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How McKinsey referral and specific applications work?

Hey, I am interested in a specific analyst role as part of a team at a local McKinsey solutions practice. This role only appears occasionally, unlike the year-round business analyst positions. While it is my preferred role, I am open to other roles including the generalist analyst position that is open to apply to year-round. (I am an experienced hire).

1, would it be better to wait until the specific analyst role opens up (my preferred role) and then apply? Or to send out an application now for the generalist year-round position? Is there any part of the application that allows you to make note of the fact that you prefer a specific role and am willing to wait for if that application opens up?

2, how would referrals work in this situation? I have a peer who is willing to refer me, and my understanding is that referred candidates are provided a specific link to apply through. Would I wait until the specific analyst position opens up to ask for a referral or am I able to receive a referral, hold onto that referral, and then apply to the specific preferred analyst position whenever it opens up?

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Beste Antwort
am 8. Feb. 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Let me take your questions one by one:

1, would it be better to wait until the specific analyst role opens up (my preferred role) and then apply? Or to send out an application now for the generalist year-round position? Is there any part of the application that allows you to make note of the fact that you prefer a specific role and am willing to wait for if that application opens up?

If you have a strong preference for the specific analyst role, then you should rather wait. Even better than that, try reaching out to the HR in your target office and ask them whether they are currently recruiting for that role or planning to do so in the future. This will also help you to start developing a relationship with them. 

There's no part of the application where you can note that you prefer to wait until applications open up for another role.

2, how would referrals work in this situation? I have a peer who is willing to refer me, and my understanding is that referred candidates are provided a specific link to apply through. Would I wait until the specific analyst position opens up to ask for a referral or am I able to receive a referral, hold onto that referral, and then apply to the specific preferred analyst position whenever it opens up?

Yes, if for your specific office it works this way, you should rather wait for the referral and then apply. So basically in your situation I'd rather try to understand from HR whether they are recruiting for the role even if it's not posted on the website. Then based on this decide on which role you want to apply. Ask your friend for a referral and then apply. And in the meantime, apply to many other firms and get ready for the actual interviews. 

Best of luck!
Cristian

Anonym A
am 8. Feb. 2023
Thanks for the response, where do folks generally reach out to the local HR? On LinkedIn? I ask because the only contact I find online is the generic contact-us type emails or an automated form to fill out.
am 9. Feb. 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach
Hi there! Yes - LinkedIn is a good option if you don't have a personal email address. I would try the general one first though and if you don't get an answer within a week, then try via LinkedIn
Hagen
Coach
am 8. Feb. 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • If you are open to both the specialized and generalist analyst position, I would advise you to apply for the generalist analyst position now, and mention in your cover letter that you are even more interested in the specialized analyst role and are willing to wait for it to become available.
  • If not, however, I would advise you to reach out to the recruiter and ask about the next intake for the specialized analyst position.
  • The referral process at McKinsey varies by region and country. I would advise you to reach out to your peer directly to find out about it.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Anonym A
am 8. Feb. 2023
Thanks! How are people generally finding who the local recruiter is? Through LinkedIn?
Hagen
Coach
am 8. Feb. 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
I would advise you to first refer to the recruiting website, then the job description, and only then use LinkedIn (especially given information might be outdated there).
Ian
Coach
am 9. Feb. 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Networking works by answering the exact questions you have here!

You need to ask your referer about the roles that are available and what makes the most sense given your situation. Then, once they decide to refer you, just follow their guidance (they will tell you if there is a link or not).

You are overcomplicating this! Get talking to people at the firm to better understand the exact nuances in their offices. This is why you're networking in the first place :)

Florian
Coach
am 8. Feb. 2023
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

  1. This depends on how long you want to wait and deal with ambiguity. What if the position is not coming online for a couple more months? Would that be okay? If yes, then wait. If not, then start the process now and discuss with HR once you get further.
  2. Depends on the office and is not the same globally. Generally, I would only get the referral once you start the process (regardless of the position). 

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Anonym A
am 8. Feb. 2023
Thank you, do you know how people generally find out who the local HR is?
Udayan
Coach
am 9. Feb. 2023
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

The short answer is - wait for the role to open up and then ask your peer to refer you once it does.

 

Best,

Udayan

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