Hi,
i got a rejection for an associate position at one of the MBB firms. However, when receiving my feedback they suggested reapplying within 6-12 months. Going through the forum i understand that the ban period is around 12-18 months. Should i get in touch with HR after 6 months to see if i can reapply? Or would that be too desperate and i should move on.
(edited)
Hi Anonymous,
the idea of the ban or reapplication period is to give you the chance to develop the skills you lacked during the initial interview. So even if they told you to wait for only 6-12 months (compared to the usual 12-18 months ban period) you should ask yourself how much your profile has actually changed since your last interview day. Did you complete an internship? Did you graduate? Did you work on any private project that has equipped you with additional skills? Did you gain any valuable experience from work / uni / private projects that now makes you a (slightly) different person in the workplace?
If the answer to one or more of these questions is "yes" don't hesitate to get in touch with HR. Although I would recommed to wait for more than 6 months, since 6 months is indeed a very short period of time. Be prepared to explain thoroughly why you should be invited again and why this is so important to you.
If the answer to all of these questions is "no" you have to options: 1) gain experience, so you can answer one of the questions with "yes" in a couple of months or 2) move on.
Hope this helps.
Best
Dorothea
I fully agree with what Dorothea said! And in addition, it's good to know that these cool-off periods are often decided by local recruiting teams and they are certainly different per firm. So to understand the hard limitations, it's good to confirm with HR.
Hello there!
Dorothea is right, it's not only about the time but also about the skills you gained during that period.
Reapplying without changing anything about your profile is a waste of time, and 6 months are usually not enough to upgrade it, as it requires much effort.
My advice is not to hurry and spend this period productively to increase your chances in the future. Here is what you could do:
After that you can try to reapply, in case you feel you are ready.
The other option is to find a coach who will provide you with the right strategies and help you find a referral.
Was it helpful?
GB
(edited)
Hi there,
This is honestly good news for you (considering the bad news of a rejection).
This basically means you're not banned! They don't have capacity to take in new candidate and probably see you as a very strong candidate.
Absolutely apply in 6-12 months! However, make sure to contact them beforehand to see if spaces have opened up.
Hello!
Yes, 100%. If they told you 6-12 months that indeed is great, so don´t let that opportunity go.
That means it was an "almost".
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Hi,
That's not right. The ban is defined by the office and it can be 6 months in certain cases (lack of office demand for consultants; interview performance with minor issues). You should reapply as they suggested
Best
Hi there,
The standard ban in MBB in 18-24 months for full time and 12 months for internships. However, according to the performance the interviewers/HR may recommend a shorter period. This is usually when you had a good performance in interviews and are close to an offer.
If the interviewers suggested to apply in 6-12 months you can do so without any problem. It would be good if you can do so with a referral and you can show some growth in your CV.
You can find more on referrals at the following link:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176
Best,
Francesco
Hi, in this particular period the ban period can be lower than usual due to the less slots available and the scenario of more need soon
Best,
Antonello
Hi,
I would make sure that when you re-apply you can demonstrate growth in your profile for them to consider your application. I would assume that you will prepare for the case but also make sure that you will have stronger stories for the fit interview.
Best,
Iman
