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

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 2

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 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

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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