How should an MBB cover letter differ when applying to the same office 2 years after being rejected?

Application Cover letter MBB
New answer on Oct 24, 2020
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Oct 15, 2020

Hi All,

I have been rejected 2 years ago at the first round of MBB in western europe office. My intention is now to apply again to the same location and my question is the following: beside the CV, how should the cover letter differ with respect to the one I sent in the previous application?

Should I mention the reasons behind the first rejections and how I worked towards improving those aspects?

Thank you all for the support.

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Ian
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replied on Oct 15, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

It should, fundamentally, show that you've made substantial progress professionally in the past 2 years.

So, you need to highlight any major achievements, new roles/responsibilities, new skills acquired, etc. etc.

I would also recommend you hire a case coach to make sure that not just your cover letter is up to scratch but also your resume and networking...whatever you did last time didn't work, so it's worth it to have someone really investigate why!

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Udayan
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replied on Oct 15, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Hi,

YES, the cover letter 100% has to differ. The entire point of the 2 year wait is to show progress, if you submit the same cover letter you are letting the recruiting team know that you have made no progress or are too lazy to actually put in the effort required for the application. So please please update your cover letter!

Do not mention the reasons for rejection, instead focus on what makes you a good candidate overall.

Best,

Udayan

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Adi
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replied on Oct 15, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Just to build on Robert's spot on answer, I helped an MBA student last week write a very similar cover letter. My advise was to elaborate on three areas:

1. What MBB relevant skills have you picked up/improved in past 2 years through training, education, certifications, work experience or hobbies- think big and dont miss out any area of life where you have learnt skills

2. Whats your plan- industry/functional skills once you join the MBB firm? Create a demand for your skills in your cover letter

3. Have you met any alumni/current employees from the firm & received coaching? Have you attend any events/webinars- if yes quote the events, name the people (ask for permission before)

Good luck!

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Mehdi
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replied on Oct 15, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

I would advise that you go with a different cover letter in which you explain your background and experiences and demonstrate how they enabled you for a Management Consulting role in your targeted firm.

Sometimes it is better not to mention your previous failure (they would know if in any way) and focus on your experiences & expertises and explain how they make you a good candidate for this particular firm.

I hope this helps!

Mehdi

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Robert
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replied on Oct 15, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

The most important aspect to keep in mind is exactly showing your improvments in those areas which previously led to your rejection.Definitely this needs to be also taken care of in your cover letter (in the CV of course as well).

However, I would not recommend to give the cover letter a negative spin by mentioning the weak points that explicitly which led to a rejection (assuming you even would know it that precisely). I'd rather give it a positive spin highlighting you you developed yourself further to have now a more complete skillset to succeed in MBB consulting!

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

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Gaurav
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replied on Oct 24, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi A,

The new cover letter should, of course, reflect all upgrades on your profile and demonstrate how you improved in terms of the targeted company. This may include relevant professional experience, active networking, attending events, etc.

Better not mention negative rejection experience but concentrate on what makes you a good fit for the company.

Do you need any further help?

GB

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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