Offer of screening interview - but no follow through from recruiter. Help!

Question

Hi Everyone,

I hope you might be able to help me.

Just under 2 months ago, I was offered a screening interview with McKinsey and Company (experienced hire in response to a specific role) and asked whether I would have time the following week to talk further about the position. I didn't hear back until the end of the following week when she asked to reschedule due to urgent business. While at first, I was nonplussed, (I work in Medicine and completely understand how things change rapidly), this has now become a persistent pattern. She often refers to making a time to talk, but never follows through with a time and date. I was asked to provide an updated copy of my academic transcript one month ago, but since then I have heard nothing. I have followed up with a polite email, but still no answer. Has anyone else experienced something similar or have any advice/insight as to how I might manage this problem?

Thank you for your advice!

Answer 1

Hi,

This year the demand for consultants will be low since:

The pipeline of projects in smaller and many people will be "Out"
All interns were given job offers

The best way is to keep pushing and reaching out to different HRs

Best

Answer 2

Hi there,

First, sorry to hear - this really isn't great!

It seems there are actually a lot of these stories going around on the Q&A regarding McKinsey.

My impression is that there is just a lot going on and resources are a bit stretched at the moment.

I think you have two options:

1) Call her (at a reasonable time during the day) - obviously lead in very neutrally, positively, etc.

2) Find another HR contact with which you can communicate

Answer 3

Hi, I recommend to text/call HR without worrying about bothering them: they are there to help

Best,
Antonello

Answer 4

Hi there,

I am sorry for the unpleasant experience. This is unusual at McKinsey. It could be this particular HR person is new/inexperienced as usually MBB pay a lot of attention on the recruiting process, starting with the first contact.

I would recommend you call the office and propose the next steps with them directly, without mentioning the negative experience.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 5

Hello,

Unfortunately this is not uncommon among companies, even if consulting firms should be more efficient. Do you have a phone number of your contact? Sometimes it is far more effective than a mail.
Do not worry so much of reaching out to HR staff, they are there to help.

Best,
Luca

Answer 6

Hi Anonymous,

2 reasons for that, although low chances to find out which one applies (if not a mixture of them):

Busy times, especially since you are an experienced hire for which the firm needs specific interviewers (potentially on partner level) which are generally in high demand
Unclear demand for your specialty - potentially some projects were postponed for which you might have been considered, and now you are on the sideline waithing how that situation (and budgets for ending 2020 and 2021) turn out.

Only reasonable thing to do is grabbing your phone and calling your HR contact and trying to investigate a bit between the lines. At least worth the effort for your personal planning.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Answer 7

Dear A,

This is mot usual in McKinsey. Mail it's ok, but polite call to HR will be more efficient. Or try to find another HR contact.

Best,
André