Rejecting McKinsey offer

Hi there,

This is a tricky one - why go through the full process only to decline the offer now? That could leave a negative mark in McKinsey’s internal records, which might affect future applications.

Before outright rejecting it, I’d recommend negotiating transparently with the firm. Explain your situation and interest in working in the U.S. The best-case scenario is that they transfer your application to a U.S. office and have you go through an additional round of interviews with local partners (I’ve seen this happen with a client before). However, the worst-case scenario is that they withdraw the offer entirely and impose an application ban, preventing you from applying again in the near future.

A third option worth considering is starting in your home country and working toward an internal transfer after 1-2 years. With strong performance and partner sponsorship from both offices, McKinsey often facilitates such moves.

Think through your priorities carefully, and if you need help strategizing, feel free to reach out!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer from McKinsey!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, while I understand that a significantly higher salary in the US might be tempting, I wonder why you applied in your home country in the first place, i.e. there seems to be a certain preference here as well.
• Moreover, before you simply reject the offer, I would highly advise you to contact the recruiter and talk about your situation, preferably with a stronger and intrinsic motivation than salary. I am pretty sure that it will not be possible to move to another region, but it might be worth a try.
• Lastly, a possible alternative could be to accept the offer and move internally at a later date.

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

Best,

Hagen

Hi,

Congrats on receiving the offer.

I would reach out to the office that give you the offer, explaining your personal situation and check if they can help you to re-allocate/re-apply for a US office. You have proven already you can pass the interview, which is a big advantage if you need to re-apply.

Mattijs

Hey there ?, if the offer from McKinsey in your home country doesn’t meet your expectations and you’re set on pursuing opportunities in the US, it’s completely reasonable to consider rejecting it and reapplying with a US location preference. I know many people who have taken this route – turning down an offer now can be totally fine if it means you might start later in a higher position that better aligns with your long-term goals and financial expectations. Just be prepared to clearly articulate your reasons during the reapplication process, and trust that the right opportunity will come along. Best, Alessa ?

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer. In terms of your question:

Q: I am thinking about rejecting this offer and reapplying, but this time stating only the US offices as my location preferences in my application. Would you advise me to do this? Why or why not?

Before rejecting the offer, I would recommend reaching out to HR and ask if there is an option to be considered for a different office. They might request to take additional interviews, but that would still be better than starting from scratch. They might also not have any options for this, but in any case, you have nothing to lose by asking.

Alternatively, if you are ok with working a few years in your home country, you might stay there and request a transfer in a few years to the US.

Good luck!

Francesco

Salaries are adjusted to cost of living and local wages.

I am sure there's a reason why you did apply to your home country instead of applying to the US... You can proceed as you suggested, but the risk is that you lose the offer you have and don't get the job in the US.

Most likely if you reject the offer without providing a great reason you will be banned for 12 months and negatively marked in the system.

You should speak with them, but I doubt you will be successful.

Hey there, 

If the compensation doesn't match your needs or interests, it is reasonable to reject. That said, you could consider taking the offer and trying an internal move (albeit this may be difficult)

I'd also be interested to know what your alternative would be to rejecting it but still not ending up going to the US (i.e. if it would be worth rejecting it in that situation)

I think you need to evaluate the benefits of integrating into the McKinsey network and the benefits that offers vs the comp you were offered, as well as exit opportuninities and other opportunities available to you now. Then obviously take the route that ticks most boxes. 

But for sure, there's nothing wrong with rejecting an offer that doesn't suit your needs