Questions for coffee chat with recruiter

Hi there, 

You're ahead of the game, so take this opportunity to keep increasing your chances of landing the interview(s) and securing the offer. Here are a few tips to make the coffee chat a success: 

1. Come in with a clear agenda: The most successful candidates I've had coffee chats with always start the call with a plan. After a little bit of an ice-breaker (how's your day, where are you dialing from -- if virtual, etc.), thank the recruiter and propose an "agenda" for the discussion:
   1. Introductions (or refresher on your background/story)
   2. Recruitment process clarifications  
   3. Target office culture & work
   4. Interview prep advice
2. Prepare talking points and thoughtful questions
   1. Intros -- remind the recruiter about your background, motivation for consulting, and reasons McKinsey is your top choice (if this won't be too repetitive to your previous conversation); ask the recruiter about their path to McKinsey and what makes the place special to them
   2. Recruitment process clarifications -- questions here might include timelines, stages/interview types (share your understanding and confirm your expectations align with the process ahead; if you need any clarifications, ask away ) application materials (e.g., cover letter a must or not, should I list multiple offices or stick with a top choice)
   3. Target office culture & work -- affiliation activities in the office (clubs, events, etc.); office presence (in-person X days per week, which days are most popular); leadership and strategic priorities for this office (and others considered); type of work/clients the Firm is having most success with / growth drivers in next 2-3 years
   4. Interview prep advice -- resources to leverage; ability to do mock interviews with McK BAs; do's and don't on case and PEI
3. Think on 1-2 asks for the recruiter (e.g., introduce you to BAs/Associate for a mock case closer to interviews should you be fortunate to get one)

Landing the interview is a big huddle, but so is getting through the interviews themselves. If you want support on your application materials (e.g., CV review) or interview preparation, don't hesitate to reach out! 

Hey there, 

Your instincts are spot on! It would be great to come in with a clear idea of what a successful interaction would look like for both you and the recruiter. I'd focus on discussions on:

1. Being successful in CV screening: Ask for tips, advice, learnings, best practices, etc. from the recruiter with regards to setting up your CV that give you the best chance of ensuring your CV passes the screening process
2. Guidance and knowledge of recruiting journey: In general terms, ask about what the end-to-end recruiting process looks like, and advice on what they have found
3. Knowledge on the office culture dynamics: Ask about how the culture in the office is, what the norms are, and what they have seen leads and contributes to successful candidates becoming successful consultants

It's important to build a strong rapport - so don't just make the interaction about getting your questions answered :-) Find out more about the recruiter too, what they like, how they feel about the Firm / city / their professional career etc etc

All the best

Hey!

That’s great – a coffee chat with a recruiter is a valuable opportunity! Since you're already familiar with the industry and close to applying, focus on building a genuine connection and gathering insights to strengthen your application. You can ask questions like:

1. "What do you think makes a standout application, particularly in this office?"
2. "Are there specific qualities or experiences the firm is prioritizing in candidates this year?"
3. "What advice do you have for navigating the CV screening process successfully?"
4. "What do you think sets candidates apart during the interview stage?"
5. "Is there anything unique about the team culture or focus of this office that I should know?"

It’s also a chance to express your excitement for the role and subtly reaffirm your fit. End by thanking them for their time and asking if they’d be open to any final feedback on your profile. Good luck – you’re on the right track!

Alessa :)

If your next step is “literally submitting my application for a full-time position at MBB,” you have a highly relevant topic to discuss with a recruiter—they’re the best person to guide you on that!

You can also learn more about McKinsey’s hiring process here: MBB Hiring Hacks – Behind the Curtain Secrets.

Best,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Chic & Stitch - Fashion Market Expansion

Hi there,

Feel free to drop me a DM. I have written a detailed free guide on it.

Cheers,

Florian