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5 days' notice for MBB first round interview

Bain BCG McKinsey
New answer on Dec 30, 2020
9 Answers
1.9 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Dec 02, 2020

Hi,

I was wondering how much notice is usually given for MBB interviews - I've just been offered a first round interview in 5 days' time, but was wondering whether it would sound reasonable to ask for more time, with regards to getting time off work etc.

Thanks!

(edited)

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Vlad
Expert
updated an answer on Dec 02, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

There is absolutely no penalty for rescheduling (if its not on-campus recruiting). Recruiters are there to help you. If you are not yet ready - feel free to speak up. Please don't hesitate to reschedule.

Best

(edited)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 02, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

This is why it's so important to prepare ahead of time! If you're doing non-school recruiting MBB can get to you really quickly (or really late).

Now, again, if this is recruiting outside of your school network (sounds like it is), you absolutely can ask to delay. Just say you'd like more time to prepare and do the interview proper justice.

Good luck!

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Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 03, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Yes - you should ask for time if you aren't ready. The interviews are scheduled on the basis that you already have had time to prepare and therefore will be ready to go even with a few days notice.

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Pankaj
Expert
replied on Dec 02, 2020
Bain Manager and Ex- Accenture | >5 years of coaching experience | Experienced Interviewer | Personalised coaching

It is perfectly ok to ask for more time - upto 2 weeks (i.e. 10 working days) is ok. In India office, i have seen candidates ask for 3 weeks as well due to some reasonable justification, and the teams have been ok with it.

All the best for your interview! Happy to help further if needed.

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 02, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hello there!

It would sound reasonable if we talk about a period of 2-3 weeks, as recruiters are ready to make advances, just be honest with them. Not rescheduling and rushing without being ready would be worse.

Hope it helps.

GB

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 30, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, it is totally fine to postpone it and I recommend doing it to leverage the opportunity and arriving at your best

Best

Antonello

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 04, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

You totally must ask for more time!

I am exhibit A there, since I did it myself

I always advise it to all my coachees: you only have one bullet, hence better use it well. If you don´t feel ready, then I am afraid is very very hard that you pass.

Hope it helps!

Best,

Clara

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Henning
Expert
replied on Dec 03, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

Yes, feel free to ask for a delay. 5 days is indeed very short and they won't hold asking for a delay againts you.

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 03, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

It is totally fine to ask to reschedule. They will usually accommodate, but in the worst possible case, they will just say that’s not an option without any consequence.

Best,

Francesco

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