Rescheduling McK Germany (& BCG?)

Question

Dear All,

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you well.

I’m currently navigating two scheduling challenges regarding my upcoming interviews and would greatly appreciate your input:

McK Germany – First Round Interviews
- My interviews are currently scheduled for late January, but I’d like to request a reschedule for late March or early April. This adjustment would allow me to better prepare, as I’m starting an internship in a few days and want to ensure I’m fully ready.
- How should I frame this request to the recruiting team? Would honesty about my need for adequate preparation be the best approach, or is there a preferred way to communicate this?
- Specifically for McK Germany, if I’m able to reschedule, would I simply be moved to the next quarterly interview timeline, or is there more nuance to their process?
BCG – Final Round Interviews
- My final round (three fit and case interviews combined) was initially scheduled for late March. However, I recently received an email moving them forward to mid-February, which unfortunately conflicts with significant personal commitments.
- How should I communicate the need to reschedule to a later date while ensuring that the new timeline is respected and not subject to further change? The uncertainty has been affecting both my preparation and my overall anxiety about the process.

I’d love to hear any advice or insights you may have. Thank you so much for your time and support!

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from McKinsey and on the progress in the application process with BCG thus far!

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

I would advise you to be honest with the recruiting teams and explain your need for more preparation time due to the internship and personal commitments. It simply does not make sense to go into an interview knowing that you are not properly prepared.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey and/or BCG interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hey there,

I've experienced what you're going through now and many of my coachees have to.

There's nothing wrong with requesting to move the date forward to suit your schedule. As a matter of fact, if the earlier date will inconvenience you and reduce your chance, you absolutely should request that they push the date forward.

In terms of framing, I'd gently and professionally tell recruiting that their change of interview times clash with internship and project you will be doing and that you'd not be able to give the best preparation and account of yourself. Then request that they keep the same initial time (or in April). They have the power to do meet this request and shouldn't be too much of an issue.

You definitely would want to try push interview by a month or two rather than not be successful because they were too soon and have to wait a year or two to re-try. And also, I'd communicate with them as soon as possible.... The earlier you have this conversation, the better and the easier it is for them to help you

All the best! :-)

Answer 3

Hey!

To address your scheduling challenges:

McKinsey Germany: Reach out to the recruiting team promptly, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and politely requesting a reschedule. Frame your request professionally, mentioning that you’d like to better prepare to ensure you perform at your best. Avoid explicitly stating that you’re starting an internship; instead, emphasize your commitment to delivering a strong performance. Ask if rescheduling to the next quarterly timeline (late March or early April) is possible, as you understand this may align with their process.

BCG Final Round: Contact the BCG recruiting team as soon as possible, thanking them for accommodating your candidacy thus far. Politely explain that you have unavoidable personal commitments in mid-February and ask if it’s possible to revert to the original timeline or reschedule slightly later. Reassure them that you remain highly committed and are eager to complete the process.

Prompt, clear communication with a tone of appreciation and professionalism will reflect positively on you.

Alessa

Answer 4

Hi there,

In Germany, it is usually never an issue to reschedule your interviewers (even on short notice - was part of these conversations a few times when candidates rescheduled on the day before the interview).

Make sure to be transparent and provide an alternative time period.

All the best,

Florian