Referral from partner power - Mckinsey

Hi there,

1. My personal suggestion is: (i) say you have been rejected if he asks about previous application and (ii) if he offers to refer you, mention it. So don’t proactively say it, but in the end let him know. He will very likely find out anyway as the recruiting system is global for McK. If he finds out on his own – that’s not good. Also, prepare a good explanation on why now you are a good fit compared to the previous application
2. Most likely you will still have to wait at least 12 months. An exception may be if it is a different country (no guarantees though)
3. I would avoid London and prioritize (i) the location where the partner is present and/or (ii) the one where you have the strongest connection to

As a side note: McKinsey Dubai is not hiring much in this period and they may redirect you to apply to Riyadh.

Best,

Francesco

It is easiest to refer to the office where the partner is from. However you cannot just pick random places to work. You need to apply to a place you can actually work in and ideally do not need sponsorship (seems like that is India). Dubai is an exception as they are good at sponsoring, but you need to prove ties to the region or a strong reason for them to look at your case before they interview you.

If you have been rejected from McKinsey within 12 months, my experience is that a referral is not enough to get over that hurdle. However there is no harm in trying. Note that if you are applying to the India office you need to still meet the bar there (most are from IIT/IIM or Ivy Leagues)

Udayan

I would say that you should tell her about your rejection, but in general, if a partner contacted you - give it a try!

Speaking about offices I agree with colleagues. To ask for a referral in the office where the partner is located is the safest option.

If a McKinsey partner wants to talk to you and he is convinced of you, it doesn't matter whether you got rejected already some months ago. Regarding the location, this depends where you would like to be. Keep in mind that his influence is the strongest in the office that he belongs to.

Hello!

Congrats, it paid off :)

1. I wouldn´t, nothing to gain there
2. You have a chance!
3. London is precisely the office where I would not ask to be referred -it will end up in the same rejection-. You mention other offices that interest u, go for those.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara