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Reschedule McKinsey interview one day before the interview

1st round 1st round interview McKinsey
New answer on Jun 24, 2021
6 Answers
2.3 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jun 23, 2021

I have my McKinsey 1st round interview in 2 days. However, I feel like I am not ready and am contemplating reaching out to McKinsey and inquire about postponing the interview. Has anyone ever done this ? I am worried just asking them to postpone might derail my interview process. The position is for experienced hire (non MBA)

(edited)

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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 23, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

This is usually possible. Every McKinsey office handles this a bit differently, however. I can tell you from the DACH region that it is no problem at all and happens quite frequently because candidates

  • feel they are not prepared enough
  • have a cold / the flu

While in the first case, it is a bit questionable since you probably knew that you are not ready for the interview already last week, being sick is outside of your control...

I would just call HR and ask them about the process for your specific office and situation.

Cheers,

Florian

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Bob
Proficient
replied on Jun 23, 2021

My recruiter originally offered me many slots across multiple weeks to choose from, which gave me a lot of flexibility. If they offered you the same originally, you could try to see if they will let you move it to another later spot if it is still open, but you have to do it now. Also, use a different, more legitimate reason in your email. 

I was able to reschedule it but it was also partly due to a mistake on their end. The good thing is that McKinsey interviews are less individualized but more systematic / standardized so they may be able to accomodate. However, my experience is for undergrad so take it with a grain of salt. 

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Henning
Expert
replied on Jun 24, 2021
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

This happens all the time and is not an issue at all.

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 24, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

If you are seriously thinking about postponing it means that you don´t feel ready at all, hence the best is probably to reschedule. 

it´s actually very common, but now you are a bit tight in time, so it would be better to move asap with HR. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Jun 23, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

You need to work out the math here: At your current state of preparation do you have essentially a 0% chance of making it through? As in, have you not been able to solve a case with at least a 4/5 rating?

If so, you may as well postpone.

If not, what % increase will result from postponing? As in, if you have a 10% shot right now (you're 70% ready), can you up it to a 50% shot with a week's prep (i.e. get to 90% ready)? If so, postpone. If not, don't.

I would highly recommend you get a coach to assess you. They can tell you whether your odds right now are high or low, and how much more work is required. It's worth the investment (if you can find an opening in their schedule on such short notice that is!)

Good luck to you.

(edited)

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Ken
Expert
replied on Jun 23, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

The day before is never ideal and so I would be careful on the reason you give. McKinsey will usually accomodate but most offices take a batch process and so your interview could be next week or sometimes a few months later. Unless you feel grossly underprepared, I would just go with the interview. An additional week should not make a substantial difference to your performance.

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