Applying to McKinsey DACH (Germany)

Hi there,

Congrats on the internship at a top-tier firm! Make sure to focus on getting that return offer.

1. In the current environment, is it recommended to apply now for their next deadline (End of August), or wait to apply in 2024.

If you are an intern, I'm assuming that means you are in university, correct?

With this assumption, you should always recruit via your schools official recruiting timelines.

To work full-time, via school recruiting, you have to apply during their deadlines. My understanding is for next year FT, you do have to apply during this summer.

If you wait to apply in 2024 you will no longer be at university and will not have advantage of the university recruiting channel.

I am making some assumptions here, but double-check with your university.

If you apply via university channels now, and do not get invited, you can still apply via non-university channels in 2024 (the ban period would likely not apply).

2. Last time I had applied with a referral from a recruiter, that I got after attending a flagship event (failed 1st round interview though). Should I try and get another referral, or am I already enough on their radar?

Excellent work! Yes, for every application you should aim for a referral. Try for the same person!

3. Last time I kind of bombed Imbellus / Solve. Can I retake it (was rejected in October). Also, how important is it in Germany?

You should be able to but it depends. It is important. You can always ask.

That said, you bombed it but were still invited to interview, yes? So, your profile/application overall was still strong.

Hi there,

1) In the current environment, is it recommended to apply now for their next deadline (End of August), or wait to apply in 2024.

It depends on the timeline you have / when you plan to finish your current internship / when your current ban with McKinsey ends.

2) Last time I had applied with a referral from a recruiter, that I got after attending a flagship event (failed 1st round interview though). Should I try and get another referral, or am I already enough on their radar?

I would recommend to look for another referral.

3) Last time I kind of bombed Imbellus / Solve. Can I retake it (was rejected in October). Also, how important is it in Germany?

The score should last one year, after which you will have to take it gain. They should evaluate the score together with your application material.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there, 

Congrats on the current internship and on the clarity of your plan!

Let me take your questions one by one.

1. In the current environment, is it recommended to apply now for their next deadline (End of August), or wait to apply in 2024.

Always apply as early as you can (assuming you are at least semi-prepared for the interviews). Even when it doesn't work out, you will have still learned a lot from the experience. Plus, since you're already doing an internship in MBB, it's almost guaranteed that you'll pass screening at McK.

2. Last time I had applied with a referral from a recruiter, that I got after attending a flagship event (failed 1st round interview though). Should I try and get another referral, or am I already enough on their radar?

Yes, try to get another referral. That should increase your chances even further. You can leverage the following guide to do that: 

• Your Guide to Consulting Coffee Chats

3. Last time I kind of bombed Imbellus / Solve. Can I retake it (was rejected in October). Also, how important is it in Germany?

Sorry to hear. Check with the recruiter if you can re-take it. Basically, the usual process is that you can re-take it if a year has passed since the last time (so for you it's rather tight). It's important in Germany as it's important everywhere. They will judge your result together with your CV in order to decide whether to pass you to the first round (so make sure that your CV, and potentially Cover Letter are as polished as possible). 

Best,
Cristian

Hello,

To answer your questions:

1. In the current environment, is it recommended to apply now for their next deadline (End of August), or wait to apply in 2024.

Your choice! Personally, I think there's little reward to trying to game recruiting timelines in this way. It's just not easy to tell whether hiring will be faster, slower, or the same in 2024. I usually advise candidates to apply as soon as they feel ready.

2. Last time I had applied with a referral from a recruiter, that I got after attending a flagship event (failed 1st round interview though). Should I try and get another referral, or am I already enough on their radar?

Definitely try to get another referral if you can! It's the best thing you can do to maximize your chances of getting an interview.

3. Last time I kind of bombed Imbellus / Solve. Can I retake it (was rejected in October). Also, how important is it in Germany?

If your ban period is over and you can apply again, I'm pretty sure you just retake the test. Imbellus/Solve is one of the things they will evaluate (alongside your CV, resume, referral, and transcript) when they consider inviting you for an interview, but beyond that it bears little weight.