Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 446,000 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!

Your second round feedbacks were positive but no current available position

Bain & Company BCG BCG McKinsey and Bain MBB McKinsey & Company selection process
New answer on Jun 30, 2021
9 Answers
1.4 k Views
francesco asked on Jun 22, 2021

Hi,

I recently received this call by the HR of the MBB consulting firms (I do not specify which one for privacy reasons) where basically I was told that my performance after the second round interview was good, since I only had good feedbacks but that unfortunately there was no position open anymore for me to continue the selection process. The HR also specified that she/he will contact me in a few months (october/november) as soon as a new position is opened in order to have the final round interview and possibly the job offer.

What do you think it means? I mean, can I assume that it is true or is it just a polite manner some HR have to reject somebody without stating it directly?

I already had last year other interviews with other firms that rejected me with no such motivations, that's why I still have some hope, but I don't know... 

(edited)

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 22, 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

This is generally a positive sign. If they did not like you they would have just said no, there is no problem for them in rejecting candidates. The flip side is there is not saying when opportunities might open up again. Your best bet would be to move on to a different role for now and wait for end of the year for any updates.

Best,

Udayan

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 22, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Francesco,

This statement by HR is true. They would not say this if it were not (they would genuinely just reject your candidacy straight-up).

That said, this is nothing to bank on. A position may open or it may now.

Reach out to them in November (not October as it's too pushy), and hope for the best. That said, you should get looking for plan B.

Sorry about this - it's definitely not ideal :/

Was this answer helpful?
Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 22, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

You are definitely in the mix, but not right now. So, have other options going in parallel & reach out to them in a few months.

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous A replied on Jun 22, 2021

They will call you for sure when there's an opening.

MBB don't play around when it comes to their reputation. Take the time to fully prepare for the final stages when they contact you. Doesn't hurt to try getting in somewhere else in the meantime.

Best,

Was this answer helpful?
10
Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 23, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

That is an unfortunate situation but you can trust their word on this.

They already invested a lot in the recruiting process with you and your performance was good, hence, they have no reason to start from scratch with someone else before giving you a chance with the final round.

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 23, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Francesco,

Yes, no reason to doubt it is true. If they mentioned that, they will call you in a few months for the final – so this is just a delay due to their recruiting pipeline.

Best,

Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Ken
Expert
replied on Jun 22, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

They're definitely still considering you but the wait is definitely not ideal. It's still a good back up as you pursue other opportunities.

Was this answer helpful?
Marco-Alexander
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Dec 01, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

.

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 25, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

That is unfortunate and frustrating! Sorry about that. 

Unfortunately there is nothing else you can do, other than reaching out every 2-3 months to show your interest and keep them posted

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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