Hi there,

I actually have a few other thoughts. First and foremost, I think your questions are great. You should trust your instincts here and be inquisitive, thoughtful, polite, and personable.

1. Please don't try to get 2-3 calls out of this individual. They're extremely busy and you're going to annoy them/burn the bridge. You get the one call, that's it (sorry)
2. To ask for a referral, basically say the following at the end of the say "Thank you so much for your time, I know how busy you are. You've really solidified my thinking that this would be a fantastic place for me and I'm excited to submit my application in the near future. Do you happen to have any tips for me as I embark on this process?"
3. Don't forget to have your "Resume Walkthrough", "Why Consulting" and "Why McKinsey" short pitches ready...the Partner may ask!

Good luck with the call!

Hey there,

I would not ask for more calls. Sr. Partners calendars are usually triple-booked for every given time slot of the day, so giving you the time already once is quite a stretch. Be prepared that the call gets cancelled on short notice.

I would keep your questions honest about what you are actually interested in rather than trying to impress them by asking things you think sound interesting to them. Don't try too hard!

I like your questions 1 and 2. Question 3 sounds too rehearsed and almost like an internal expert call; question 4 is something that can be discussed with HR or more junior consultants, who are also much closer to the topic than someone who is not involved in early-stage training and that passed through all this training 20 years ago.

You could also ask about how the work and travel changed pre-COVID vs. now and what their outlook is on the future regarding these things.

Other than that, prepare for

• Why consulting
• Why McKinsey --> keep highlighting this aspect throughout the call
• Resume walkthrough (most important steps only)
• Skill match previous experience <> McKinsey consultant

Get the referral within the call and then apply.

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Florian

Definitely don't try for more calls. This is your one call. Consider yourself lucky because it is very difficult for most BAs/Asc within McKinsey to internally get 10-15m calls with Senior Partners. 

You're likely going to get 10-15 minutes. I'd say incorporate the changes others have recommended and just give off a great vibe. Ask for the referral indirectly in the end using the line Ian mentioned. You'll do great. 
 

The last thing is to remember that consulting isn't like finance - referrals don't go that far. They can help you get a interview but most people with decent resumes get interviews anyways. After that you're at square 0 again. So this isn't make / break. 

Hello!

Congrats, already having time with a senior partner is an achievement, they are usually double and triple booked!

There is no way you will cover all that, one would already be a victory. 

To close up, just thank them for their itme and express your interest in following his/her steps. They know you are after a referral and will let you know about the next steps

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara