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Mckinsey reapply

Does a ban from McKinsey apply to all positions? I got a rejection for general consulting associate position, would it be possible to apply to a position in another track like knowledge analyst during ban period? Or am banned from all positions. 

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Hagen
Coach
on Nov 08, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejection from McKinsey!

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

  • First of all, McKinsey's ban typically applies to all positions within the firm. This is to maintain the integrity of their recruiting process and to give candidates time to gain additional experience.
  • Moreover, I would advise you to focus on developing new skills, gaining more experience and applying to other consulting firms during the ban period. This can enhance your profile for the future, whether you decide to reapply to McKinsey or explore opportunities elsewhere.

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

on Nov 08, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Does a ban from McKinsey apply to all positions? Would it be possible to apply to a position in another track like knowledge analyst during ban period?

When they send the test rejection, at McKinsey they usually recommend waiting at least 12 months for similar positions.

If you still want to apply during the ban for a similar position, I would recommend the following:

  • Wait at least 6 months. In this way, you can demonstrate some growth in your CV.
  • Look for a referral, if possible in a different country.
  • Talk to the person and ask if there is an opportunity to apply.
  • Disclose the previous rejection to them (as most likely they will find out anyway).
  • If they say there are no options to apply, wait for the end of the ban. If they say they think you can apply, let them talk with HR to check if there is indeed an option.

You can find more on referrals below:

 How to Get an MBB Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

on Nov 08, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi!

Sadly, yes. 

Basically, regardless of the position you applied to, if you get rejected for a role / office, then you're ‘banned’ from applying to the firm for the coming year.

Needless to say, this is a ‘soft’ deadline - they don't actually count the number of days. 

So you can get in touch with the recruiter in 6-9 months and discuss when you could be applying once again. 

In the meantime, do apply to other firms. Sharing here a material on how to build an application strategy:

Good luck!
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> CodeWave  
 

Moritz
Coach
on Nov 07, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

Opinions differ on this because it is indeed different for different roles and offices and that’s a fact. 

Here’s my experience with McKinsey:

ROLE EXAMPLE: If you got rejected after interviewing for an internship role as part of MBA campus recruitment, you’re not banned from applying and interviewing for the FT Associate role in the same period (at least in some offices). However, in your case and assuming it’s for the same office, I would expect a 12 month ban.

OFFICE EXAMPLE: You may be banned in office (country) x but not in office (country) y. If office y really wants you and doesn’t have the same talent pool available as country x, they can get a special permission to interview you despite the ban.

The above examples are based on real data points that I’m very familiar with. However, there’s no rule that applies across the board in all offices and situations so please don’t take it as general truths.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Moritz

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Ian
Coach
on Nov 08, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Essentially, yes.

However, if you go through a different channel (say MBA recruiting), then the ban does not apply. Additionally, if you get instructions from them to re-apply sooner, or get backing from a Partner, you can also re-apply sooner.

on Nov 09, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Yes, I'd recommend only re-applying after a significant new experience on your CV. Let's chat over a coffee how you can do that. Warm regards, Frederic 

Alberto
Coach
on Nov 13, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews

Hi there,

McKinsey ban apply to all positions. Check with your recruiting contact how long the ban is in your region or office.

Best,

Alberto

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

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