McKinsey Cover Letter - is hiring manager name necessary?

Hi there,

The lack of the recruiter's name on the cover is not a big deal. However, it seems you are lacking a referral for your application – and that could matter a lot. Your application will be a lot more solid if you manage to find one.

You can find tips on how to find referrals at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Without knowing your resume and experience, your application will definitely get a boost by scoring a referral before applying. If you have an exceptional resume you will be fine without one.

Did you attend any events or network with some McKinsey consultants that could refer you before you send your application?

In general, the cover letter is not important for McKinsey, is even optional for most offices and interviewers don't even read it.

Cheers,

Florian

Hello!

Don't worry! 

First of all, you won't find the name, since there is not such thing as a hiring manager for a position -there are several engagements and you will rotate-. Even if you knew some of your potential EMs, would be odd to mention them in the CL

Hope it helps! Cheers, 

Clara

No it's not too critical. If you get a referral, this will help your chances significantly and through contacts you might get to the name. But if that's not an option it's OK to not have a name.

Your CV could be read by different people and so I would just go with a generic "Dear sir or madam" or "To whom it may concern"

Hi there,

This isn't a problem at all. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern" work just fine!

I note the other coach comments and your responses regarding networking. Even if you don't have connections there, you can still get referrals! Reach out to people on LinkedIn. Play "tag" with connections outside of that office to get put in touch with people in the office.

You may not have connections now, but with good networking you can make them!