1. I would apply now where you will probably have 1-2 months of preparation, assuming you are invited for interviews. Unemployment of 3-4 months, although depending on country/culture, is not a massive deal-breaker but you also don't want to risk that becoming much longer

2. This is highly dependent on the firm, office, and role but typically you should expect to be invited for an interview within a month or two after applying as you would be an off-cycle candidate

3. I would never tell your interviewer that you did case preparation full-time. I am sure you did many interesting and meaningful things during the same period which is what I would bring up

4. Considering you are not working or studying right now, I would avoid being tactical and just apply where there are opportunities. It really depends on your profile but if it's a strong one then applying and interviewing at each of the MBBs will already be very time consuming but it never hurts to have fall back options too

5. I would start sending out your CV/applications ASAP, especially considering your financial situation and the preparation you have done in the past. Especially at an entry-level, consultancies will find it peculiar that you have not found employement after your studies, even if it was intended. I understand the temptation of finding the optimal timing to increase your chances of getting your dream job but you're also not doing yourself a service by delaying the start/building your career

Good luck!

Hi A,

1) I d apply now. Asap. For both MBB and non-MBB firms where you could see yourself as well as for practice purposes. No upside in waiting. Will take time anyhow to get referrals and get invitations on the calendar. Enough leeway to push back the actual interviews at MBB.

2) Depends heavily on what company / office we are talking about. I ve seen candidates recently wait for as long as 3-4 weeks to get notified whether invitation is extended or not.

3) Valid point. Make sure you have some umbrella activity in your CV (go find some part-time NGO work or do sth social, be a freelancer for a start-up etc). Shouldnt be too difficult. If your prep is short enough, perhaps you wont need this. Sounds like 4-6 weeks of prep at most should be fine for you. Networking / referrals is not sth you can accelerate - so start asap.

4). Get all interviews onto the calendar, last interviews being your favorite firms. Receiving offers along the way should be positive because that decreases your stress going into the important interviews. Ask for deadline extensions on extended offers. Also possible to get out of already signed offers using lawyers (however I discourage you from doing that since this will certainly burn bridges and the industry is still overseeable). Tell them a reasonable story on why you need more time (e.g. talk with your Significant Other etc.). Timing is all, ideally you have all interviews in a 2-4 weeks window.

5) If you are fine without a coach - go for it - didnt use a coach either back when I was recruiting for full-time at MBB 7 years ago, however, getting a coach at the end of your prep (as Henning pointed out), may be a good investment and certainly worth the return.

Best,
Denis

Hi there,

1) I would start networking ASAP. At any point that you get put in touch with HR or get a referral, apply. If networking doesn't bear fruit, I would "mass apply" within the next month.

2) Could be less than a week, but generally takes a few weeks. Could take up to a few months.

3) You need a better story. Tell them you actively decided to take time off (i.e. this was a choice). You've pushed hard for many years and wanted to take the opportunity to do x. Now, you're ready to jump back in

4) Yes, in a sense. No need to go through the process one-by-one. Apply as soon as you have done the appropriate networking

5) This is fine! We're here to help :)

Hi

I would like only to add few thoughts about your concerns. I recommend applying before feeling ready. The time from application to 1st round in this period can last up to 2 months and I can guarantee it is quite frustrating to be ready with cases but do not have interviews

Best
Antonello

A short & quick answer building on what Henning has provided...just go for it now! Apply to a few places. You want options going in parallel and not put all hopes on one or two firms. In addition, believe in yourself & your plan. I sense a lot of anxiety reading your question. You have done plenty of practice in the past so there will be residual muscle memory and it will come back to you with some refresher & few case practices.

Dont worry about the outcome yet or getting locked in Tier 2 firm. This is all speculation and your imagination. You cant predict the future. Focus on giving your best & preparing holistically. Take it one step at a time, one interview at a time.

All the best!

Hi there,

I agree with the opinion that it’s better to apply before feeling ready. The application timeline to the 1st round usually varies from 2 weeks up to 2 months, so it’s better to start sending out your CV ASAP.

Hope it was helpful,

GB

Hello!

To add on top of what has been said and not be repetitive: I would not actually be unemployed just dedicating my time and hopes to getting into MBB. It´s so competitive and many things can go wrong, and I think it´s too much of a bet.

I would combine my prep with something else, so in the case that it goes wrong, there is something I am left with.

Cheers,

Clara