Is it appropriate to contact McKinsey consultants through LinkedIn?

Question

I'm from a small country which has only BCG and McKinsey offices and no Bain. There is practically no case clubs, no university case clubs, no private case coaches and online international case coaches are extremely expensive for local purchasing power.

I'm going to R1 and asked permission from my recruiter if I can contact current consultants who graduated the same uni as me and she said yes if they want they can coach you. But how can I approach this issue if I'm just linked on linkedin and I don't know them from the real life? How appropriate is it, can I offer a pay if I ask? Tell me what you think.

Answer 1

Hi there,

It’s appropriate to reach out to McKinsey consultants on LinkedIn, but focus on getting insights into the company, culture, and interview tips rather than asking for direct coaching upfront.
Introduce yourself, mentioning your shared background, and ask for advice on their experience and how they prepared.
Avoid offering payment, as it’s not appropriate. If you build a good rapport, they might offer to coach you later. For formal coaching, consider hiring someone outside the company to avoid any potential conflict.

Have a great rest of the day and all the best with your interviews,

Kairavee

Answer 2

McKinsey recruiting will typically pair you with a junior associate or associate to casecoach you at least once in an official capacity. if they dont, please request for one

In parallel, no harm in reaching out to firm folks on LinkedIn, but please do not offer to pay.

Do you have friends in the firm? This would be the perfect opportunity to ask for case coaching directly from them, and its quite normal for them to pass your contact around to their own circle for additional case coaching - this is how it works typically for people who are relatively well connected to McKinsey folk in smaller offices

Answer 3

Hey!

Yes, it is definitively ok to contact consultants through LinkedIn, especially if your recruiter has permitted you. From my experience at McKinsey: when reaching out, PLEASE keep your message professional and concise, mentioning your shared background (e.g., same university) and your interest in advice or guidance for your interview preparation. There's no need to offer payment; consultants who are willing to help typically do so without expectation of compensation - I was always happy to help! However, consider contacting consultants who are closer to your level (e.g., Associates or Engagement Managers), as they might be more approachable and relatable in offering support.

Good luck!

Alessa :)

Answer 4

Hi there,

Definitely do reach out, e.g.,:

I hope this message finds you well. My name is ABC, and I have recently applied for a position with the McKinsey XYZ office. As part of my preparation, I’ve reached out to HR to connect with a few consultants from the office to gain more insights into the role and the team.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to have a short conversation with you at your convenience. It would be extremely helpful to hear about your experience and any advice you might have as I prepare for my upcoming interviews.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

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All the best,

Florian

Answer 5

Hey there,

From my experience, reaching out to alumni from your university is a great strategy. When I was applying to MBB, I connected with several consultants, and while not everyone responded, it’s important not to take it personally—they may be busy with demanding projects.

Keep your message brief and structured. Start by briefly introducing your background, then mention your interview stage. Clearly explain why you’re reaching out: are they in a specific area you’re interested in or at the office you’re applying to?

Focus on building rapport before diving into case help. Ask them specific questions related to their experiences, and see where the conversation leads.

Best,
Laura