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Does McKinsey require a cover letter?

I applied to the London office last year and made it to the PST stage, they said they don't read cover letters. I am planning to apply to the Kuala Lumpur office this year and I just want to confirm if this is consistent througout all the offices globally?

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Top answer
Deniz
Coach
on Sep 26, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 600+ Trainees | 900K+ YouTube Views

Hi,

You are required to submit cover letters regardless of the office. As Vlad said, only in case of some referrals you may not be required to submit a cover letter (as you are not going through a formal process). But it is widely true that some offices do not read cover letters and only look at CVs to screen the candidates to save time.

Best,

Deniz

on Sep 26, 2019
Thank you!
Vlad
Coach
on Sep 25, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

That's not correct. You have a mandatory cover letter in the application form. If you apply via a referral, they dont ask for the cover letter at the beginning, but ask for them later, after you are invitied for an interview

Best

Anonymous A
on Sep 25, 2019
the McKinsey tools has a form for the CV and one for the transcripts, which are both marked mandatory. There is a third optional form with the description: ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT (E.G., OPTIONAL COVER LETTER, DESIGN PORTFOLIO, ETC.) (OPTIONAL)
on Sep 26, 2019
Thank you!
Deleted user
on Sep 25, 2019

I would def include one!

1
on Sep 26, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Omar,

some McKinsey offices don’t have cover letters as a compulsory requirement indeed, but this is not true for all the offices. Unless at KL they specifically mention not to attach a cover letter, I would attach one just in case.

Best,

Francesco

on Sep 26, 2019
Thank you!
Anonymous C
on Aug 22, 2020
You're the only "Expert" replying to this query that actually has accurate information.
Anonymous A
on Sep 25, 2019

to my knowledge this various by location

0
Deleted user
on Aug 21, 2020

Dear Omar,

Cover letters is a part of your application. They may read it and may not, but I would rather recommend you to send it. 

Best,
André

0
Anonymous C
on Aug 22, 2020

I've attended various events at the london office and the recruiters have mentioned each time that a cover letter is not required for your application. I don't think that applies to every office though.

0
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