Change McKinsey Geography after cancelling interview day and withdrawing application

Hi there,

Good question -> the only way to verify this with absolute certainty is to discuss this with HR (German and Nordic) and see how they can facilitate the process.

The fact that you cancelled the remaining interviews might work against you. The fact that you passed the first round works for you.

Also, keep in mind that international hiring is very rare in MBBs (unless we are talking about Dubai).

All the best,

Floriani

Hey there 😊,

Yes, you still have a chance to apply to McKinsey Norway, but you need to handle the situation strategically to avoid potential issues from your withdrawal in Germany. Here’s how you can approach it:

1️⃣ Key Considerations for Reapplying in a Different Geography

✅ Withdrawing in one region does not necessarily block you from another office, but since you already passed the first round in Germany, your profile is likely still in McKinsey’s system.
✅ Different offices have some autonomy in hiring, so Norway might still consider you—but it depends on whether your previous application status impacts your eligibility.
✅ Your withdrawal might raise questions, so you need a strong justification for switching to Norway.

2️⃣ Steps to Maximize Your Chances in McKinsey Norway

🚀 Step 1: Contact a Recruiter in the Norway Office ASAP

• Since the deadline is March 16, reach out immediately to Norway’s recruitment team and explain your interest.
• Keep it short and professional, highlighting that personal reasons have changed your preferred geography and that you are deeply interested in working in Norway for the long term.
• Ask whether your previous interview in Germany affects your eligibility for Norway and if they’d be open to considering your application.

🚀 Step 2: Get a Referral (If Possible)

• If you have connections at McKinsey Norway (or even in Scandinavia in general), try to get a referral—this can help counterbalance any concerns about your previous withdrawal.

🚀 Step 3: Position Your Story Clearly in the Application

• Be transparent but strategic—don’t make it seem like you’re switching randomly.
• Focus on why McKinsey Norway aligns with your long-term career goals (e.g., industry focus, market opportunities, personal reasons).

3️⃣ Will Your Withdrawal in Germany Hurt Your Chances?

🔹 If McKinsey Germany simply marked your application as "withdrawn" (not a rejection), you might be able to apply without issues.
🔹 However, if your profile is linked across McKinsey offices, Norway’s recruiting team might see your history, so addressing it proactively is the best approach.

4️⃣ Final Recommendation

🔹 Act immediately—contact the Norway office and submit your application before March 16.
🔹 Position your switch strategically—focus on personal and career reasons, not just that you changed your mind.
🔹 Leverage any connections or referrals to support your application.

You still have a strong chance, but time is critical now. Let me know if you need help refining your approach! 🚀

Best, Alessa 😇

Hi there,

Just to clarify, I interpreted that you have got a BCG offer in Germany but now you want to move to Norway and use your first round result from McKinsey, a process you have proactively ended.

👉 I believe you can’t use your results from round 1 in Germany for a process in Norway, specially because you declined it - although it doesn’t hurt trying. If you receive a definitive “no” for this approach, you’ll have to enter the recruiting process again. In order to accelerate it, a referral would certainly help. 
The fact that you don’t speak the local language shouldn’t be a barrier, English is the first language of most Scandinavian offices.

Good luck!

Mari

Here's what to do.

Reach out to both HR in you target office and in Germany.

Explain in Germany carefully apologizing and explaining why you canceled interview day (you need a valid reason there... something as "reconsidering" target offices for personal reasons - explain what changed - and not wanting to further proceed without having that clarity). 

Ask them both how to proceed... 

You want to avoid being on a 12 month ban-list. You want to increase chances of being invited to the Nordics interview and even possibly moving past 1st round.

Hi there, 

the worst thing that McK can say is no, hence, I would definitely give them a call and see if you get a preferred process in Scandinavia (you have to decide for a country though, I believe). 

What I would also do is try to transfer your BCG offer to Scandinavia. Seems to be the easier way than going through the McK process, if BCG lets you. 

Best, 
Sebastian