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McKinsey - told to reapply within 6 months, should I?

BCG McKinsey and Bain MBB rejection final round second round interview
New answer on Mar 01, 2022
11 Answers
2.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Feb 26, 2022

Hi all!

Recently I've applied to McK, went through the first round of interviews very smoothly, and then got rejected on the 2nd round.
I got a really positive feedback from the partner, he said  he wanted to keep in touch because he really liked my interview, my profile and etc but since I made twice the same mistake in math, they could not extend an offer at that moment. 
On the call he told me to reapply within 6 months and suggested that reapplying within 6 months is not something common. My doubt is if these ‘’6 months'' is something usual or does it mean that I could cut some steps at the process.

 

Thank youuuu
-S

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Mamoun
Expert
replied on Feb 27, 2022
Prepares you to crack ALL cases | Interviewer with recent cases, 150+ interviews, 6+ years exp (France, MENA)

Hey,

First, sorry for the negative outcome. 

Is 6-month usual? No, as mentioned in the other comments, you probably were very close to an offer.

Will it be a simplified processed? If they didn't mention it, probably not. You can call the recruiter and ask / negotiate that part. Try to get it in writing in case you have a different HR rep in 6-month.

Should you reapply? There is no straight answer, and it depends on your goals and alternatives. Ask yourself about the fit with McKinsey particularly the office your applying to and how much you want to join that office. Is it worth turning down other opportunities you might have? and last do not forget that (and don't focus on that either) you might be rejected in 6-month as well, so it depends on your risk aversion. Only you can answer this one :)

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Feb 27, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

This is very promising!

Basically, they see a lot of potential in you but just don't view you as ready. Essentially, you were not prepared enough.

Yes, do apply in 6 months, but you need to do 2 things:

  1. Before you apply, reach out to the Partner and HR and double-check that you can/should. Emphasize that you're done a lot of work since then
  2. Do a lot of work! I highly recommend a coach to figure out what you are missing that prevented you from moving on from round 2. Work hard to improve your casing and remove those weaknesses.

Good luck :)

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Sara
Expert
replied on Feb 26, 2022
Ex-McKinsey |Former McKinsey Interviewer|Tailored Interview Prep| 7 years Teaching Experience

Hi there yes you should. If they see potential in you but feel you are not still ready, they put you on the waitlist. You should definitely start practicing now and reapply again in the 6 months,

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Moritz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 26, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

Hey there,

Sounds encouraging!

Under normal circumstances, you would not be able to apply for 1-2 years after failing the interview stage. However, exceptions exist for various reasons.

In this case, I would check back with HR, referring to your conversation with the Partner. You may very well be marked internally as a high potential candidate. 

However, this needs to be aligned between the Partner and the recruiting team, which isn’t always the case. Let’s hope it is in your case!

Best of luck!

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Feb 27, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi S,

Sorry to hear about the rejection. A ban of 6 months is not usual. The usual ban is 12-24 months, so this means you indeed performed well and close to an offer.

In terms of whether you can skip steps: it depends on what they said. I know cases where this was possible, but they normally communicate it in advance.

Best,

Francesco

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Ken
Expert
updated an answer on Feb 26, 2022
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

It depends and so I would clarify with the recruiter.  Either way its a good sign but I've seen both cases as a final round interviewer.

(edited)

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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 27, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi there,

Usually, the ban in McKinsey is 12 months for internships and 24 months for full-time applications.

However, for candidates that are on the fence and failed during the partner round, 6 months is not uncommon at all. This means that you did very well and barely failed. I have coached a couple of candidates who made it in on their 2nd try with a similar story. It's usually just fine-tuning at that stage.

Hence, use the 6 months to work on your weaknesses and try again.

All the best,

Florian

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Lucie
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 27, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

It is great news, meaning if it was math that blocked you, in reality is not so hard to get through that, a lot of drills, eventually math tutor. I will also spend a good time on case preparation, just in case. 

Good luck!

Lucie

PS: Was this answer helpful?

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Charlotte
Expert
replied on Feb 27, 2022
Empathic coach, former McKinsey Engagement Manager |Secure offers from top consulting firms

Dear candidate, 

well done. Definetely make use of it, if you like the position and firm. 6months is a great number

Best regards,

Charlotte

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 01, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Sorry to hear about that math mistake!

The partner is right, 6 months is not common, so it´s totally a good sign. 

Make sure to follow up with this person, as well as HR, when the 6 months mini-ban is over. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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Pedro
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replied on Feb 28, 2022
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

It's not common but it's not abnormal. That is what is suggested for candidates that almost make it.

I don't see why you wouldn't apply again in 6 monhts… just make sure to take the time to prepare and improve.

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Mamoun gave the best answer

Mamoun

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