Cooldown period after decline McKinsey

Application application process MBB McKinsey reapply selection selection process
New answer on Oct 31, 2020
24 Answers
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Anonymous B asked on Dec 01, 2017

What is the regular cooldown period after a decline at McKinsey (at final rounds, as an experienced hire)? Would this period be any different if referred by a partner?

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Jacopo
Expert
updated an answer on Dec 01, 2017
Project leader BCG, Bain and A.T. Kearney / 200+ real interviews

Hi,

We have previously addressed a similar question here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/questions-regarding-the-waiting-period-after-a-mbb-application-1072#a2064

As a general rule, the ‘reject re-apply’ period lasts for ~1.5/2 years.

I am pretty sure that being referred by a partner would not help as he would go against the feedback that his colleagues (partner colleagues) have given about your interviews.

Having said that, I don’t know the detail about your personal case but if you do have a direct connection with a partner and you have a close relationship with him, I would suggest explaining him your situation and why you got rejected to see if he can help you somehow. I am sure he can give you great advice and you can always re-contact him once the freeze period has passed.

If you do not have a close relationship with him, I would highly recommend you to avoid asking him to be a reference during the reject re-apply period.

I hope this helps,

Best of luck,

Jacopo

(edited)

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Originally answered question:

When should I reapply?

Anonymous replied on May 30, 2018

Which Office are you applying to? It depends on the office

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Anonymous replied on Sep 26, 2020

Hi A,

It mainly depends on the office, but the standard freeze period you need to wait to reapply is 1-2 years.

You can clear that with HR for your particular situation.

P.S.: Make sure to improve your professional experience and networking, so when reapplying the firm sees your growth and potential.

Best,

André

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3
Originally answered question:

Re apply time

Anonymous replied on Apr 24, 2018

Hi anonymous,

At least in London, I know several people that were rejected in 2016 that reapplied (and received offers) in 2017 from MBB. However, these were recent university graduates so it may be different for experienced hires.

The best (and only) way to be sure is to email/call the recruiting/HR team from the companies to check.

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Originally answered question:

Re apply time

Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 20, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

the standard reapplication time in MBB is 2 years. If your performance was borderline, you may also be able to reapply in a shorter period of time (usually 6 months or 1 year), if that’s the case they would have to communicate it explicitly though.

Best,

Francesco

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Originally answered question:

Re apply time

Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 31, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, the ban usually last 12-18 months, depending on the firm and the geography

Best,
Antonello

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Originally answered question:

When should I reapply?

Vlad
Expert
replied on May 29, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

You can call the local office and talk to HR. HR will give you the best advice on the specific dates since it's their job and they have all up to date information

Best!

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Originally answered question:

When should I reapply?

Rehan replied on May 29, 2018
B.Tech. and MBA, practiced about 8 cases.

I think you should apply, even if BCG is THE place you wanna work with. At the least regular real interviews uncover deeper insights into our strengths.

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2
Originally answered question:

Re apply time

Antoine replied on Apr 20, 2018
Associate at BCG

I believe the fixed re-apply time is 18 months - for McK I am certain this is the case, and I assume BCG/Bain are about the same. If you have 6 years industry experience, you may want to consider an MBA as a path into consulting.

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2
Originally answered question:

How soon can I reapply?

Marco-Alexander
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Sep 05, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

(edited)

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Originally answered question:

When should I reapply?

Retired
Expert
replied on Jun 02, 2018
Former BCG interviewer

As other suggested, I would strongly suggest to apply but to have conversations with recruiting before submitting your application online so they know it’s coming and why you apply now and flag it appropriately so it doesn’t get discarded automatically.

hope it helps,

andrea

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 31, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Usual ban is 12-18 months

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Originally answered question:

Reject-reapply time

Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 31, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi Anonymous,

Generally, unfortunately, you cannot reapply until the ban period is over. This may vary depending on a particular firm/office but usually not less than a year.

So better think now about how you can use this time to upgrade your profile before reapplying after a year.

Do you need any further help?
GB

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 28, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi A,

Unfortunately, even a partner can't change anything about the freeze period. You will have to wait approximately 1-2 years, depending on what office and what region you applied to.

I recommend you get the information about the length of the ban period from HR.

During the time when you can't reapply, you can work on upgrading your profile to make it look a better fit for McK next time.

Do you need any further help?

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Originally answered question:

When should I reapply?

Anonymous replied on Jun 02, 2018

In addition to the above, I would also suggest networking and trying to get a referral. Check the alumni network for your Master's program or any friends and family.

I personally worked with someone who was rejected and then applied the following year through a referral and got the job. He as a great consultant too!

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Originally answered question:

Reject-reapply time

B
Expert
replied on Feb 24, 2018
NOT AVAILABLE

Hey anonymous,

Being in a different country/continent might not change the picture of the waiting time, however if it's a specific position/role (which I'm tempted to assume it's the case as you say it's a different service line) and you have a Partner willing to support you, I don't think you will lose anything in trying. Worst case scenario: you will get a no, but that's also what you have guarantee if you don't try!

best

Bruno

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Originally answered question:

Reject-reapply time

Anonymous B replied on Dec 11, 2017

Thanks both.

More context:

1. This would be a different continent entirely and a different service line.

2. Regarding feedback to improve on, none was given, rather than you are not the right fit for us at this time. This was a final round interview.

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Oleksandr (Alex)
Expert
replied on Dec 01, 2017
Very experienced ex-McKinsey consultant with cross-country expertise

2 years. Not less than that.

A partner cannot change it. Even a senior partner, I believe.

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Jacopo gave the best answer

Jacopo

Project leader BCG, Bain and A.T. Kearney / 200+ real interviews
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