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What are your do’s and don’t’s for applications?

Actively preparing for AT Kearney round 2 Bain BCG bcgtest Mck McKinsey Mckinsey and Bains
New answer on Oct 09, 2020
4 Answers
938 Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 05, 2020

(edited)

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Allen
Expert
replied on Oct 06, 2020
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best

Hi there,

I think the most important thing to consider (aside from basics like "try to avoid dumb mistakes") is that your application needs to make a compelling argument that you are a great fit for the job. It needs to review the main job requirements and demonstrate how your skills, experience, and passions align with those.

Too many "good" applications simply describe the applicant's experience or accomplishments. The applicant is leaving it to the other to make the connection with the job. The great applications make this connection for the reader and they make it a strong argument, not just listing accompishments.

Note: this is not easy because we are all naturally focused on our own accomplishments and how much we want the job. A great application results from putting forth the effort to start with the job requirements and work backwards to what you bring to the table that is most relevant. That's why a resume needs to be specific to the job.

Hope that helps - happy to discuss further.

Best,
Allen

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 05, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Don't

  • Have the wrong company name
  • Not submit a cover letter
  • Have an ugly Resume
  • Not network

Do

Well, this is really just the same question inverted isn't it?

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Mehdi
Expert
replied on Oct 09, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

Don't:

  • Lie on your experiences & academic background
  • Make grammatical mistakes
  • Add categories that are not relevant to consulting (references, long list of publications, etc.)
  • Have more than 2 pages

Do:

  • Make it simple (format)
  • Include only the most relevant experiences
  • Quantify the impact you had on each experience

I will be happy to review your CV and give you feedback.

All the best,

Mehdi

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2
Anonymous A on Oct 09, 2020

Thank you! It would help a lot!

Robert
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 06, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Well, this is sort of global question like "How to secure an offer" - no simple answer to that and you could write a whole book to specifically answer your question.

In short: Show that

  • you are a great fit to the company
  • have interpersonal skills (exactly what McKinsey asks in their proprietary "Personal Experience Interview" format)
  • have intellectual horsepower and analytical skills.

The dont's > do everything wrongly what is mentioned above.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

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