Hello Aaron,

Here are my thoughts on your questions:

1) What time of year?

Consulting firms hire all year round. However, based on geography, firms would have their own internal clock. December/January generally is a great time to apply.

2) What position?

This depends if you're applying as a generalist or as a specialist. Your profile would carry more weight if you apply as a specialist (advanced degree holder) - this means you will typically be engaged in projects in your area of expertise.

3) Does GPA matter?

After 9 years of experience, it shouldn't. However, if you have a great GPA - you should always mention it on your CV. If not, then maybe best to skip it.

4) Preparation before application? and Timeframe?

This is where it gets very subjective. It takes a few weeks after your application is submitted to hear back and get an interview - minimum 2 weeks, could go up to 6-8 weeks. 

I would say that your first objective is to ensure that your CV clearly highlights all your transferrable skills in a ‘consulting’ language. Getting an outsider's opinion is the best way to weed out the jargon - peer, friends, coaches etc.

Next, depending on the firm and office that you're applying to, you may have to prepare a cover letter which clearly highlights your motivation to join consulting, why are you a good fit for them and why they are a good fit for you. This takes some time if you are applying to multiple firms simultaneously.

After that, it's great to do 1-2 case and fit mocks with coaches to see where you stand. Your coach can help prepare an action plan for you from their experience that indicates how many hours of prep you would need and in what areas. Some areas may be a quick fix, some may take a lot of effort to improve.

Once you have this ‘effort estimate’, then you can judge whether to apply immediately or hold off for a few more days to get a jump start in your preparation.

All the best in your applications and feel free to drop me a message if you need help in Resume/Cover Letters/Interviews!

Rushabh

(edited)

Hi there,

First of all, kudos for the courage to change your career path!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for a lot of users, thus I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• When applying as an experienced hire, it is generally best to start your job search in the fall, when consulting firms typically begin recruiting for their next intake of associates. This will give you time to network, prepare your application materials, and practice for interviews before the hiring process begins.
• When applying to McKinsey, you should apply for the position of Associate. This is the entry-level position for experienced professionals, and it is typically the starting point for people with backgrounds similar to yours.
• While having a degree from a "target" school can be beneficial, it is not a requirement for success in the consulting industry. Many consulting firms are interested in candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and they value qualities such as analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and communication skills.
• Your GPA is not likely to be a factor in the hiring process, as it is not relevant to your current experience and skills. Consulting firms are more interested in your recent work experience and your ability to perform well in interviews and case studies.
• It is a good idea to start preparing for the interview process as soon as possible, even before you apply. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the types of questions and case studies that consulting firms use, and to practice your interview skills. You can start by reviewing sample case studies and practicing with friends or colleagues, and then consider working with a coach or joining a study group to further hone your skills.
• Your timeline for applying and starting coaching sessions is realistic, but it will require dedication and effort on your part. Make sure to allocate enough time to networking, preparing your application materials, and practicing for interviews, and consider seeking out additional support or resources if needed. With the right preparation and effort, you can increase your chances of success in the consulting hiring process.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on what to do in your specific situation, please feel free to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

There's a lot here! If you want the best advice, I would recommend you get a coach to properly advise you.

That said, from what I see, your timeline can make sense.

Make sure to network extensively and get your resume in as strong a state as possible. You should indeed be about 80% case ready by the time you apply.

Here's some reading to make sure you're doing prep right: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

Dear Aaron, 

I strongly suggest booking some sessions with one or more coaches.

First, you should apply for each MBB.
To be prepared for interviews you need 2 months, at least.
When you apply you should be at 90% of the final performance.
The key point for your preparation is to be able to structure your problem-solving and communicate as a consultant. That is the key challenge.
The other challenge is to be invited for interviews. McKinsey is not that willing to hire at the moment, in many offices. So, it may be smart to prepare for some time before applying.