Why is McKinsey taking so long to answer?

Question

About a month ago I went through my last interview at McKinsey. I followed up a couple of weeks later and, when they finally answered, they said they were trying to schedule a time with the partner who interviwed me to call me and that they would confirm when the time was scheduled. I haven't heard back for a week. Why might they be taking so long to call?

Answer 1

Hi,

I have never heard of a person taking a week for 5mins of feedback on your interview.

Thus please know it is a peculiar situation.

I don't want to be pessimistic, but the only reason that comes in my mind that could take them so long is because they actually want to reject you.

I'm so sorry and I truly hope I'm wrong, but my problem-solving is that when you interview a person and you truly like them, you call them straightforward to say "hey, welcome on board".

On the other side, if you are not sure or want to reject them, you don't really like to make that kind of call and maybe the partner that has to do that is procrastinating the moment.

That's only my 2 pence, totally hope I'm wrong.

Answer 2

Hi Anonymous,

Without knowing anything more than the short information provided, honestly it does not sound very promising. For sure, partners really have a lot of tasks on their plate, but never heard of such a long time span for scheduling a call and usually McKinsey takes recruiting very seriously ... however it seems that this task was really at the bottom of the to-do list, which looks a little bit that it costs only time for the partner without and upside potential of getting a good hire...

Anyways - that's just having a wild guess based on your description - just follow-up on your last call again and keep pushing, and we will see the final result, and maybe it will be better than expected!

Robert

Answer 3

Hi,

Most probably they'll reject you, but you should keep pushing them for feedback. Don't hesitate calling / e-mailing them

Best!

Answer 4

Hi,

Agree with previous answers, it doesn't seem like a good sign.

I would recommend to pass interviews at the other top consulting firms, if you have the opportunity.
First, you'll have a plan B, if Mckinsey get back to you with bad news.
Second, if your dream job is Mckinsey, you could use an offer from B/ B as a leverage that could outweigh Mckinsey's doubts or at least they might give you another chance to prove yourself (additional interview with Partner).

Best!
V.