both interview rounds on the same day and gives final decisions and offers that same evening.

Now, I’ve noticed that McKinsey has another Junior Associate posting with a November 2, 2025 deadline. Does this mean there are two main recruiting rounds per year (fall and spring)? Or is the November posting just an extension of the same fall process?

Also, does anyone know when the interviews are typically held for the November cycle — is it usually early in the new year (January–March)? I haven't heard back from McKinsey about the new interview date yet so I am curious when I will get a new date or if I will get a new date at all.

Since I postponed my interviews due to illness, I’m wondering whether I’ll be automatically deferred to the November cycle or if I’ll need to reapply and start the whole process from scratch again with sending my resume/transcripts, getting new referrals and doing the Solve again. I hope that I don't have to start the whole process from zero again

Would really appreciate insights from anyone familiar with McKinsey recruiting timelines in smaller offices.

Answer 1

Hi there,

so sorry to hear and wishing you a speedy recovery! First, don’t worry, postponing due to illness won’t negatively affect your chances. Recruiters are usually very understanding in these situations, especially when you notify them early and have a valid medical reason.

To your questions:

1. September vs. November postings:
The November posting is most likely an extension of the same fall recruiting cycle rather than a completely separate round. Smaller offices often reopen or extend applications to fill remaining interview slots or to align with other regional timelines.

2. Interview timing:
If you’re moved to the November deadline group, interviews usually take place a few weeks after applications close; typically between late November and February, depending on interviewer availability.

3. Whether you’ll need to reapply:
In most cases, you won’t need to restart from scratch. Since you already passed the screening and Solve stage, recruiting will normally reschedule you into the next available interview window. You don’t need new referrals or to retake Solve unless your recruiter explicitly says so.

I’d recommend emailing your recruiter again in a few days with a short, polite note simply asking whether you’ll be rescheduled within the current cycle or the next one. My opinion: You’re still in the process - it’s just paused, not reset. Once you’ve recovered, they’ll find a new date that fits.