Rejected 2nd time. What can I do to increase my chances until next year?

Question

Dear community,

Unfortunately, this year I was rejected by McK at the CV screening stage. Last year, I passed CV screening, rejected after the Imbellus game. This year after graduating from my master's in the UK and improving my CV based on extensive recommendations from different people on this platform, I was rejected. I was hopeful since I've received much positive feedback on my CV.

Anyway, I guess due to COVID-19 most job opportunities are now lost and competition is stiff. I've been rejected from all other companies I applied to, including other consulting companies, tech, banks, and even other not-so-well-known ones (A LOT). Now, I am tired of applying and lost my hope. I left with one chance - to go back to my previous employer as an operational risk management specialist at Central Bank.

My question is what can I do until next year to improve my chances? How a Central Bank experience is perceived by McK?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time. My best advice for you would be to make sure you are getting relevant feedback from people who are familiar with your geography and background (e.g., are you applying in the UK or elsewhere?). The fact that you have found yourself being rejected by a large number of employers beyond McKinsey gives me the impression that your profile is not particularly attractive and/or your CV is not well written. For McKinsey, I don't think there's a particular perception of experience at a Central Bank as long as it is a selective employer where you are getting meaningful experience.

Answer 2

Hey there,

Sorry to hear about this! Stating the abvious..rejections are part of the process, dont' take it personally. Every rejection gets your closer to success. You can only improve & get better. I totally understand the frustration though.

Your CV made it through McK last year, so you clearly have it. You are right that COVID has made the situation very challenging for people, but am slightly surprised that you are not getting any traction in other places. Have you diagnosed what could be wrong- is your CV boiler plate/not customised for the roles, you are not applying through referrals, your skills and the roles don't particularly match?!

Am not clear on your current employment situation, but if you are under pressure, go back to previous employer and take your time to try again. You can't lose hope or give up. Just keep moving forward step by step and keep doing your best.

Feel free to message me for an informal chat to get deeper in your background and discuss some ideas on what could you do differently.

Answer 3

Hi there,

Sorry to hear :/ It is indeed quite competitive at the moment.

There are a few things you can do.

1) Gain consulting-based experience (internships, bootcamps, classes, stratups, extracirriculars, etc).. The Central Bank experience really isn't a bad move at all in the scheme of things! Note, it won't be viewed as favorably as other jobs, but it's of course a fantastic job to have!

2) Network - speak to multiple people across offices and aim to get a referral. Networking is super super important.

3) Review your resume - make sure your formatting is sharp/consistent, key words/experiences pop, and your experience bullets are properly written.

Answer 4

Hi, I confirm it is a good experience. I would consider also other tier1&2. They are great place to work for

Best

Antonello

Answer 5

Sorry to hear that, but you're right, the pandemic reduced the number of hires and it comes difficult for candidates to get to the interview.

That's why I strongly recommend you to find a coach to discuss your current situation, future plans, and he could use his network to get you a referral.

As for Central Bank experience, it would depend on many factors, e.g. your position, period of work etc.

Does that make sense to you?

GB