Hi there,

I coached a good number of candidates who were applying the second time to McKinsey. Please find my answers below:

1. It depends on what you mean by harder. They expect a certain level of progression compared to your previous application with evidence from your CV.
2. Some candidates can reapply earlier than 18 months, this is normally communicated by HR or the interviewers at the time of the rejection though. If that’s not the case and you applied through the system the first time, the only way I know people managed to get invitations within the ban period with an MBB was via a strong referral. But even with that, there are no guarantees it could work, and you should be transparent with the person referring you on your previous outcome.
3. You should show a significant progression in your career, and there is no need to do an MBA or change job for that. However, for certain types of jobs, it may be necessary if there is no space for sufficient growth.

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

1. It's not, but you have to demonstrate some progress (Career growth, New skills, Eduction, etc). Additionally applying via referral will have more chances
2. 18 months is enough to reapply in most cases. In some cases / offices the ban can be 2 years
3. The new job will not necessarily help. If you apply with <1 year in a new role it will show the lack of commitment. So It should be 1+ year with a new job, career growth with the new responsibilities (e.g. being promoted to the manager role and leading the team) or MBA.

Best!

Dear A,

Yes, it is harder to re-apply. But, I would recommend you not to re-apply within 18-months time frame. So, apply only afterwords. And the last thing, you would be eligible to re-apply if something has changed significantly on your profile, for example, you have gotten an additional academic degree or another relevant experience, either in terms of internship or years of working experience in the other company.

Nevertheless, I have helped candidates to successfully re-apply and get into MBB firms from the second or even third try. If you need any help, feel free to reach out.


Best,

André

Hi,

There is no difference in the re-apply timeline whether you reach the final round during the 1st attempt or not. The timeline stays the same. Applying a different office or practice doesn't mean you can short cut the time, the record is there and the HR would know. It is a matter of whether they would pass you or not (usually not if it is much earlier than the time required).

They would very likely want to see what improvement you've made since last time, so be prepared for questions on that. But this doesn't mean you need MBA or a new job, if you can show improvement on your existing job by taking more relevant tasks, expanding your scope etc., that can work too.

Best,

Emily

1) No harder than the first time - but you need to show progress

2) Check with HR - some offices/systems allow re-application after 1 year

3) There's no hard and fast rule. However, you do have to be a different candidate than the first time...i.e. have shown progression

hi,

1. it depends on the reason why it did not go well the 1st time, but with a referral it is better
2. it depends on the office, usually it is 12-24 months
3. it is very important to work on the negative feedback received in the last interviews

Best,
Antonello

There is in my experience no difference, but I would be ready for tough questions on why now and why you are better or more suited than a few years back.

Hello!

Indeed, I have had several coachees who were re-applying for McKinsey (and worked with several people back in the firm that had not got their offers in the 1st attempt)

To your questions:

• No, sometimes even easier, if you did well last time
• Yes, but you need to ensure that you have added signifficant improvements in that time
• What may these be? New jobs, progression in those, other relevant activities, further education...

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara