Referral to Mckinsey

Hi there,

Well done on securing the referral! Regarding your questions:

Q: Should I go for it? Will it be a guaranteed interview or should I wait a bit? 

Definitely go for it, a referral will strengthen your application. On the other hand, it will not guarantee the interview, you will still have to pass the screening.

I don’t see benefits in waiting any longer. You would need to add relevant work experience to make your CV stronger, which will most likely take a significant amount of time (6–12 months). By that time, you could be close to the end of the ban to apply again if you are rejected now. The only reason I would delay the application is if you want to improve the content/format of your CV a bit more, but that should not take long.

We don't have the full picture to evaluate your profile (e.g., possible leadership experience, whether your school is a target or not), but from what you shared (a combo of a 3.7 GPA, referral and previous internship), you should have a good chance.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hey there

Go for the referral now — an EM referral is strong and doesn't come often. It may not guarantee an interview, but it gives you a real shot. You can always reapply later with more experience if needed. The referral helps most at the screening stage, not in the final offer decision.

Best, Alessa

Hey there,

Just sharing a few thoughts here for you:

1. I'd definitely go for it! Why not :-) If you're interested in consulting and all the great experiences a Top Firm like McKinsey can give you, definitely go for it!
2. It's not guaranteed that you will get an interview, but it's a good referral to have to potential increase your odds. That said, it's important to note that a referral does not replace the need of creating a strong profile!
3. If you do get through to interviews, only your performance in the interviews will count towards you making it through to getting an offer and the referral won't matter any more.. 

I'm not too sure about the full details of your background, but what role is the EM referring you for? Is it a Business Analyst / Junior Associate / Associate etc? 

There are truly great perks and benefits from working at McKinsey! It may be worth it for you for sure!

All the best

Yes, go for the referral now; here's why:

– EM referral is strong: Getting referred by an EM at McK significantly boosts your chances of passing the resume screening, even with limited experience.
– No guarantee, but high chance: It’s not a guaranteed interview, but it's as close as you can get early in your career. Waiting doesn’t necessarily improve your odds, especially if the referral opportunity may not be there later.
– Referral mostly affects interview invite: Once you’re in the interview process, performance matters most. The referral won't impact the final offer decision.

Let me know if you'd like feedback on your resume.

Hi there!

Adding to what was stated above, make sure to build a strong CV by highlighting your achievements at PWC, at academia context and community engagement. Your resume is the most critical thing for you to join the process, after you pass the screening phase, you’re in the same position as any other candidate.

Happy to support you by crafting your CV, let me know if that sounds helpful.

Best,

Mari

Hi there!

Congrats on the referral!

Having a referral doesn't mean you're certain to pass screening. But it does increase your chances significantly. You should apply anyway since you have the referral and increase your chances of passing screening by getting a professional review of the CV and cover letter. You can then also use these documents to apply to other consulting firms as well. 

If you don't pass screening on this go, you will still have learned loads from this experience and can apply again next year. 

You might find this guide useful:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Absolutely go for it — congratulations on securing a referral from an EM at McKinsey. That’s a strong endorsement and a fantastic opportunity that many people work hard to get.

You don’t need a long resume to apply — McKinsey looks for potential, problem-solving ability, leadership traits, and drive just as much as experience (I would say max 1-1.5 page). A 3.7 GPA and an internship at PwC already show you have a solid foundation. The fact that an Engagement Manager is willing to refer you means they see promise in you, and that speaks volumes.

Referrals, especially from EMs and above, can significantly boost your chances of getting an interview, though they don’t guarantee one. That said, momentum matters — and there’s no need to wait and “build” more on your CV unless you’re sure you’d be much better prepared a few months from now.

As for the offer: the referral gets your foot in the door, but the CV and interview process is still the biggest hurdle. Focus on preparing well for the case and personal experience interviews — that’s where you can really shine!

If you need help refining your CV, happy to help! 

Best,

Evelina