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HR asked me for a call after McK round 1 interviews

Hello,

I followed up with HR about my Round 1 interviews for the McKinsey C&I Analyst position earlier today, and they suggested a quick call tomorrow to discuss next steps. Do you think this might be a negative sign? I would have expected them to schedule me directly for Round 2 interviews if I were moving forward.

Thanks for any insights you can share!

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
edited on Oct 30, 2024
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with McKinsey thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • Especially since the recruiter mentioned next steps, I would highly advise you not to worry. Most likely, they just want to give you feedback on the first interview round and discuss the timing of the second interview round.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming final-round McKinsey interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Brian
Coach
on Oct 28, 2024
3+ years in McKinsey as an Associate and JEM | Free intro calls | Interviewed 40+ CAs to Associates (MBA-level)

This is typically a good sign. the call would go through feedback

Alberto
Coach
on Oct 28, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Partner | Most experienced coach (15 years exp, +2.000 real interviews) | 95% success rate

You get feedback in between rounds. 

This looks the reason for the call based on the limited context you shared. Work on the feedback. McKinsey interviewers will track if you apply the feedback you get.

Fathu
Coach
on Oct 28, 2024
Ex-BCG Europe/ME/Africa | 50+ offers from MBB, Kearney, OW | Personalized coaching | Free 15-min intro call

Hi there, 

Usually a positive sign - they probably want to share feedback from R1 interviews and / or updates regarding subsequent interviews (recruitment timelines, interviewer availability, etc.)

Fathu

on Oct 29, 2024
Ex-McKinsey |5y consulting experience | Specialization in Psychology | Proven holistic mentor

Hi, there

I agree with the other coaches, it is typically a good sign and they will probably provide you with some feedback. As a suggestion, use the opportunity to make questions on:

1. Understanding your feedback. Make sure you know what you could have done differently and picture 

2. Next steps. Ask about what to expect at the next/final round, how to prepare to it. Coaches' insights are valuable, but the perspective from HR can also shed some light on the specifics of the C&I position and on the expectations for the office you are applying to.

Best of luck!

Florian
Coach
on Oct 29, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

If they want to discuss next steps, this sounds like a positive feedback call + discussing logistics for the next round.

For rejections, there are usually no next steps and just a quick feedback call.

Fingers crossed!

Florian

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