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McKinsey ban period

McKinsey & Company
New answer on Nov 07, 2023
6 Answers
1.0 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 20, 2022

Hi, Does the McKinsey ban period after a final round rejection apply across roles?

My BA application was a turndown - can I now apply for technical roles? 

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Moritz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 21, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

Hi there,

It actually doesn‘t apply across roles. For example, in my MBA people went for McK internship interviews to get rejected and then get another shot at Associate weeks after (just to get rejected again - I was the only McK hire in my cohort).

McK told us about this at the time and I see it happening now. For example, one of my coachees recently barely failed the last round for Associate. Now another McK country office showed interest but said that they could only interview him for the EM role.

Ultimately, it depends on the specific office since they do handle these things differently. However, in principle it’s possible for you not to be banned for another role.

I could talk more about this but will leave it here for now. Let me know if you’d like to learn more.

Hope this helps! Best of luck!

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Ian
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Content Creator
updated an answer on Jul 20, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Yes I am sorry to say that it applies universally. You can try to network/refer your way around it but ultimately you will have to wait a year.

There are lots of other firms out there. Get networking and applying!

If you failed the interviews make sure you're improving upon the strengths/weaknesses!

Here's some reading to improve your casing: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

And some reading to improve your behavioral: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

 

(edited)

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Sophia
Expert
replied on Jul 21, 2022
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but yes, unfortunately it does apply across all roles. You should feel free to get in touch with HR if you want clarification from their end about this.

Be sure to get their feedback on your performance in the final round, and keep practicing and applying to other firms. Best of luck!

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 21, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Unfortunately, no. 

The reason for the ban is that you need to add "relevant" experience to your CV, and you need at least 12-18 months for that. 

A referral would for sure help, but after the required months. 

Don´t give up!

Cheers,

Clara

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Jul 25, 2022
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

For different roles, there shouldn't be a ban. The ban should apply for the same role (regardless of being different ranks).

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ALEXANDRE
Expert
replied on Nov 07, 2023
FREE INTRO I exMcKinsey EM I exKearney consultant I High Success Rate I Official Coach for HEC (160 coachees in 2022/23)

Hi,

It's important to note that a ban from McKinsey doesn't necessarily apply universally across all roles. 

So you can try to apply for a different role, you have nothing to lose.

Cheers,

Alexandre

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Moritz gave the best answer

Moritz

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