Advice needed - McKinsey Application

Hey there,

1. I believe this could still be an issue, regardless if an AP refers you or not. I would follow Ken's advice and connect with HR on that topic. I can imagine a situation where the AP liked your resume and saw a fit, but is not familiar with the details or requirements of the role, probably quickly screened, and copy&pasted you some links while being busy with other things (happens...)

2. Connect with HR. They are here to help and give you a realistic evaluation of your chances!

3. See point 2.

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

You have an AP in your desired location ready to refer you. Don't overthink this.

1. Figure out which role is best. You said he sent you several roles. You've flagged one that requires 5+ years. Has he sent you a role that doesn't requite this? Pick one. Tell him in a very succinct email you're interested in that role and double-check your concerns.

2. No. Don't look for reasons you're not good enough - he's referring you!

3. See #2

Please please please just apply with his referral. None of your concerns regarding candidacy (grades, years of experience, not from office location) change in 12-18 months, when the ban expires, so they're all invalid concerns to your decision.

Hi there,

1. Have you discussed the years of requirements with the AP? Otherwise I would clarify with him
2. Not an issue if you have a referral
3. Not an issue, unless local language is required and you don’t speak it or in case you don’t have a visa and they can’t sponsor it (the latter is rare though)

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

did you talk to that AP personally? Is he referring you because he is convinced that you are capable for the role or is he "just happy to help"?

If the latter is the case, I would try to double check how realistic your chances are, as you may want to avoid that you are ending up on the list of people who have been rejected in the past, since this will lower your near-term chances to be hired.

If the first is the case, openly discuss your concerns with him and if he is convinced that you are still a good fit, make sure that you highlight your USP and the reasons why you are a great fit despite you may not meet some of the formal requirements.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you want to discuss this further.

Cheers, Florian

It sounds like you are applying for non-generalist/integrative consulting roles where the application ban is treated differently. At the same time, these are unique roles that often don't consistently hire new people and so, I personally don't see any downside if you find a role that you are excited about. 

1. Better for you to ask the AP to connect you with the recruiter and discuss your profile before you submit your formal application

2. Not a problem, especially if you are not applying directly from undergrad

3. This is more around whether you need McKinsey to sponsor your visa or not. If you do, then it's worth discussing with the recruiter before applying as well

Good luck!

I agree with Ian - if an AP at McKinsey said you are a good fit you can trust them, I will say the country issue can be problematic if you are not from there and if there are strict sponsorship issues - what country are you applying to?

You can re-apply before the 12/18 month turnover some firms have in place for applicants if you didnt reach the interview stage. This is a grey area that not many people know about!