McKinsey Informational call

Question

Hi Guy,

So I applied to Mckinsey for a business analyst role. They invited me for the game and I took it ( though I didn’t get any results back).

I was invited for an informational interview and they told me I didn’t need to prepare anything. During the call we went through my resume and the recruiter advised that my experiences and education - I don’t have a masters yet, don’t fit the role that I should try again when I have more experience.

Okay a few things to note - I applied for a Business Analyst position but later realised on my job profile my application was changed to Junior Associate. ( I didn’t make this change )

Based on The requirements, I am more qualified for the Business analyst role than the Junior associate.

Also why was I invited for game problem solving if I didn’t even fit what they were looking for. I was abit confused when the recruiter said I was over qualified for the an entry level role (business analyst) that’s why they changed it to junior associate but then now telling me I’m underqualified for the JA.

Mind you I applied to other roles and got rejection email. why Wasn’t this rejected ? why this way. Super confused lol

Has this happened to anyone?

Any ideas why they would this ?

Answer 1

Hi there,

sorry to hear about your bad experience. As other coaches highlighted, it may be the case that you simply didn't pass the screening. It will be worthwhile following up with HR to better understand the situation and see if the McK door is closed for the time being.

That said, even if you got rejected from McK, there are quite a few other great consulting firms out there with interesting projects, great cultures, comparable comp etc.. Where one door closes another may open, so would not let this experience discourage you.

Regards, Andi

Answer 2

Hi there,

You failed the screening test. It's that simple (sorry).

Even if they say you don't need to prepare anything, you should have.

The Imbellus test is generally used in combination with the HR call as a screening phase.

You were not convincing in demonstrating your past experience/skillset. After the call they basically felt like you weren't right for the job.

Learn from this and make sure to prepare in full next time!

Answer 3

Hi there,

sorry for such experience. I think the best is to call HR department and ask all those questions as none of us is able to answer them. HR should be able to give you all the answers.

All the best,

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Answer 4

Hi there,

Every interaction counts! The screening call is obviously there for a reason i.e. to confirm you’re a stand out candidate. Otherwise, why would HR have the call in the first place if they’re just going to wave you through?

Looks as though this interaction wasn’t what HR expected, despite your preparation (also, we’ll never know the criteria HR used). But hey, it’s an ultra competitive process and you should just shake it off and continue!

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Answer 5

Hello!

Sorry, I am slightly confused. Did you get the HR call after the Imbellus? Did you hear back after talking to them on the phone?

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 6

One can only speculate but it sounds like they were initially interested in your profile but it didn't stand out enough for them to progress you for interviews. McKinsey recruiters are incentivised to sift through as many candidates as possible and so this happens all the time. In the background, it could be that they have already filled their BA headcount (which tends to be more fixed than for JA), misinterpretation of your experience, etc.