Recruiter Phone Screening

Question

Hi all - I had a phone screening for a McKinsey associate role and the conversation was pretty brief about my profressional history, they asked some questions, and then told me they will let me know by early next week if they're interested. Is this a common response? I had a bad feeling after they said that, although they did ask which stage of the job search I was in (actively applying or not). They did not ask about comp expectations, is that normal as well? Thanks for any insight!

Answer 1

Hi Anonymous,

Pretty normal, nothing specifically to worry about. The main idea of the phone screening is to investigate specific issues in more before proceeding to the interview stage.

McKinsey usually doesn't ask about comp expectations, since there is hardly anything to negotiate (for non-experienced hires). Either you take it or leave it, full stop. No value add to discuss something which is fixed anyway.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Answer 2

Hello!

I would say it is pretty standard, but for the cases that are very very successful in which in the same call they tell them about the next steps directly.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 3

Hi there,

You can definitely keep calm and carry on!

Look, we of course can't say if you're going to get an interview. However, nothing about this call sounded negative.

Furthermore, comp is never discussed in a screening with MBB. Everyone knows their salaries AND it would be a waste of time to always talk about that in the screening phase.

Don't worry, nothing bad about this. Just wait and see.

Answer 4

Hi there,

Is there a specific reason why you had a bad feeling? Phone screenings are usually fit only, so the process seems usual.

Compensation is not discussed in consulting interviews as pay is standardized for each level in a particular country.

Best,
Francesco

Answer 5

Hi A,

Having a conversation that quickly is completely fine. After all, it was just a phone screening, not a regular interview.

During such quick screenings, recruiters usually check for a fit and decide whether they grant you an interview. So basically, there is nothing to worry about at this stage.

Do you need any further help?
GB