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McKinsey ban or blacklist

During a recent McKinsey coffee chat, a candidate asked about the possibility of a blacklist or ban period for those who didn't succeed during recruitment. The HR representative mentioned that there isn't a blacklist or ban, and that they consider reapplicants. Can anyone clarify what this means in practice? How does McKinsey typically view reapplicants?

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Florian
Coach
bearbeitet am 19. Aug. 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Bans

Depends a bit on the office/region. 

In some countries, actual bans including the associated period are communicated after the interview (usually 12-24 months).

If no ban period is communicated, you can re-apply without waiting for a specific period. However, it makes sense to wait at least a year to be able to show significant improvements on your resume.

Lastly, if your performance was very good but just not enough, you might be asked to re-apply after 6 months of the final interview.

In all cases, you should show improvements on your resume (academia, professional experience, leadership experience, time spent abroad).

Blacklist

Afaik this occurs rarely and mainly if something odd happens during the recruiting process (e.g., unethical behavior during recruiting and interviewing, annoying several McK staff with excessive networking attempts).

Cheers,

Florian

Anonym A
am 19. Aug. 2024
Is it possible that in some regions or offices, due to a limited talent pool, there is no ban period, allowing candidates who were previously invited to interview to reapply at any time?
Florian
Coach
am 19. Aug. 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
Not that I am aware of, unfortunately.
am 23. Aug. 2024
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

What it means is that you are not permanently prohibited from applying again.

But normally there is a waiting time before you can apply again.

All the best!

Alberto
Coach
am 28. Aug. 2024
Ex-McKinsey AP | +13 yrs hiring top talent | I help you think, speak & perform like a real consultant (95% success)

If you don't pass the screening and get the invite to the game, you are not banned. You can apply to other offices as long as you can justify the move (e.g., you were born there, studied there, have relatives there, etc.).

am 19. Aug. 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Can anyone clarify what this means in practice? How does McKinsey typically view reapplicants? 

In some rejection emails from McKinsey, they explicitly ask to wait a certain period of time (usually 12-18 months) before reapplying. As a consequence, there is a ban period to satisfy in those cases.

I am personally not aware of cases where there is no ban period (and it would not make much sense for a company to reconsider you immediately after a rejection). If you don’t get specific information on the ban period, you might want to ask someone internally (ideally the person who referred you, if present) what is the recommended waiting period to apply again.

It is unlikely to be blacklisted after an application, unless you have done something unethical during the application process (e.g. lying about your credentials).

Good luck!

Francesco

Pedro
Coach
am 19. Aug. 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

If you fail to succeed on your application, you will usually not be considered again for an application in the next 12 or maybe 18 months. If you think about it, this is quite acceptable - a company after having had considered (and rejected) your application doesn't want to have to review your application again in the short term.

In their case, they also want to make sure you had the time to improve your CV or your case interview skills.

Hagen
Coach
am 24. März 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • First of all, it simply means that the ban period isn't forever, but typically 12-18 months.
  • Moreover, as far as I know, permanent blacklisting only happens when a candidate seriously breaches a consulting firm's code of conduct.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

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

Best,

Hagen

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