Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Retracted application. Do I have to wait?

Application
New answer on Dec 24, 2020
9 Answers
759 Views
Anonymous A asked on Nov 29, 2020

Hello,
I have submit an application to Mckinsey kinda of prematurely and then realised that I could improve my CV a bit more and retracted my application the day after. This was about 1 month ago. I have two questions concerning this.

1) Am I still able to apply or does this count as a failed application and thus I'll have to wait for 2 years?

2) I also have a few calls planned with Mckinsey consultants later this week. Should I mention that this happened or will it hurt me when it comes to referrals?

Thanks!

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Allen
Expert
replied on Nov 29, 2020
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best

Hi there,

I don't think you need to wait at all before reapplying. That's the advantage of retracting. They don't have to look at your resume until you think it's ready, so go right ahead!

I can't emphasize enough, be upfront with everyone. Ultimately they will know as soon as they try to refer you and it doesn't look good if you withheld any information from them. When I was at McKinsey, this happened to me a few times and it was extremely disappointing.

And that brings me to my last point, unless you have the word "Rhodes" in your resume or something similar, never apply without a referal. It's just not worth the effort and getting your hopes up. Anyone with the skills to work at McKinsey, can figure out how to get a referral. Although this was never stated explicitely, I think it's part of the reason that McKinsey takes a large percentage of it's candidates from referals. It's a way of identifying good candidates because they managed to get a referal!

Hope this helps. Happy to answer more by DM.

Allen

Was this answer helpful?
Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 29, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hello there!

1) Yes, you can still aply, but this time use a referral.

2) You have to be transparent with them, as Allen has said, it would be disappointing if they find it out.

Hope this helps.

GB

Was this answer helpful?
Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 29, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Allen has it spot on. A retracted application does not need to go through the 2 year wait but be transparent at all times with anyone you seek help from.

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 30, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

  1. Sure, you can totally apply, you have not been rejected
  2. You can definitey mention it, it is not going to affect their perception as it is not a rejection

Best,

Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 01, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I recommend getting a referral

Best,
Anto

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous replied on Dec 24, 2020

Hi,

  1. Should not be an issue as you are not rejected
  2. Make sure to be upfront

Best,

Iman

Was this answer helpful?
0
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 01, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Completely agree with Allen!

1) You're fine...but try to get a referral!

2) Absolutely mention it. Don't harp on it, but just flag it as an FYI

Good luck :)

Was this answer helpful?
Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 01, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Does not count as a rejection, and hence, you don´t have the ban period.

I would use that call for networking and touch base with HR about this.

Hope it helps!

Best,

Clara

Was this answer helpful?
Vlad
Expert
replied on Nov 30, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

1) You can still apply. You can always call the recruiters if you have any issues

2) It's tricky. Since you've already applied before, most probably they won't get a bonus. So you should better mention

Best

Was this answer helpful?
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely