Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with McKinsey thus far!

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

• First of all, it's not uncommon for feedback to take a bit longer than initially expected, especially lately where lead times have dramatically increased across the application process.
• Moreover, McKinsey typically evaluates candidates on an individual basis, focusing on whether you meet their expectations or not. However, it's not out of the question that they might be considering you for other offices if they feel you're a strong fit for the firm but there's limited availability in the initial office you applied for.
• Lastly, it's quite natural to feel impatient, especially after the final interview round. I would advise you to stay patient and hopeful until you hear back.

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

Best,

Hagen

Usually McK does not compare candidates but takes hire/turndown decision solely on your performance vs. the bar. Lack of responsiveness may be due to hiring velocity slowing down and HR checking how many more positions need to be filled. I keep my fingers crossed for you. Should you not receive the offer kindly ping me, I advise in middle east and might have a dream job for you ;-) Warm regards, Frederic 

Hi there,

Congrats on getting to the final round and fingers crossed for this one!

It's definitely possible that your application would be compared with the second batch.

Individual performance does matter a lot (of course), but, also, if they only have x slots available and x people are “better” than you, then you would likely miss out. Even so, it x-4 people are good enough, so they fall short of slots, if you didn't perform to standard, they still won't hire you. Make sense?

Ultimately, yes, nothing you can do right now and you just have to “wait.”

But, don't just sit there waiting! Networking with and apply to dozens and dozens of other firms!

Hi there,

It is perfectly normal that recruiting decisions take longer than initially estimated, especially in this part of the year when McKinsey is interviewing tons of new entry-level consultants. This is not a bad sign, it just happens when your recruiter has challenges gathering all your interviewers together for a decision.

McKinsey hiring decisions are taken on an individual basis. You either pass the interviews’ bar or not. However, there is typically a recruiting target to be achieved and in some exceptional cases, if your performance is not stellar, that might influence your hiring decision.

In the meanwhile, keep working on a broader application strategy with other firms and practicing for the final round interviews. Happy to keep talking about this in private, just send me a message.

Good luck!

Alberto

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Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

I fully get your impatience. 

I went through a similar situation because I waited for about 10 days after my final with McKinsey and I had refused all competing offers at that point -  so it was either this or nothing. 

In short, they could just be taking time because they haven't yet managed to get all your interviewers on a call to make a decision. 

OR

They could indeed be comparing you with other candidates. 

Yes, in principle, they take everybody who meets the mark. But in practice, especially in the current economic climate, they are more picky and since they have a lot of options they tend to compare more between candidates.

I hope you hear back from them soon. I know it can be quite stressful now, but it will pass. Stay strong ;)

Best,
Cristian

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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

In general, the first applies. You either pass the bar or you don't, even considering that the bar may move according to the number of candidates they want to hire.

But it is also possible that the second option (comparing you directly with other) may apply as well, particularly when there are not a lot of openings available.

These are guidelines, not fixed rules, i.e., in general you don't compare. Sometimes there are exceptions.