What next after Solve in McK?

Question

I’m an experienced Project Manager currently exploring a transition into consulting, specifically within McKinsey’s Operations Practice. I recently applied for an Associate role through their careers portal, targeting the Middle East office.

I was invited to complete the McKinsey Solve assessment, which I did within a week. However, since I applied directly via the portal, I’m unclear on what happens next. I haven’t received any further communication, and I’m not sure which office is processing my application or who the recruiter contact is.

Has anyone navigated a similar situation? Any tips on how to follow up or get visibility into the status of the application? Would appreciate any insights or suggestions on how to proceed from here.

Answer 1

Hey!

You will need to wait for a response. It might take a couple of weeks or more, but you will be contacted about the outcome of your Solve test.

Meanwhile, you should proactively start preparing for cases and PEI (if you haven’t already) because the process can move quickly if you’re invited to interview.

Happy to chat.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Congrats on being invited to Solve!

Basically, once you do Solve they will assess your CV, cover letter and referral (if applicable) in depth. They will then decide whether to invite you to the interview.

Typically, the interviews are organised in two rounds, each with two interviews. Each interview has a case component and a fit component.

Once you are invited to the interviews, the recruiter will explain everything in more detail.

My recommendation is that since you are interested in this transition that you apply to multiple firms, not only McKinsey. This broader strategy is best, especially under the current recruiting climate. I explain it in more detail here:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Hello there,

You can reach out to an HR rep of ME through LinkedIn (some of them have their email available) to understand the timeline for that position.

Usually it takes something like 2 - 4 weeks. Take this time to prepare for case and behavioral interviews. If you're unsure on how to start, feel free to DM me for a recommendation.

Best,

Mari

Answer 4

Well done on completing the McKinsey Solve assessment, Shree—that’s a solid step forward.

It’s normal not to hear back immediately, especially when applying directly through the portal. If your Solve results and profile align with the role, a recruiter (likely from the Middle East office) will typically reach out within 1–3 weeks to move you forward.

Since it’s been a while, it’s perfectly fine to follow up. You can either:

Reply to the original Solve invitation email if available
Or contact McKinsey Middle East recruiting through their website or LinkedIn

Keep it brief and professional. For example:
“Hi, I recently completed the Solve assessment for the Associate role in the Middle East office and wanted to check on my application status. I remain very interested in contributing through the Operations Practice.”

If you have any connections at McKinsey, now’s a good time to reach out—they might be able to guide your application to the right person.

You’re on the right track, feel free to reach out if you need any further advice - happy to help!

Best,

Evelina

Answer 5

Hi there, This is absolutely not true. The timing of the call doesn’t indicate the outcome of your application. I can... (read entire answer)

Hi there, This is absolutely not true. The timing of the call doesn’t indicate the outcome of your application. I can tell you that the past week, McKinsey Middle East has been... (read entire answer)

Answer 6

McKinsey, like many firms, often has specific eligibility criteria for their internship programs, including graduatio... (read entire answer)

McKinsey, like many firms, often has specific eligibility criteria for their internship programs, including graduation dates. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean your applica... (read entire answer)