McKinsey Application

Hi there,

1) If I want to apply for BA role now, will I have a clean slate meaning the HR won't notice about my failure in the previous attempt since it is a different position?

The results of the Imbellus are usually valid for 1 year. Plus, if you have an official ban, this should be present in the recruiting system.

If you want to apply again, you have basically two options:

1. Wait until the end of the ban
2. Find someone that can refer you for the new position, mention explicitly the previous rejection, and see if they can help, ideally having them interact first with HR. There are no guarantees this will work though. With this second option you will normally have to:
   • Show relevant improvements in your CV that justify the earlier application
   • Wait a minimum amount of time anyway (8 months should be fine)

You can find more on referrals here:

▶ How to Find an MBB Referral 

2) Does it mean that If I passed the resume screening for CFP, I will perhaps pass resume screening for BA (with updated CV)?

It is possible, but there is no guarantee this will happen. If you apply via referral though you can increase your chances.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there, 

Sorry to hear you struggled with the test on the first go.

Let me take your questions one by one. 

1. If I want to apply for BA role now, will I have a clean slate meaning the HR won't notice about my failure in the previous attempt since it is a different position?

Yes. They don't care about your previous results. Just make sure that you get enough practice now so passing the test doesn't represent a problem. Some of my colleagues here on the platform provide Imbellus test simulations which are quite good and should help you get an accurate idea of what to expect. 

2. Does it mean that If I passed the resume screening for CFP, I will perhaps pass resume screening for BA (with updated CV)?

Yes, that's very likely. However, make sure that you add whatever experiences you've had in the past year since you last applied and which could elevate your profile further.

Best of luck with the application!
Cristian

Hi there,

1. No, HR is aware of your application history. However, that does not matter if you have improved your resume over the ban period to develop 2-3 of those areas:

• Academic excellence (better GPA, new coursework, new study program, …)
• Work experience (new internship, new full-time job, promotion, etc)
• Time spent abroad
• Extracurricular activities

Do not worry about a re-application. My estimate is that around 10-20%  of McKinsey consultants get in on their 2nd try :-)

Make sure to network and get a referral for the new application.

2. No, it is treated as a completely new situation and depends on factors you can influence (e.g., your resume, networking) as well as factors you cannot influence (mostly supply of and demand for BA roles).

Cheers,

Florian

Hello,

1. I think you should ask HR about this - the ban generally applies across roles and Imbellus results are valid for at least a year, but if the roles are sufficiently different, there might be some leeway to apply sooner.

2. There is no automatic guarantee that you will pass the resume screening for BA (the expectations are different, the candidate pool is different, etc.), however it is definitely a good sign!

Hi there,

I would reach out and talk to them.

As it's a different role/recruiting channel it's possible you'll be allowed to apply.

There is no guarantee at all that you will pass screening for BA. I know candidates who applied last year and got to final round, then applied this year with Partner referral and a better resume and weren't invited to invite. Recruiting demand is down, so the odds are lower.

That's why it's more important than ever to network extensively, apply to a lot of firms, and maximize your case performance!

Hi there!

As the roles are quite different I suggest going for it - worst case scenario they won’t progress your application and ask you to wait a little longer. And yes, it’s a great sign that your CV passed the screening round last time!

I second Francesco here. HR knows of your previous rejection, so only through networking you can turnaround the situation for the other role.