Is the Mckinsey blacklist universal for all types of rounds you reach be it the Resume, PST, the Case Interview etc. A little urgent!!
Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 451,000 Peers!
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!
I didnt clear the PST for a Mckinsey Knowledge role, would I be blacklisted from applying again in a similar role?
Overview of answers
Upvotes
Best answer
Hi there,
My understanding is that yes, unfortunately you are blacklisted.
You will have to wait anywhere from 12 to 24 months before you re-apply. (office-dependent).
When you do so, you need to make sure you have demonstrated real growth/progress in your career and have networked effectively.
Was this answer helpful?
No - I've never heard of a "McKinsey blacklist" based on your PST results. Beyond the usual cooling period recommended before you re-apply (especially for the same role), it will have no effect as you will be asked to take re-sit the test or perhaps complete the new Problem Solving Game.
Was this answer helpful?
Hi,
As far as I know if you don't pass PST you have to wait 1-2 years no matter what's the role. Otherwise everyone will be writing PSTs multiple times
Best
Was this answer helpful?
Hi A,
Yes, you are blacklisted. You can reapply at least in a year sometimes it can take up to 2 years.
You should clear your particular situation with HR because it usually depends on the office. Would be also great if you show your professional improvement next time you apply again.
Best,
André
Was this answer helpful?
I think yes, the cool-off time would apply to you.
Was this answer helpful?
Hi Anonymous,
Sorry to hear that, yes, you are blacklisted. Clarify with HR when you are able to reapply next time because the ban period can vary depending on the office.
Spend this time to upgrade your profile - get relevant work experience, improve networking, maybe think of the guidance of an experienced coach to maximize your chances.
Do you need any further help?
GB
Was this answer helpful?
Hi Anonymous,
Yes you are 'blacklisted' in terms of the regular cool-down period of 12-24 months (usually on the upper end, but depends on your specific circumstances).
However, you are not 'blacklisted' in absolute terms based on failing on the PST.
Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!
Robert
Was this answer helpful?
Hello!
Unfortunately, yes.
It is structured as a funnel and you need to pass this 1st step for accesing the 2nd one.
They will make you wait at least a year, to ensure you have enaugh time to "improve" on whatever left you out.
Cheers,
Clara
Was this answer helpful?
Hi there,
Yes, you will have to wait before applying again. It makes sense, as otherwise, as Vlad mentioned, everyone would reapply immediately.
The standard period is 1 to 2 years, you can check with HR in your target office for your particular case.
Best,
Francesco
Was this answer helpful?
Related Cases
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is a German-owned water provider company based in the southwest of the United States. As the biggest water provider in the region, they serve the majority of the southwest region.Profit growth has slowed down considerably in recent years, and the company is finding it difficult to co
...
Our client is a German-owned water provider company based in the southwest of the United States. As the biggest water provider in the region, they serve the majority of the southwest re
...
(Open whole case)
7.5k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is an Italian multinational manufacturer of branded chocolate and confectionery products. One of their most popular products is Hazella, a hazelnut spread.Despite its worldwide popularity, Hazella is considered to be high in calories by some customers. For this reason, our client has deve
...
Our client is an Italian multinational manufacturer of branded chocolate and confectionery products. One of their most popular products is Hazella, a hazelnut spread.Despite its worldwide po
...
(Open whole case)
4.6k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Our client is Party Burger, a restaurant chain in the US serving premium burgers and salads for lunch. They rely on the quality of their products to attract customers, and they are usually fully booked. However, reviews have pointed out that the service offered could be improved. Our client is conce
...
Our client is Party Burger, a restaurant chain in the US serving premium burgers and salads for lunch. They rely on the quality of their products to attract customers, and they are usually f
...
(Open whole case)
4.6k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is an Indian sugar producer exporting solely to Indonesia. Indonesia imports 5m tons of raw sugar per year.To make raw sugar, our client processes sugarcane at a cost of $25 per ton and they have a capacity of 1.5m tons per year. The only competitor that has lower production costs is from
...
Our client is an Indian sugar producer exporting solely to Indonesia. Indonesia imports 5m tons of raw sugar per year.To make raw sugar, our client processes sugarcane at a cost of $25 per t
...
(Open whole case)
2.8k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is the US-based biotech company Top Chemicals. They have just developed a fertilizer that is waiting to get approval for commercialization. They hired us to identify the best price for it.
Our client is the US-based biotech company Top Chemicals. They have just developed a fertilizer that is waiting to get approval for commercialization. They hired us to identify the best price for it.
(Open whole case)
2.4k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
