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Imbellus multiple times in a year. Is it normal?

McKinsey Imbellus
New answer on Jan 11, 2022
4 Answers
1.7 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 10, 2022

Hello,

I've applied to different programs of McKinsey in Latin America, every time I apply I get to present the Imbellus. I've just received my third invitation in less than a year. I thought that candidates were allowed to present it once and the results would be valid for a year. Does anyone know anything about it?

Is this a special case? 

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Francesco
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replied on Jan 11, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Normally you have a ban period once you apply at McKinsey. So it’s not that they use the same test result – you simply cannot apply again after a rejection. Once the ban is over and you apply again (usually after 1-2 years), you have to take the test again.

It seems in your case you did not have a ban after a previous rejection (assuming that’s why you are applying again). In your particular situation, I would just do the test again, as mentioning the issue to HR could lead to review your previous applications and block your process.

For more information on the Imbellus, you can check the following guides (full disclosure: I am the author;) )

If you have other questions please PM me, I will reply within 12 hours.

Best,

Francesco

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Florian
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replied on Jan 11, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

Very interesting for 2 reasons:

1. Usually, if you are rejected at a certain stage, you are either blocked for 24 months (full-time) or 12 months (internship), unless your performance was on the brink of making it.

2. The Imbellus results are usually valid for a certain period.

 

In any case, see it as a positive and go along with it.

Fingers crossed. The third time's the charm!

Cheers,

Florian

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Hagen
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replied on Jan 11, 2022
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the (multiple) invitations by McKinsey!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • Generally speaking, you should not even be able to successfully apply several multiple times in a year since there is the so-called reapplication ban. Chances are high they either did not file your records properly or mistake you for someone else, thus the multiple invitations for the McKinsey Solve/ Imbellus.
  • As such, I would highly advise you not to point to this fact, be grateful and ace the McKinsey Solve/ Imbellus.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for the McKinsey Solve/ Imbellus in an interactive, efficient way without reading lengthy guides, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

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Ian
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replied on Jan 10, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

First of all, I'm surprised you've been able to apply 3 times in a year!

My guess is they think you're a different candidate and they're not synced up. Otherwise, you'd be getting a hard rejection instead of the Imbellus. Be grateful!

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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