Why don't I get invited to case interviews?

Question

Please, I need your help!

I have sent out applications and only received rejections so far, I didn't even make it to the first rounds of interviews and I have no idea why!

I studied business administration and graduated with a above average GPA, I did 4 internships (1 in consulting), did an ERASMUS semester, volunteer work...

Do you have any idea what the problem is?? It is so frustrating because I have known for a long time that I want to work as a consultant and have tailored my resumé according to that :(

Answer 1

Hey Anonymuous,

I will try to give you a small checklist, but there could be numeruous reasons why your CV did not make the cut, and we can only guess.

1) Make sure you are well rounded (GPA, schools, extracuriculars, sport) BUT you need to have a SPIKE - you need to stand out, especially for MBB

2) CV - 1 page per decade of experience (Laszlo Bock Google)

3) Wording focused on your impact not your position - e.g. for your internship at a consulting company, DO NOT say "I worked on 3 projects as an analyst for 3 months", BUT instead say "I worked on several projects, notably I found a way to estimate how to pack more eskimos into a minivan" - shows your personal and unique impact and distinguishes you from other people interning at the same consulting company

4) I am McKinsey biased (as an alumn) but throughout your CV and Cover Letter, cover all of these - a) personal impact (creativity coupled with team work, b) enterpreneurial drive (what have you created, done differently), c) problem solving skills (you get that), d) leaderships abilities (no need to lead team of 50+, solving interpersonal situation or other is enough)

Hope this helps a bit,

Jakub

Answer 2

Dear A,

In general, it's hard to say what is the specific reason. Maybe you could simply send your CV across to me, I will have a look and get beck to you.

Best,
André

Answer 3

Hey, I recently got an offer at Mckinsey. I'll be happy to give you my two cents and do some prep to help you out. Sh... (read entire answer)

Hey, I recently got an offer at Mckinsey. I'll be happy to give you my two cents and do some prep to help you out. Share your profile so I can dm you. Cheers