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Networking for Reapplication after Final-Round Rejection from McKinsey

Hello,

I interviewed with McKinsey Toronto 3 months ago as an MBA student, however, didn't receive an offer after my final round. I completed my MBA last month and currently work in an industry-leading company, and would like to reapply as an experienced hire when I can. When I asked about the 12-month cooling-off period during my feedback call, the partner told me that it was fine to apply in under 12 months as long as I have the additional experience.

Because I'm not sure how early I can apply and the timeline is rather vague - I attended events, started reaching out, and now have a few calls with consultants coming up. Do I need to tell them about my past rejection?

Thank you in advance!

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Top answer
Florian
Coach
on May 27, 2022
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

I would stick to the 12 month cooldown period as it will

  • significantly increase the chances that you will be invited again
  • give you more time to appear on the radar of different firm folks
  • help you prepare better for the case and PEI interview

In your interactions with McKinsey consultants, I'd mention that you have been rejected at the final round, yet received the feedback to apply again soon. Full transparency.

For your prep, have a look at the two articles I wrote or reach out for personalized McK coaching:

Case: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-interview

PEI: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-pei

All the best,

Florian

on May 27, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: âž¡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Do I need to tell them about my past rejection?

If your goal is that they refer you for the new application, yes, you have to mention it.

Why?

Because they will most likely find it out anyway, and it would not look good. So better to be transparent. You can mention though you have been told to apply in advance so far that you can show improvements.

In any case, 3 months is unlikely to show relevant improvements, so I would recommend to wait a bit more.

Best,

Francesco

Udayan
Coach
on May 28, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

It is theoretically possible to re-apply before 12 months but your odds of making it are exceptionally low. The only way the odds would change is if the hiring scenario looked like early 2021 when MBB was desperately hiring people for roles as they were severely understaffed. This is no longer the case and in fact hiring is likely to slow down quite a bit this year. 

In short - accept your current role (it sounds pretty good), focus on doing well here so you have many accomplishments you can talk about and in 2 years if you feel that you still want to re-apply go ahead and give it another shot. You will have much better odds of succeeding this way.

Best,

Udayan

Ian
Coach
on May 27, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Do you have additional experience?

If you don't, you shouldn't apply again. 

3 months is a very very short time period. If I were you, I would double check with the Partner and ask if you can re-apply give that you have finished your MBA.

Pedro
Coach
edited on May 27, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

You don't need to TELL them about your past rejection. But you should wait at least 6 months in your new job so you get relevant additional experience, and be closer to the 12 month period.

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