Asked to have another interview round after the "Decision Round". Is this normal?

application process Case Interview Decision Round MBB
New answer on Nov 30, 2023
5 Answers
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Grame asked on May 03, 2018

Hi just want to get your thoughts on my experience..

I had my MBB decision round interviews a few days ago. The result came out today and I was surprised that instead of an offer or rejection, they asked me to meet with 2 more senior partners who are working on my current industry. (3rd round)

I'm pretty sure this happened because the 2 partners in my decision round interviews could not agree to a final decision. I'm just feeling uneasy because i don't know how I should feel about this.

Is this normal? Any experience on this kind of situation? Thanks! Everyone.

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Alberto
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
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Retired
Expert
replied on May 03, 2018
Former BCG interviewer

Not “normal” but not unheard of. Just treat it as another final round where you have to prove yourself once again (with the bar for performance being a little higher this time as you already had a final round and the results were a “draw”). If this additional final round goes well, you know that you will have at least two very strong advocates in the company and you should try to foster that relationship from the beginning as they “bet” on your success heavily. This because they had to feel really good about you, your skills and your potential to overcome mixed feelings of two of their peers in the previous round.

hope it helps,

andrea

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Ken
Expert
replied on Sep 03, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

I experienced this myself when I applied to McKinsey for a summer BA role and consequently secured an offer. My simple advice would be to get as much feedback as possible from your "decision round" and make sure you nail those. I'm sure similar across MBB but McKinsey has a strong feedback culture - it's never too early to acknowledge this!

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Anonymous replied on Sep 02, 2020

Dear A,

It'not an unusual situation. It's might happen when there is no single decision about your personality, so there is another interview with a senior partner tp clear the doubts.

I would strongly recommend you to make you preparation for 150%.

If you need any help with this, feel free to reach out.

Best,

André

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Vlad
Expert
replied on May 03, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

It's not completely unusual - it happens sometimes when the firm is not sure about you.

The main thing - take as much time as possible to prep. It's your last chance. have your interview later and prepare as much as possible. The bar will be very high for you

Best!

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Alberto gave the best answer

Alberto

Content Creator
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
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