Applying to McKinsey in SEA without a referral

Cover letter CV CV screening MBB McKinsey Referral
New answer on Feb 24, 2021
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Feb 23, 2021

With the recent news that McKinsey is planning to hire its largest intake yet in 2021, would it be advisible to make an application without a referral if the target office is a non-Singapore SEA one?

Thank you! :)

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Florian
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replied on Feb 23, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

In general referral > no referral (stating the obvious), however, if your profile is strong + you are applying at the beginning of the year (fewer slots filled), you should be fine even without.

With the introduction of the Imbellus, McKinsey has started to widen the funnel a bit and get more people into the process because they can administer the test at no additional cost.

Go for it :-)

Cheers,

Florian

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Clara
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replied on Feb 24, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Yes, of course.

The referral helps, but is not the only way. If you profile meets the bar, you will be called for an interview in any case.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Gaurav
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replied on Feb 23, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

having a referral is always a good idea, but it doesn't guarantee you anything, as well as not having a referral doesn't mean your chances are low!

If your application is strong (CV&Cover Letter, FIT&case preparation), you'll do fine!

Hit me up if you have any further questions, I'm currently training many candidates who are planning to apply this year.

Cheers,

GB

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Ian
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replied on Feb 23, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Pretty easy answer here :)

1) Try to get a referral. If you do, apply via the referral

2) If you can't get one by the deadline...apply without

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Udayan
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replied on Feb 23, 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

I would not recommend it - getting hired outside on University is extremely difficult without a referral

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Ken
Expert
replied on Feb 23, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

I would say it depends more on your profile. It's always best practice with any company to try and network a little before you apply, so that you can get a feel for the people, culture and work, etc. If that leads to a referral great but if not, I would still apply!

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Florian gave the best answer

Florian

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