Hi there,

What an interesting background! MBB employ plenty of former service members, even without MBA/advanced technical degrees. Hence, the transition you're planning may be big for you personally but for MBB you're actually a valuable candidate that stands out.

As for your questions:

• Without an Imbellus test invite, can I apply to other McK offices without prejudice? If you didn't get interviewed or completed Imbellus, you shouldn't be banned. Hence, you should be able to apply again without prejudice. People do this all the time and may get in after a few failed attempts.
• Does withdrawing an application multiple times send up red flags? Not sure what you're referring to since you don't mention anything about having withdrawn or planning to withdraw. Going forward, make sure you file the best possible application with professional support and there will be no need to withdraw! 
• What are the resume rejection timelines for the other firms? There's a huge variability in the way different firms handle this. The spectrum goes from anywhere between a couple of hours to never hearing back. The same applies to positive response, that can take between hours and weeks.
• I've heard a functional resume might better match my experience, but I don't want to go "non-standard". Any advice there? I strongly advise you to get help from a professional coach. At McKinsey, I have screened and reviewed plenty of CVs from successful candidates. The money you will spend here is very worthwhile.
• Not looking for handouts, just trying to understand the process better. Thanks for the advice. Absolutely, that's what we're here for :)

Hope this helps a bit. Feel free to get in touch if there's anything you need help with!

Hi there, 

you can definitely have opportunity with MBB. One of my coachee at BCG was coming from the US Military (approx. 10 years there) and she got job as a generalist consultant and I am experienced hire with very specific background myself. 

I would recommend to check this article: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-into-consulting-as-an-experienced-hire, as it can be less straightforward with a specific expertise, but the chances are there. 

If you would like me to check your profile to give you high level feedback, please feel free to reach me directly. 

All the best,

Lucie

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Hello!

Sorry to hear about McK, but it doesn´t need to be the same outcome with the other two. In general, in MBB ex military profiles are highly appreciated, even more coming from business school. 

I agree in the importance of the CV, why don´t you post it here sanitized so we can give you some feedback about it? Otherwise, there is also the option with some coaches to do a shorter session and look deeply into it. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi there,

If your “first” app to McK was rejected then I'm sorry to say all of your apps have now been rejected.

You are unlikely to be able to apply to a role for another year. Sorry :/

Now, when you say “LinkedIn success rate” do you mean how many cold messages turn into actual calls? 25% is very high! Well done here!

Now, here's what you need to maximize your odds:

1) Turn those calls into referrals (aim to have a referral before you apply)

2) Improve your resume - get a professional review to make it a 10/10

3) Get some consulting-related experience to put on your resume

Hi,

I have a non-traditional background and am joining MBB after a long stint in another profession. DM me, I'd like to help in any way I can.