Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

McKinsey - Business Analyst Application ME

Hi all, 

Following the completion of the McKinsey Solve Game back in November, I still haven't heard back from HR (I am confident I performed well). 

Is anyone in the same boat? I tried to reach out to HR multiple times (as well as my referral) but in vain. Can anyone else share updates if possible?

Thanks a lot!

6
900+
14
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Feb 06, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Sorry to say it, but it doesn't spell out good news :)

If you haven't heard back in two months you likely didn't make it. I'd still however check with HR just to make sure that your application didn't get lost. 

In the meantime, I'd suggest you start reapplying to other firms and going as broad as possible at this point. 

Best,

Cristian

Hagen
Coach
on Feb 06, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about this frustrating experience with McKinsey!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • If both you and the person who provided the referral (i.e., a current employee) have already reached out to the recruiting team multiple times, it may be best to wait for their response. However, if you feel that it has been an extended period, it may be appropriate to reach out one more/ last time to inquire about the status of your application.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Florian
Coach
on Feb 06, 2023
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

I have a candidate with a similar situation in the ME (who took the test in December). 

On the other hand, I have others who did the Solve in the ME over the last two months in the region and heard back sooner.

Hard to tell what is going on but for now, the only thing you can do is wait and apply for other firms + keep your casing skills up to speed.

Cheers,

Florian

Anonymous A
on Feb 06, 2023
Those who heard back heard back with a positive or negative update if I may ask?
Deleted
Coach
on Feb 06, 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG

Hello A,

Could you please clarify whether you have reached out to your referral and was not responsive, or your referral tried to reach out to HR and the latter was not responsive?

If your referral has not been responsive, I would advise you to stop insisting. 

I cannot tell you whether you've been rejected or not (generally when they reject you, they send you an automated email) but you are not their priority now either. :/

In any case, as other people mentioned, in the Middle East you still have BCG, Bain, Kearney, Strategy&, Oliver Wyman, etc. 

Best of luck!

Best,

Victoria

Ian
Coach
on Feb 06, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

To be honest I think you have not made the cut. Not sure what happened but if it has been 3 months it's unlikely to bear fruit.

Remember, there are hundreds of other companies other than McKinsey. Get networking and applying to them!

Anonymous B
on Feb 06, 2023

How soon did you get your imbellus invite after applying? And what was the deadline given to you to complete the imbellus game?

4
Anonymous A
on Feb 06, 2023
I received the imbellus invite within ~ 3 weeks
Deadline to complete the game was 1 week if not mistaken
Anonymous B
on Feb 06, 2023
After you submitted your application, 3 weeks then they sent you the invite to play the imbellus game?
Anonymous C
on Feb 06, 2023
I have also completed the Imbellus beginning January 2023 - I have applied end of November 2022. The email response stated 6th February is the communication due for any potential future step or outcome related our applications.
I am also mixed, I am sure my performance was good but wondering whether the time they will contact you is correlated with invite or not.
Anonymous B
on Feb 06, 2023
I mean how fast did they invite you to play the imbellus game after you applied?
Anonymous B
on Feb 06, 2023
The next day of the application Imbellus was sent out.
Anonymous B
on Feb 06, 2023
You are not clear in your communication. You said 3 weeks and 1 week? 3 weeks then you are invited to play the imbellus game? and then 1 week was your imbellus game deadline?
Similar Questions
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Apr 24, 2025
Global
5
4.1k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
42
5 Answers
4.1k Views
+2
Consulting
McKinsey background check
on May 31, 2024
Global
10
3.1k
Top answer by
Ex-McKinsey |5y consulting experience | Specialization in Psychology | Proven holistic mentor
64
10 Answers
3.1k Views
+7
Consulting
McKinsey PEI - Same incident/story for Courageous Change and Inclusive Leadership
on May 28, 2024
Global
7
2.9k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
84
7 Answers
2.9k Views
+4
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.