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Five weeks since completing Solve with no update!

Actively preparing for Mckinsey & AT Kearney Bain BCG McKinsey McKinsey experienced professional
New answer on Feb 29, 2024
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jan 03, 2024

Hello all,

Five weeks ago, I completed Solve. Today I emailed HR asking politely for an update (JA role). I got a response back saying they have received my scores, but I am still none the wiser.
 

I would welcome any thoughts on this, or any insight on what it might look like from here? It seems like a long wait?

 

(edited)

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Florian
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replied on Jan 04, 2024
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi there,

That's quite unfortunate. Sorry to hear that!

While an outlier case, this has become more common over the last couple of months with the economic situation and hiring slowdown/freezes. I just talked to a guy yesterday who is one step ahead of you, passing the first round interview, but has yet to hear about the second round (it's been 6+ months for him), also with McKinsey.

I agree with Ian - there is nothing that you can do at the moment for this situation. You might hear back soon or not; you might progress or be rejected.

Hence, focus on what you can control and work on different opportunities!

All the best,

Florian

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Ian
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replied on Jan 04, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Nothing you can do.

Network with and apply to 50 other firms.

There is a 10% chance you are invited to interview and a 90% chance you are not. So, never put all your hopes/dreams twiddling your thumbs and wistfully looking out the window for just 1 firm - ever!

Make sure you're networking a ton and cranking out applications while, in parallel, preparing for interviews.

As of now, nothing you do will chance the outcome…therefore, get that weight off your shoulders and stop even thinking about them!

How to Get a Consulting Internship - Tips and Tricks
 

Application Tracker – Keep Track With This Free Template

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Cristian
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replied on Jan 04, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

That's indeed long, or at least over the average. 

Follow up with them for an update. But aim to do so around the middle of the month. The industry is barely waking up after the holiday slumber. 

In the meantime, make sure that you apply to other roles. Sharing with you a guide on how to build a portfolio of applications that manage your risk in the pipeline:


Good luck!
Cristian

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Hagen
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replied on Feb 29, 2024
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with McKinsey thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

  • First of all, a five-week wait after completing the McKinsey Solve can indeed feel lengthy, but it's not uncommon. Hiring processes at consulting firms are currently rather very sluggish.
  • Moreover, since you've already reached out to the recruiter and received confirmation that your scores have been received, this is a positive sign. It indicates that your application is still under consideration and that you're in the pipeline.
  • Lastly, I would advise you to use this time to continue your preparation and apply to other consulting firms. This way, you will be prepared no matter the results.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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Alberto
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replied on Jan 05, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews

Hi there,

Keep following up every 1-2 weeks and apply to more consulting firms to diversify the risks.

You can check how the recruiting process works from an internal MBB perspective here:

MBB Hiring Hacks - Behind the Curtain Secrets

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

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Dennis
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replied on Jan 05, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

keep in mind that you had the year-end shutdown fall into your timeframe. That will cause things to take longer. Since they received your scores, you will hear from them when they feel the time is right. The ball is in their court now and there is nothing further you can do, other than:

  • sending out more applications to other firms
  • preparing yourself for the interviews for when you do get invited

Never put your efforts on hold for any one company.

Best of luck

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Florian gave the best answer

Florian

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