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Re-applying to McKinsey after failing Imbellus

and Bain BCG McKinsey
New answer on Mar 29, 2022
8 Answers
2.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Mar 28, 2022

Hi,

1) Posted resume on McKinsey portal as a general interest and few months later, received an invite to take the Imbellus test. Failed it. Email stated to re-apply after 18-24 months.

2) 6 months later, messaged the partner at McKinsey (whose currently hiring) on LinkedIn and she responded asking for the resume, to connect to HR.

Question -

Should I simply email my resume to the Parther, even though it’s only been 6 months since the Imbellus test? The role I’m interested in is for experienced hires (10+ years’ work exp).

(edited)

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Matteo
Expert
replied on Mar 28, 2022
McKinsey & Company | Currently offering 1 free coaching session| Happy to PARTNER with you to get an offer from MBB

Hello, 

thanks a lot for the question. :) 

It really depends on what you told the Partner (e.g., did you already mention your past application?) and how you started the conversation. As far as I understood, you still did not tell him/her about the past failed test (please correct me if I am wrong). In this case I can give you 3 main advices

  • Be transparent: you should tell him/her about your past application. This will show 2 main important features: 1) Honesty 2) Attention to details (you noticed the 18-24 months period). Moreover, since you will need to pass through HR screening, better tell them all before
  • Send your CV: this would be a sign of strong determination. It would be better if in the last 6 months there has been some new skill/ competence that you have acquired. In this case you can add value to your new application
  • Be patient and do not push them too much: since McKinsey recruitment process is very standardized, do not force it too much because it can be counterproductive

You can expect 3 main answers from the Partner: 

1) “Let's keep in touch and please re-apply again in 1 year” : unfortunately most probable since McKinsey culture is very strong and it rarely accounts for exceptions. This is true especially if your profile is very similar to 6 months ago → NO GO

2) “Thanks for your honesty. I will speak to HR in any case” → Most probable NO GO

3) "Since I appreciate your honesty, determination and proactivity, we can send you the test again" : this option really depends on the current need of the firm and the interest toward your experienced profile. I would not even take into consideration this option for an entry level position → GO

To conclude, 2 main notes

  • When you reach someone of the firm it is always better to tell them from the beginning “the complete truth" about yourself and your experience. This really pays off
  • In case of positive answer, prepare yourself to the online test as much as possible. Ask yourself: “why do I failed the past one? How can I improve?". There is a lot of good material online

Do not hesitate to reach out me in case of further questions! 

Good luck!

Matteo

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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 29, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

There is absolutely no downside to sharing your resume with the partner 

  • if you are transparent about your current experience
  • if you can convey your motivation to work in this role

Generally, for experienced hires, the Imbellus / Solve carries less of a weight. If you have specific expertise that is desired and a partner really wants you on their team, such aptitude tests quickly become meaningless.

Once past this stage, check out the articles I wrote on the McKinsey case and PEI:

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

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

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

 

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 29, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

If you messaged the Partner and she asked for your resume, I'm confused as to why you're debating? I think your only option is to do as she asks! (what's the counter-move? To miss an opportunity?)

When you send her the resume, you 100% need to flag to her that you failed the Imbellus 6 months ago but are confident that you have prepped adequately this time around.

Now, if/when you do get invited to interview, invest in yourself! There are a lot of great Imbellus resources out there that you can use so as to not repeat the same mistake - of course, happy to help.

Good luck!

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Pedro
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replied on Mar 28, 2022
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Positive scenario: you get an interview.
Negative scenario: you don't get an interview
Do nothing scenario: you don't get an interview

As I see it, there's only upside in sending your resume.

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Andi
Expert
updated an answer on Mar 28, 2022
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires

Hi there, 

Great to hear that you're staying committed to your goals - perseverance usually pays off!

Yes, you can definitely share the resume with the partner - if anyone in the firm, she will be able to help you short-cut. It's your best option in given scenario so give it a shot! Even if HR then comes back and disagrees, no damage done.

One thing to note - it's a good idea to make sure you're transparent with the partner about your previous attempt. Explain why you were struggling the first time AND also convey that you've more than done your homework to come fully prepared, if given a 2nd shot. This will show dedication & integrity on your end and esp. give her a stronger argument to persuade recruiting team, in case there is internal pusbhack (may or may not happen).     

Wish you all the best!

Regards, Andi 

(edited)

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Moritz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 28, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

Hi there,

Go for it! 

The 18-24 months ban can be circumvented in some cases and you're mentioning one possible way.

I have some experience with this in McKinsey - please feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more.

Best of luck!

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 29, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Well done. yes, for sure, share the CV with her. However, 6 months is not long, so be prepared also for a response in the lines of “wait x more time, and then we speak again”. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Mar 28, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Should I simply email my resume to the Partner, even though it’s only been 6 months since the Imbellus test?

I would be upfront with the partner, mentioning you applied in 2021, as this would come out anyway. You can stress the improvements/growth you had in the meantime to show you could be a great addition to the team.

Good luck!

Francesco

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