Rejected after second round at McKinsey. What are the best steps now?

Hi there,

To your questions:

Q: Should I apply again this coming recruitment season or the one after, considering my PST score's validity at McKinsey? 

This is a personal decision based on what you will be doing next year. If you want to join McKinsey, you can apply 12 months after failing the interview.

Q: What are the expectations for someone with 1/2 years non-consulting experience versus a university graduate for the BA generalist scheme? 

The same. These two profiles would join the same BA position and expectations on all BA's are the same.

Q: What should I focus on to add value to my application given my concerns about passing the screening next time?

You should not worry to much about this. McKinsey tracks previous candidates to accelerate screening time.

Q: How many times can one apply and will multiple rejections impact future considerations of my application?

You can reapply as many times as it makes sense to you professionally. You can keep reapplying as long as you don't make anything crazy at any interview that breaks the firm's values.

Best,

Alberto

Hey,

These are my 2 cents on your questions (as I was in a somehow similar position: joined McKinsey only 2 years after working in corporates)

- not sure if this is different for other consulting firms, but for McKinsey it's very unlikely you will be screened for another interview next year (unless you got that specific feedback to reapply or you achieve something really significant from an academic or professional perspective); I would reccomend reapply in 2 years time, because that will also allow you to gain significant experience and support a better story of how did you manage to improve your current pitfalls

- as far as you apply to a BA role, the interview expectations should quite similar... with the difference that they will be expecting you to have improved significantly on your "negative/improvement" feedback points from your first try

- if I was you , I would focus in developing overall skills and learn as much as possible from your Google experience (trying to have as much impact as possible), rather than just focusing too much on working only for a future consulting chance

Best

Bruno

Hi,

- I will begin soon at my new position but considering that the next recrutiment season for MBB will come in October with a possible start date for the following September, should I then apply again this coming year or the one after? (If I did this coming year I would have the PST score still valid at McKinsey since it counts 2 years and passing that is quite challenging already).

You should wait at least 1 calendar year. To increase your chances you should:

• Make sure that you can persuade the HR that you've achieved an unprecedented career / professional growth during this year.
• Try to apply via the reference

- How different are the expectations for someone with 1/2 years non-consulting experience compared to a university graduate? I am interested in pursuing the BA generalist scheme, but will I be expected to have a specific interest already since I am not coming from university?

Not sure if I understood your question. Expectations are the same - you should perform on a project no matter what. I suggest trying various industries in the beginning. At the end of the day, it's not about the interests but about the people you work with.

- Are there any other things I should focus on that would give additional value to my application? I'm concerned that althought I made it to final round this time, I might not even pass the screening next time.

See the 1st answer.

- How many times can one apply? If I get rejected next time will that block my chances once for all? I understand you may be able to apply countless times, but will my application be considered?

- Every 2 years. Although you should be able to persuade an interviewer that you've made a progress. I also never heard of anyone applying more than 3 times.

Best

Ey,

Sorry to hear about that. Indeed, I would not focus solely on adding value to

Hi Anonymous,

I have answered your questions below:

1. Should I then apply again this coming year or the one after? If nothing else has been communicated, you can apply after 2 years. Sometimes the waiting period is reduced to 1 year, but is normally communicated in the feedback following the rejection. You can clarify that with HR in case you have doubts
2. How different are the expectations for someone with 1/2 years non-consulting experience compared to a university graduate? The interview will be the same. Expectations in the project will be slightly higher, as you should have already some experience with deliverables, client interactions, etc.
3. Are there any other things I should focus on that would give additional value to my application? As mentioned by Vlad, a referral would definitely come handy. You should also try to emphasize key results in your CV from Google showing impact, leadership and drive
4. How many times can one apply? Although theoretically there is no limit, if you get rejected once more you would have only a further realistic chance as experience hire. It would then be difficult to get a forth invitation, unless you can show some very significant achievement

Best,

Francesco