McKinsey / BCG: Possible to reapply to other offices, after rejection?

Hi there,

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

• First of all, most recruiting systems of consulting firms operate on a global basis, meaning that there is no chance to reapply to a different office, country, or even region the day after a rejection. However, there might be rare cases where candidates circumvented these and didn't get caught doing so.
• Moreover, I would advise you to directly contact the recruiting department of the office you are interested in. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their reapplication policies. It's important to approach this with transparency about your previous application process.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Formally, it doesn't work like that. 

The ‘ban’ that you receive for 12 months is a global ban, which means that you should not apply for another role within the next year or so. 

Btw, the one-year period is a guideline, not a strict 365 ]pday period, so feel free to apply slightly before then or at any point after. Best to check directly with the recruiter at the target office. 

Candidates often trespass this rule by applying to a different office with a different email address. The recruitment systems are not globally integrated, so if the offices are in different regions, it's unlikely that they will realise that the two applications come from the same person. I wouldn't pull that thread though. Many other firms to apply to. 

I would also recommend you to read this article, that explains how to approach the application process to diversify your risk better and maximise the chances of passing screening:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Good luck!
Cristian

Hi there,

Q: I've heard that after a failed process, there is still the opportunity to go through the process again in other offices, without waiting through the 12-18 month ban. Is that true?

For most companies the ban is global. Whether they actually implement it properly depends on the company/office.

If you want to try again, I would recommend the following:

• Wait at least 6 months
• Look for a referral in a different country
• Talk to the person and ask if there is an opportunity in that country. Disclose the previous rejection to them (as most likely they will find out anyway). If they say no, wait for the end of the ban. If they say yes, let them talk with HR to check if there is an option

You can find more on referrals here:

▶ How to Get an MBB Referral

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hey,

Usually, the bans in MBB span across all the offices worldwide.

Maybe if you target a different track (Specialist / Generalist) or have recently gotten new relevant experience, they can make an exception in a new geography for you, but I'm just speculating here.

I'd check with an HR in Zurich to make sure.

Good luck!
Nick

Hi there,

Let's focus on getting accepted. Let's get that job and worry about all this afterwards rather that already having the failure mindset :)

With 2 interviews already you can absolutely get that offer with the right prep! 

(P.S., yes, the ban is global and generally 1 year)

The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation
 

Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
 

How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case
 

Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases

Hiring for McKinsey for sure and also BCG from what I have heard is from a single global system. Once your name and other details are there it shares it with all offices worldwide. Unless Zurich has different rules to every other office, it is unlikely you can re-apply there before 18-24 months to have a meaningful shot at interviewing. 

The minor exception to this rule I have seen is if a senior partner truly believes you would be a good hire, especially for a team they run.

Hi there,

Unfortunately, that is not true. The hiring ban still applies globally.

You can however shorten it and increase your chances to re-apply in two ways:

1. Significantly improve your resume in two out of four areas (work, education, time abroad, extracurriculars) → this justifies a new invite

2. Network and get a referral → this facilitates a new invite.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

From my experience within McKinsey, global process (and recruiting bans) are global and applies everywhere.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs