German MBB recruiters say they still hire and I should feel welcome to apply - are they telling the truth?

blacklist COVID-19 Hiring freeze Hiring freeze? Should I apply now and wait? Hiring Timeline MBB
New answer on Dec 16, 2020
9 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Dec 13, 2020

I applied to McKinsey and Bain Germany, after reaching out to recruiters of these firms via phone - both told me that I should feel welcome to apply and that they do hire despite COVID.

Though, are they telling the truth or is it just that they only want to avoid putting the firms into a negative light?

I am asking because I also plan to apply for BCG - the recruiter there told me the same - but I am afraid that a rejection would lead to another 1.5 years of being blacklisted before I can re-apply, and this would be a pity to happen only because I chose the wrong time to apply.

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Ian
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replied on Dec 13, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

If they say there are positions open and that you should apply, there are positions open. When covid hit and they weren't hiring due to pipeline shocks, they told people not to apply!

In terms of being blacklisted, that is a risk that always exists. Just make sure you're maximizing your chances of getting an interview by 1) Networking aggressively and ideally having a referral 2) Having a very strong resume and 3) Having a solid cover letter.

Good luck!

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Moshe Strugano on Dec 15, 2020

Moshe Strugano like your post

Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 13, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Apply only when you are ready and all parts of your application are strong- CV, cover letter, referral, case & interview prep.

They genuinly must have demand and hence inviting you to apply. They wont BS.

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Henning
Expert
replied on Dec 13, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

They do. Churn is not affected by COVID and the firms need to continue hiring to maintain the structure of their pyramids. And I know from several of the candidates that I'm working with that interviews are ongoing.

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Dec 13, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

They always hire, however, the acceptance rate right now is definitely lower in most of the markets. You should talk to the insiders from the local markets to get the truth. However, what's the alternative? Wait for 1-2 years?

Best

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Antonello
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replied on Dec 14, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

Unfortunately, nobody now is able to predict the precise effects on each business. The only two true facts today are that interviews are taking place regularly but online instead of face-to-face and that many new consulting projects are being paused.

Therefore, if the restrictions continue for long, Covid can cause a reduction in new hires.

Best,
​Antonello

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Anonymous replied on Dec 16, 2020

Hi,

If they are saying there is an opening then it is the fact.

If your profile met their requirement and they are in freeze hiring, the probability is they will hold your application instead of outright rejection.

So I suggest to prepare well and submit your application

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Gaurav
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Content Creator
replied on Dec 15, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hello there!

If they are telling they hire - they really do.
Of course, due to the situation, the rejection rate may be higher, and here's what you can do to increase your chances:

  • polish your CV and cover letter
  • find a referral
  • get ready for case interviews heavily

There is also an option to find a coach who will help you with all these things.

Do you have any further questions?

GB

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Clara
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replied on Dec 14, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

No need to worry about that, they are indeed hiring.

However, most likely less slots are available this hear, hence the bar is higher, and it will be harder to meet/raise it.

However, this does not change at all the way you should prep :)

Cheers,

Clara

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Francesco
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replied on Dec 14, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

McKinsey is still hiring in Germany, I helped a few candidates recently with interview invitations there.

In terms of the others, if they told you they are hiring, they are doing so. The real question is, how much they are hiring compared to the past?

This is something only a current insider can tell you. Ideally, you should look for a referral and discuss this topic with someone working there (plus possibly get a referral).

You can find more on referrals here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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