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Is non-compete an issue at McK?

Hi everyone,

I received an offer from McKinsey last week and I'm super happy. I read the contract and there's a part where it says that I'm not allowed to have an on-going non-compete. I did sign a non-compete as part of my internship (yes, that's crazy), but I have written proof of the partner from my internship that under no circumstances the non-compete will be enforced and that I'm free to go anywhere. I'm still a bit worried about what will happen when I tell McK about this (I haven't signed anything, I'll be transparent about this for sure). Is there any chance they'll take back the offer after hearing that?

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Top answer
Allen
Coach
on Feb 18, 2022
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best

Non competes make everyone so nervous!  If there is no overlap in the type of work, clients, etc., I  would definitely tell McK about it and they'll be fine.  

It's very likely that both your previous employer and your McKinsey office include this as a matter of principle (to protect themselves in rare circumstances, but don't consider it an issue at all.)

Hope this helps,

Allen 

Anonymous A
on Feb 18, 2022
Thank you for the answer Allen. My previous internship was also at a management consulting company, so there‘s some overlap in type of work and possibly clients (I was only involved in one project). Do you think that makes a difference?
Allen
Coach
on Feb 18, 2022
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best
I wouldn't consider that overlap. Overlap is if your previous employer has a unique methodology, for example, and you are solving the exact same problem, so your previous employer should be concerned that you'll bring it with you to a new client or new employer.
on Feb 18, 2022
Empathic coach, former McKinsey Engagement Manager |Secure offers from top consulting firms

I would also advice to bring this up and mention directly that you have the firm partner's ok and that it is not an issue. It really should not be a problem for McKinsey, I would expect them to be very professional about this. If anything, they should help you handle it.

Ken
Coach
on Feb 18, 2022
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Usually there is a timeframe to the non-compete.  It may delay your start date but it shouldn't impact whether you can join or not.  I would clarify with your former employer and then discuss openly with McKinsey.  Rest assured, McKinsey is not going to just let talent walk out the door!

Clara
Coach
on Feb 19, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I wouldn´t worry too much about it tbh. What is the timeframe for it?

Given that it´s an internship, and the word of the partner that they would never enforce it… I think you are totally safe, and I wouldn´t bring it up, since it can create an issue where currently there isn´t one. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Pedro
Coach
on Feb 19, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

I don't see an issue here. Particularly if you have proof that the non-compete will not be enforced. Sure, raise it to them, but I don't see howcome this will become an issue.

Remember, Mckinsey wants you to work for them, they spend a ton of resources finding the right people, they are even ok with waiting 6 months for someone to start, just because they want to secure the talent… don't worry too much about it. ;)

on Feb 19, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! Noncompete should have a timeline, otherwise the clause should be void in most jurisdictions.

If you notify McKinsey, the worst that could happen is that they may delay your start to match the end of the non-compete. However, given you have written proof that the non-compete won’t be enforced, that should not be a problem. 

If at McKinsey they do say the clause is a problem, I would expect that your former employer could agree to terminate the clause earlier (they have no incentives to create issues to you as they don’t really get any benefit from it and they already said they won't apply it).

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Feb 19, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Don't worry, you're ok here! You need to disclose your situation to both employers and just make them aware. Just make sure you don't jump onto a project with the new employer on the same client.

Moritz
Coach
on Feb 19, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hey there,
 

I wouldn't worry! You have the letter of the Partner, which is really good. Also, you should consider reaching out to HR from your previous intern company to wave the clause if the non-compete is in fact still intact (is it and if so, for how long?).

I would, however, absolutely bring this up with McKinsey as you suggest. That's because they often run thorough background checks and may contact HR from your previous company. Hence, transparency is important!

Hope this helps! Best of luck!

Udayan
Coach
on Feb 20, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Not an issue at all

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