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Should I contact HR at Mckinsey?

Dear Community, 

I have recently applied at the same time for different open positions in Europe as part of a new program at Mckinsey (general associate, digital associate, technology associate, and data scientist ), my current position is technical, I'm a data scientist with a Ph.D. degree in the same domain and I have experience as a business analyst in non-famous management consulting companies but in national-level projects. I have already taken the problem-solving test and I have received an email in which I will be invited for interview preparation for Mckinsey as part of the program if I get accepted. I needed to choose three locations as my preferred locations, and among my chosen locations, there were countries where I know the language but it is not good enough to use it in the work environment. My question is should I contact HR to change those locations if those are the locations which are going to review my documents and the language barriers probably will be a good reason to get rejected or Should I wait for receiving the result of my acceptance in the program and afterward bring this issue with HR? 

Also, I have another question. I know it's not a good idea to apply for different positions at the same time but I was confident at the time of the submission of my application that I am a good fit for all those positions but given some thoughts, I don't want to be a data scientist right now anymore, then should I withdraw my application for this position right now or again It's better to wait to see if I get in the program or not? In case of withdrawing my application for this position, since I have applied through a program, the same role of 2-years ban will be applied in my case or not?

Thank you very much in advance for your consideration, time and reply.

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Top answer
on Jun 02, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) There were countries where I know the language but it is not good enough to use it in the work environment. Should I contact HR to change those locations?

Yes. Some offices do require fluency in the local language indeed

2) I don't want to be a data scientist right now anymore, then should I withdraw my application for this position?

Yes. There should not be a ban, but I would align with HR, as mentioned below

In both cases, I would call HR (of your favourite office), and explain the situation so that you can align with them.

Good luck!

Francesco

Florian
Coach
on Jun 01, 2022
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Congrats on getting into the process!

To answer your questions swiftly:

1. For every question related to the logistics of your application I would always reach out to HR since rules change all the time and only they can provide an accurate answer for every specific situation. McKinsey HR are some of the nicest people in the game and are always happy to help out! :-) 

2. If you do not want to go for the data scientist position, I would retreat from that particular application while keeping the others active.

All the best,

Florian

Anonymous A
on Jun 02, 2022
Thank you very much Florian for your reply.
Ian
Coach
on Jun 02, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

If you literally just applied, you can likely withdraw the application and re-apply correctly.

Alternatively, reach out to HR and as them the process to change - temper expectations though on whether they respond or not.

I would withdraw the data scientist application.

In the future, make sure to be sure about role + office when you apply!

Lucie
Coach
on Jun 03, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

1. Yes go through HR and make sure you understand well if local language is mandatory in the location you want to apply (many wants it)

2. I would align with HR what to do, I think it is perfectly fine to have a few options open, but just ensure the process allows it

Good luck!

Lucie

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