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Re-apply to McKinsey

Hi everyone. 

I am wondering if we will have to go through the same application process again such as the Imbellus Assessment (even through a referral) for our reapplications in the future?

In addition, would it be advisable to apply for the Business Analyst role again as an Experienced Hire? Or would (jr) Associate be better, after gaining 2~3 years of working experience as an Engineer?

I am particularly interested in the Education Sector (though my current working experience is vastly different from my interest), so any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thank you :) 

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Top answer
Deleted user
on Jul 17, 2020

Hello, 

Thank you for your question!
First of all, I would check the actual opportunity to re-apply to McKinsey; if you have already gone through the interview process without success, it is pretty unusual they will reconsider your CV. 

On the other hand, if you have decided to postpone the interview process after taking the test, it is very likely that you can obtain not to re-take the test.

If you have 2-3 years of previous working experience you will be proposed a Jr Associate position, which makes sense since it gives you the chance to build your toolkit and be comfortable with it before becoming an Associate, but of course helps you fastening the transition, even in light of your previous experience.

Hope this helps :)

9
Anonymous A
on Jul 18, 2020
Hi Chiara. Thank you so much for the advice! :) I managed to get a 1st-round interview but I did not manage to do well;however, I was advised by one of the interviewers to reapply again, and he welcomes any questions should I have any in the future. May I confirm that if I apply through a referral next time, would this get me straight to the 1st-round interview after submitting an updated CV, or would I need to go through the CV screening/ sit for the Imbellus Assessment again? Thank you :)
Anonymous B
on Jul 19, 2020
Not sure why Chiara said that one can't re-apply after unsuccessful interview process! I was explicitly encouraged by my interviewer at BCG to re-apply after 1 year when I failed the 1st interview round, and at McKinsey the Recruiter confirmed me that I can re-apply after 1.5 years. A referral can help, but is not necessary.
Deleted user
Coach
on Jul 21, 2020
It really depends on what the HR told you at the end of the process the first time; if they explicitly told you to re-apply in the future, then it means that they saw some potential and would be eager to interview you again in the future, after a relevant experience. In this case, you would need to go through the full process again. If they didn't tell you so and the process was unsuccessful you won't be able to re-apply. But for you, Anonymous A, it really seems to me it is the first case :) good luck then!
Ian
Coach
on Jul 18, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

You would most likely need to take the Imbellus Assessment again.

It will really depend on what responsibilities and other experiences you exhibit in the next 2-3 years. If you've shown ability to drive value, been promoted a few times, etc., apply as Associate. If you've just held the same, ground-level, role, then apply as Business analyst.

Also, feel free to ask us again in 2 years (with your updated resume) and we can let you know :)

Robert
Coach
on Jul 19, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

Standard procedure is to repeat the full application process - exceptions apply, so it really depends on the case. But don't worry too much about it, just call HR before you apply again and inquire about your specific situation. Anyway they will decide for you, so just take it as it is.

More likley is still a business analyst role, depending on your general statement here. But also same story as before - just call HR upfront and discuss your specific situation. They are here to help you, so don't hesitate to call them. Everything else is pure speculation anyway..

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

Robert

Deleted user
on Jul 18, 2020

Dear A,

If you application hasn't been successfull for the first time, then you would need to repeat the process once again including the Imbellus test, from the very beginning. Even if you have a referral. Within an engeneering background and without any project experience I think that you would still be more suitable for the business analyst role, even as an experienced hire. However, if you have 3-5 years of experience, most probably it would be better fit for you to go for an assosiate possition. 

If you need any advice, help with neworking or referrals in order to get invited, feel free to reach out. 

Best,

André

6
Clara
Coach
on Jul 20, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

It depends, sometimes, they tell you that they will "contact you in the future". This means that, even if you didn´t pass, your performance was strong. 

In this case, you would skip Imbellus. 

Hope it helps!

Best, 

Clara

on Jul 21, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

The Imbellus is currently required for Associate roles as well at McKinsey, at least in some offices – if they don’t change policy in the meantime you will have then to do it again.

With 2-3 years of experience, you will very likely have to apply as BA. Once you are in the 3+ year range, you may start to negotiate a higher position. The exact answer depends as well on the office and the job you will do in the meantime.

Best,
Francesco

Gaurav
Coach
on Nov 06, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there,

Yes, you have to do all the process again from the beginning if your application wasn’t successful firstly.

I would recommend you try to apply for the Associate position as it’s more suitable for your case.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

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