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Reapplication AT Kearney

ATKearney reapplication
New answer on Feb 28, 2023
10 Answers
640 Views
Anonymous A asked on Feb 24, 2023

After being declined from Kearney in March 2022, I was told by HR that I can re-apply in 12 months (ie: March 2023). 

As I gear up to reapply, I want to know if applying on 1st or 2nd March constitutes as completing the 12 month ban or should I wait till the exact date when I received the rejection email to avoid falling prey to the reapplication ban automated rejection?

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Best answer
Andi
Expert
updated an answer on Feb 28, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires

Hi there 
 

the firms are usually not too fussy / pendantic about exact dates. 

That said, I recommend, when you do reapply, make sure that
a) you do so with a referral (significantly increases your odds, especially in the current market conditions); and
b) show actual improvement in your CV, especially if previously you got weeded out in the screening stage.

Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out, if you have further questions or would like to get specific advice on your specific target geography.

Regards, Andi

(edited)

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Hagen
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 25, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • First of all, I would highly advise you not to take things too literally. When you applied last year, your profile was not strong enough, so the recruiter expects you to have a stronger profile by now. Whether you applied a month ago, today, or on the 1st or 2nd of March does not increase or decrease your chances of getting invited to the interviews as long as you have actually worked on your profile by gaining additional relevant experiences, polishing your application files, and securing a referral, at best.
  • Moreover, please keep in mind that technically, the ban period starts from the moment you applied, not the moment you were rejected.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 27, 2023
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi there,

The date is not so much important compared to two other things:

  1. You need to show significant developments/improvements in your resume across 2/4 dimensions (academia, work exp, extracurriculars, time spent abroad)
  2. Ideally get a referral from someone in your target office/

All the best,

Florian

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 25, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

While the date isn't “fixed”, take a minute to consider your question…

We need to improve your critical thinking skills as this is critical as a consultant!

What do you gain by applying 1 day earlier?

What do you risk losing by applying 1 day earlier?

What would a consultant do if this were a client problem…

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Anonymous replied on Feb 25, 2023

Dear applicant,

These are great questions, most importantly, for the next rounds try to prepare how you differentiate yourself from other applicants and shine in the case interview part by working on creativity, innovation and imagination. Being able to generate great ideas is an important skill to succeed in the overall application process. 

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 25, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Should I wait till the exact date when I received the rejection email?

If you have applied before, I would:

  • Look for a referral
  • Ask the person referring you to check with HR if you can be considered now

A referral can substantially increase the chances of getting an invitation, and it will help to avoid any potential conflict with the time of the ban.

You can find more on referrals below:

 How to Get an MBB Invitation 

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

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Dennis
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 24, 2023
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

usually a ban period is 12-18 months. If you were explicitly told 12 months by a recruiter back then, it might be worthwhile to reach out to Kearney HR and confirm that with their current staff. 

Better play it safe at this point. Not sure how their internal systems flag things.

Good luck

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Feb 27, 2023
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

They're not that strict. 

But before applying, make sure your CV has improved sufficiently to grant you an interview this time.

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 24, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Great to see that you're persevering! :)

It's totally ok to apply now already. The date is not 1 year fixed - it's more of a general guideline, a timeline in which they expect you to gain additional relevant experience. 

If you want to be 100% sure you can send the recruiters and email. 

Best,

Cristian

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Benjamin
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 28, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi there,

In my past experience, recruiting did not count the specific days but rather looked at it on a month basis. This is understandable as the rationale for a ban/application gap is to give you time to improve your application/skills, so its less about a defined '# of days".

Check with HR if you are really concerned but I don't think it will be an issue.

All the best!

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Andi gave the best answer

Andi

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