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Applying to MBB for a third time?

If you‘ve been rejected twice in the past, will you be at any disadvantage when it comes to getting an interview?

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Top answer
on Sep 25, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

You won't be at any disadvantage. I was an interviewer for multiple years at BCG and at no point in time did a candidates' number of attempts surface. 

You are judged at application on your current application strength and current interview performance.

All the best!

Nikita
Coach
edited on Sep 26, 2023
MBB & Tier2 preparation | 100+ offers | 8 years coaching | 3000+ sessions

Hey!

Usually MBBs allow 3 or even 4 attempts.

Just make sure you've gained new and relevant work experience after the last one.

Good luck,
Nick

Hagen
Coach
edited on Sep 24, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejections from MBB!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • First of all, being rejected twice doesn't necessarily mean you'll be at a disadvantage for future applications. However, the key is to show significant improvement or change since the last time you applied.
  • Moreover, most firms have a ban period where they prefer you not to reapply within a certain time frame, typically 12-18 months. Make sure you respect this guideline.
  • Lastly, I would highly advise you to network effectively within the firm before reapplying. Internal referrals can go a long way in overcoming past rejections.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Ian
Coach
on Sep 25, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
Alberto
Coach
on Sep 26, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | MBB Coach | 95% success rate | +13 yrs in consulting | +2,000 real interviews in 3 firms

Hello, 

Past rejections won't harm future applications unless you violated firm values during the interview process. In over 200 McKinsey interviews, I've seen only two such bans (they are forever). 

To boost your third attempt: 

  • Seek detailed feedback from past interviews
  • Develop a plan to address weak areas
  • Use the 12-18 month wait to practice those areas on your day-to-day and get peer feedback
  • Practice also the interview process during this time

Good luck on your next attempt!

Alberto

on Sep 25, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

No. 

They rarely keep records of these things and track them across time. 

Plus, your interviews will be different. They have no idea how many times you've applied in the past.

And the effect you're likely to get from telling them that you've been rejected in the past is a positive one. I'm always impressed by resilient people who will do something no matter how many times it takes to get it right. You seem to be one of them. 

Just make sure that now you don't leave anything to chance. The third time should be the lucky one. 

Feel free to reach out directly and tell me about the feedback you've received from previous rejections and I can give you an indication of what to focus on with your practice to fix that.

Best,
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

on Sep 28, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: If you‘ve been rejected twice in the past, will you be at any disadvantage when it comes to getting an interview?

Assuming you are applying after the ban period, you won’t be at any disadvantage, as you will be judged based on the new application. However if you apply for a new position, you will have to match the criteria for that particular role, which might be different compared to the previous one.

Good luck!

Francesco

on Sep 30, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Never give up! Firms usually are bad at keeping track of this honestly. Best, Frederic 

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