Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

I am a current MBA at a target school with less than 3 years of work experience and no promotion. What should I do?

I am a current MBA at a target school with less than 3 years of work experience and no promotion. (I changed job once and I wasn't even at the promotion cycle to promote because of my tenure. ) I am having a hard time passing resume screen at campus recruitment for whatever industry. (since most require at least 3-5 years of work experience) What should I do? 

6
1.6k
14
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Deleted user
on Aug 16, 2020

Dear A,

Here before giving any recommendations I would rather recommend you to ask yourself: what doesn't work in my CV, Cover letter, or behavior and then work on that. 

Also, at the point of applying in addition to what I have been mentioned I would recommend you to apply with referrals. It may increases your chances to get the interview invite. 

If you wish you can reach me out in PM so that we can discuss your winning steps in your future career. 

Best,
André

8
Anonymous B
on Aug 16, 2020

Hi Anonymous

If you managed to get into a target school - your CV is very likely to be strong. Securing interviews without promotion should be possible as long as you frame your achievements in a positive way

I would encourage you to get an expert review of your resume and cover letter before submitting any further applications

Best

8
Ian
Coach
on Aug 16, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

1) Gain experience (internships, bootcamps, classes, stratups, extracirriculars, etc).

2) Network - speak to multiple people across offices and aim to get a referral

3) Review your resume - make sure your formatting is sharp/consistent, key words/experiences pop, and your experience bullets are properly written.

4) Get better at "fit" - If you aren't passing screening, you might be raising red flags during coffee chats, networking events, etc. Think about hiring a coach to review your approach!

on Aug 17, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

There are two main things you could do:

  1. Improve your CV/Cover letter
  2. Find referrals

Referrals are by far the #1 factor that can help.

You can find more on referrals at the link below:

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

Best

Francesco

Gaurav
Coach
on Oct 30, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there,

I see that you don’t have a definite goal and the specific industry where you would like to work.

I would recommend you firstly concentrate on the projects you had and try to analyze in what type of industries they would be appropriate. Also, don’t forget to ask yourself where you would like to work with focusing on the qualities and skills you have. 

All the best,

GB

Clara
Coach
on Dec 31, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Nothing to worry about. If you are in a target school, even with little experience, I am sure it´s great one.

Put it into value as u did with the MBA application.

Best,

Clara

Similar Questions
Consulting
Rejection at Bain
on Oct 01, 2024
Global
5
2.0k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
72
5 Answers
2.0k Views
+2
Consulting
Resume Suggestion/ Application Tips
on Jul 14, 2024
Global
4
1.4k
Top answer by
Alberto
Coach
Ex-McKinsey (5yrs) and Wharton MBA (GMAT 750) | Free intro call and dedicated preparation material
33
4 Answers
1.4k Views
+1
Consulting
ATS
on Apr 10, 2025
Global
10
500+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
19
10 Answers
500+ Views
+7