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Re-applying after getting a reject from an MBB office after an internship

BCG McKinsey and Bain Middle East
New answer on May 11, 2020
12 Answers
1.4 k Views
Anonymous A asked on May 09, 2020

Hey guys,

If someone gets a reject from an MBB office after an internship, is it possible to re-apply to another office at the same MBB firm for a full time position? (Entry level position, re-applying in a Middle East Office). It has been 12 months since the intership, I have done more internships and have gotten better brands on my CV.

Thanks!

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Anonymous replied on May 10, 2020

Hi,

You can re-apply again for sure just need to check the ban period as it can be different for each firm / office. E.g. BCG SEA is 2 years.

Also make sure to polish your CV and show how you grow in the last 12 months. Prepare the verbal answer also.

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Vlad
Expert
replied on May 10, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Yes, you can reapply (just check if it was a 1 or 2-year ban). However, you should have a good explanation of what went wrong last time and how you have improved since then. It's a very tricky situation and I would probably wait for at least 1 more year

Best

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 10, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Yes, indeed, after one year you should be able to apply.

However, you should prepare very very well the answer to:

  • What went wrong so you did not get an offer?
  • What will be different this time?
  • Which action plan have you implemented since then to keep improving?

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Anonymous replied on May 10, 2020

Hi there,

Yes, you can re-apply in 1 year, and as the other have indicated you would need to have a clear case on how did you work on the feedback you received in your internship (and it has to show in your CV, specifically on whatever work/academic experience you intend to get during this coming year)

My advice, is to try to use this internship to land another internship in another MBB office. By having this internship on your CV, you could quasi-guarantee an interview from a direct competitor where you could have a chance to experience a different culture and have a second attempt at landing a full-time offer.

Fast forward 1 year, you could re-apply to the original office, your CV would look way more attractive having done a second MBB internship.

I hope this helps.

Best

Khaled

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Anonymous replied on May 10, 2020

Hi,

It largely depends on your performance during the internship. But overall, you can of course apply to another office. But in your case, I would focus on getting referrals.

Best,

Anton

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Anonymous replied on May 11, 2020

Dear A,

I would be careful with re-applying, because there is a ban restrictions for the next 12-18 months. For this time you can improve your performance and work on getting referrals for your next interniship.

Best,

André

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Anonymous replied on May 10, 2020

Hi there,

Ask HR in the specific office on the ban period to be sure.

More important, you need to show that you have improved a lot since your internship to full time application. Reflect on why you didn't get the return offer last time, what feedback you had received, and make sure you have made good progress on the feedback.

Best,

Emily

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 10, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

you may definitely try it, however your situation is a bit tricky. I would work on two main things:

  1. Find a referral for your new application
  2. Be humble when answering what happened, why that happened and how you improved

The improvement in particular should be tangible and clearly eliminate doubts that the previous problems may appear again. I would not apply again until the improvement is clearly perceived as a solid one.

Best,

Francesco

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Nirmit
Expert
replied on May 10, 2020
I will get you an offer|McKinsey Senior EM|Offers from MBB|100+ interviews at McKinsey|Recruiting Lead|Experienced hire

Hi,

12 months is enough time to apply again. Two points to note:

1) As everyone else has mentioned, have a great answer on how you have addressed the opportunities/feedback given during your internship.

2) Are you in touch with anyone in your team(s) from the internship? If yes, I would strongly recommend connecting with them and running your story by them as to why you are ready to apply again. Having someone from inside vouch for you can go a long way!

Thanks,

Nirmit

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 09, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi,

Yes, absolutely it is possible and frequently done.

However, you need to do a few things first:

1) Check with HR when the ban on re-application expires

2) Be very sure you are indeed a stronger candidate. This doesn't just include CV but also means trying to get a referral. If you got rejected during the interview round, make sure you address the weaknesses they identified!

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Anonymous replied on May 09, 2020

Hello,

Do you know why your application was rejected (e.g. not target school) ?

Best

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Anonymous A on May 09, 2020

Hey David, my application did not get rejected. I actually did an internship at the MBB firm but did not get a return (FT) offer.

Thomas
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 11, 2020
150+ interviews | 6+ years experience | Bain, Kearney & Accenture | Exited startup| London Business School

After one year should be totally fine! Be sure to have a solid answer to any question along the lines of "why now".

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