It's happened to me. Only major difference was I applied outside of the normal timeline since I was an experienced hier. Result was the same though, "we love you but can't bring you in this year; can you wait a year? Oh, and let us know if anything changes".

Next step:

- First, you thank them profusely, and you say that of course, you'll spend another year of your life in limbo just for the chance to work for them in the future

- Second, you try hard to get an offer with the other 2. This is what they mean by "let us know if anything changes". So if ATK, Strategy& or Deloitte offers you a position, they won't care - but if Bain or BCG does, then McK will be more likely to jump and extend you a firm offer faster than expected

In my case, they called me back ~6 months later with a firm (written) offer, for a starting time 3 months after that (but over a year after I had first applied). So I ended up waiting ~9 months vs. the 12 they had indicated at first.

For now, I think you can treat this verbal offer as nearly certain. Try to use the coming year as best you can, getting some new life and/or professional experiences. Congratulations; I can't wait to officially welcome you to the MBB family :)

PS: Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss more, I remember how painful the wait was

(editiert)

what is your office, Anonymous A?

Hi,

1. Exactly what they told you - they don't have enough projects
2. Quite rare, but may happen in certain offices / companies
3. Do what they tell you / apply for other MBB companies / apply to other countries where you can legally work

Best

Question - which office were you interviewing for?

Can you ask to apply/do the final round in a different office?