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RESCHEDULING TO NEXT CYCLE

First Round MBB McKinsey rescheduling
New answer on Oct 24, 2022
9 Answers
687 Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 11, 2022

I was invited to the first round at McKinsey, but with personal issues, I can't prepare myself in time for my interview. and I don't feel like it's the best time for me. I want to ask to continue when the next recruiting cycle begins but I'm not sure if they'll keep my progress. I passed the first stages of the resume and the Imbellus game/the PSG. 

Is it ok to ask McKinsey if I can continue the process in  2 months or so 

and 

Is it ok to ask for them to keep my progress so I'll freeze the process and will continue it next cycle 

and 

how long can you reschedule

 

(edited)

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Benjamin
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Content Creator
replied on Oct 12, 2022
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hello, A couple of questions first: 1) are you applying from college/“Official Campus Recruitment (OCR)” or are you a lateral/experienced hire? 2) are you applying for a generalist role or a specific industry or practice area? Not from McK but generally firms follow a few guidelines. OCR typically has a fixed hiring cycle that coincides with graduation cycles. It sounds like you are a lateral hire applicant, but correct me if I’m wrong. Offcycle hiring happens throughout the year. Firms typically have a quota assigned to each type of recruitment/office. Some firms only accept you (if you are a college student) if you apply within OCR cycle. If you are applying as a specific practice area specialist, then you would be competing for that specific headcount slot that has been allocated or opened by the practice area. In reality, it really depends on the quotas and how the firm allocates and fills this. Best way is to ask the recruiter if it’s ok to delay and what are the implications. The recruiter will not explain in detail their hiring quotas but may give a hint on whether it’s better to apply now or later. Keep in mind that in the offcycle hiring (esp for generalist roles), it’s a rolling basis so slots fill up as and when the firm finds a good candidate. So in some ways, the longer you wait, it -may- mean that you are lowering your chances of getting in (caveat: firm specific and just ask the recruiter for the low down). But most important of all, if you don’t feel you are ready, don’t rush the interview. I have seen too many promising candidates fail the interview because of a lack of preparation. It’s better wait, be better prepared and convert that one chance you have. In summary: 1) ask the recruiter if it’s okay and why/why not 2) get prepared 3) if McK doesn’t work out, there are tons of other good firms looking for talents All the best!

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Ian
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replied on Oct 12, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the personal issues and hope you're able to work through them in good time.

Yes, you absolutely can and should ask McKinsey to delay. Try to do this via call and be honest about how much time you need. Is 2 months overly ambitious? Then ask for 3-4!

Figure out what you need, and figure out the best way to articulate this to them (including the “why”).

Good luck to you!

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Francesco
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replied on Oct 12, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Is it ok to ask McKinsey if I can continue the process in  2 months or so 

Yes, asking is not a problem. Worst case they will say it is not possible.

2) Is it ok to ask for them to keep my progress so I'll freeze the process and will continue it next cycle 

Yes, same as above.

3) How long can you reschedule

I would propose the time you actually need. If they cannot accommodate they will tell you and you can try to negotiate a different time.

Good luck!

Francesco

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Florian
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replied on Oct 12, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi there,

This should always be possible.

My advice for such cases is always to reach out to HR personally, ideally via a phone call and discuss your situation.

The worst case is that they cannot reschedule the interview (very unlikely).

All the best for you!

Cheers,

Florian

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Dennis
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replied on Oct 12, 2022
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi,

I've seen many situations in which there was a “freeze” for the candidate's recruiting process applied for a certain time that got picked up again at a later date. Definitely speak to HR about it to reschedule the first round.

Best wishes

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Udayan
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replied on Oct 12, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Definitely worth asking. As long as you are honest and clear about what you need and why then there is a very high chance they can ‘freeze’ it. It is not a guarantee of course but a good chance 

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Cristian
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Content Creator
replied on Oct 18, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Sorry to hear about the situation.

It's totally ok to reschedule, especially when you have a very good reason to do so. The time that you can postpone the interviewer for is decided on a case by case basis. McKinsey has no interest in losing a potentially valuable candidate by applying irrational timelines. Just connect with the recruiter / HR, explain the situation and problem solve with them on what would be the best approach. 

Best,
Cristian

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Anonymous replied on Oct 23, 2022

Hi - This should not be a problem. Just send an email to HR explaining your situation. I expect them to be quite accommodating. 

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Pedro
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replied on Oct 24, 2022
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

I don't think there's an exact limit, but postponing up to 6 months shouldn't be an issue. Just think about what would be the best time for you and ask for that.

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Benjamin gave the best answer

Benjamin

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