Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 451,000 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!

Salary negotiation

salary salary negotiation starting salary
New answer on Oct 21, 2020
6 Answers
1.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 20, 2020

Hi all,

I would like to know if salary for an entry level role (post undergrad) is negotiable and if so, how to best negotiate

thanks

(edited)

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Robert
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 20, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

At McKinsey salary for non-experienced hires is not negotiable, and even afterwards very limited (mostly it's around sign-up bonus, relocation assistance, ..) - and I believe it's the same for all MBB.

Hope this helps - if so, please give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Was this answer helpful?
Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 20, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Read the book "Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss". It will prepare you for future negotiations :). Take what you get now at this stage, but you will be ready in time to sit in that negotiation.

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 21, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

While it does depend on the company/role (i.e. MBB not negotiable), you don't have much leverage! You may be able to negotiate on you sign-on bonus, but be reasonable in your request and make sure you do genuinely have other options!

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous replied on Oct 20, 2020

Salaries at MBB are typically not negotiable - it's a standardized role description with a standardized compensation. Sometimes it's possible to start with a slightly more senior tenure (coming with higher salary) if you have significant prior work experience. If not, you got to take what they offer.

Was this answer helpful?
6
Ken
Expert
replied on Oct 20, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

It's hard to generalise as there are many consultancies out there but typically no for the base salary. I have seen exceptions being made with the sign-on bonus for candidates that have competiting consulting offers that pay more. If this is the case, it's worth sharing the facts with the recruiter and see how they respond but I wouldn't necessarily negotiate.

Each firm has its own individual merits and beyond that, progression at consultancies is typically well structured and frequent enought that your starting salary shouldn't be a crucial deciding factor.

Was this answer helpful?
Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 21, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360 coach(Ex-McKinsey + Certified Coach + Active recruiter)

Hi Anonymous,

Assuming that you applied for an entry-level role, the salary is not negotiable in your case. You will have to take their offer at this stage.

Negotiations would be more reasonable for experienced hires.

Was this helpful?

GB

Was this answer helpful?
Robert gave the best answer

Robert

Content Creator
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author
505
Meetings
3,983
Q&A Upvotes
63
Awards
4.9
171 Reviews