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Are you allow to apply multiple positions in one office? Possible disadvantages?

and Bain BCG McKinsey
New answer on Nov 16, 2020
8 Answers
4.6 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jun 20, 2020

Hello everyone,

I've passed my 2nd round of interviews with McKinsey, and I realized I'd be more enthusiastic in a different position in a separate function but the same office as the position I originally applied and going through interviews.

Question is, are you allow to apply multiple positions in the same office, and what are possible disadvantages?

**I believe my career paths and educations fits both positions yet again, that's what I think **

(edited)

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Robert
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replied on Jun 20, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

Specifically for McKinsey you can not apply for multiple positions at the same time technically (I guess other tier-1 players are the same, but I don't know).

Since you feel you would fit into 2 different positions, the way to go is to discuss it openly with HR into which position you would better fit from McKinsey's perspective (which is obviously the main perspective to consider here).

Usually your interviews are aligned accordingly for the chosen position. However, I also saw candidates who actually started in a different position than originally hired - but that's a rare occurrence though.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

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Udayan
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replied on Jun 20, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Hi,

This is typically not advisable. While your degree might qualify you for two roles, if they aren't very similar to each other it comes across as you not being sure of what it is you want to do and 'hedging your bets' as opposed to applying for opportunities you are passionate about

Udayan

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Anonymous replied on Jun 20, 2020

Hi there,

Could you elaborate on what are the 2 positions you are referring to?

I don't think you can apply to both positions at the same time - however, it might be very possible to switch your interviews to the function you are interested in if the recruitment team sees that your profile is fitting.

I recommend you to reach out to the HR team and let them know - (I know McK applicants that switched their interviews from Implementation consultant role to Generalist consultant track)

I hope this helps

Khaled

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Gaurav
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replied on Nov 16, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

No, you need to choose between 2 positions.

You can assess your qualities, achievements and goals and then compare them together with these positions. Which one will be more suitable for you?

Asking HR about applying for 2 positions actually is not a good idea. HR could think that you don’t have any preferences or purposes and it is no matter what position to apply to.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

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Clara
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replied on Jun 23, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

To add on top, I would not raise this now. I would focus on getting the offer and then, with it in hand, try to negotiate. If not, this can hinder your application, that is difficult enaugh to pass.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Ian
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replied on Jun 21, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Short answer: NO

Don't do this.

Pick.

Pick either by 1) What truly interests you the most and/or 2) Where you have the best odds (have the most relevant expertise and where you have existing connections)

Also, I'm sorry, but if you've already passed both interview rounds then the bad news is you're locked in buddy!

The good news is that, over the next year or two you can network within the company, be known as an outstanding performer, and switch roles!

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Anonymous replied on Jun 20, 2020

Hi,

Generally you can only apply to one type of position. On the other hand, the grade to which you apply can be refined during the recruitment process in case you are an experience hire.

Best

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Luca
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replied on Jun 20, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

I would suggest to reach out to HR and ask if there is any chance to consider your profile for the other position. Don't apply without saying anything because they are going to notice it and be careful not to appear demotivated for your actual application.

Best,
Luca

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