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McKinsey Experienced Hire - Question re: Salary discussions with Recruiter?

I am current interviewing with McKinsey as an experienced hire for an Associate position within their Digital/Sales & Marketing group. I have made it through the first rounds and my first on-site is coming up in a few days. I have had several conversations with the Senior Recruiter I've been working with but we haven't discussed compensation yet. Is this typical? I'm not overly concerned but wanted to know from others' experienced at what stage this came up. Thanks!

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Top answer
Sadik
Coach
edited on Jun 01, 2019
Ex M&A banker and Consultant at JP Morgan and Oliver Wyman

Hi Marlo,

This is very typical.

Consultancy firms have very standardized salary and bonus structures with a clear structure of specific salary for each level. There is limited room for negotiation especially at the junior / manager level.

However, as experienced hire you can negotiate your entry point i.e. depending on your experience you might join as somebody that is Associate Level 2 rather than Associate Level 1, which would then give you higher salary then a newly joined/promoted associate.

My advice would be to focus on the interviews and convince them that you are the best candidate. Only discuss entry point / salary after they have made the decision that they want to hire you!

on May 29, 2019
Thank you! That was exactly what I was thinking but it is helpful to have that validation. I appreciate the quick response!
Vlad
Coach
on May 31, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

The salary at the Associate level is standard and normally you don't discuss it with the recruiter

Best

Serhat
Coach
on May 31, 2019
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries

Hi there


In my experience, salary will not be open to discussion as it is companywide standard whereas you may have a little window to discuss signing bonus. 

Cheers
Serhat

Anonymous
on Sep 03, 2020

Dear Marlo,

I don't think there is room for negotiation on the salary especially for the junior level. 

Best,
André

0
Gaurav
Coach
on Oct 26, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi Marlo,

This is a rather typical situation. 

The salary at the associate level is not likely to be negotiated. But considering that you are interviewing as an experienced hire, I would recommend you to discuss your opportunities of getting a signing bonus. That would be better to do after receiving the offer.

Was this helpful?

All the best,

GB

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