Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Should I ask same person for referral as last time (Final round rejection at McKinsey)

Hi, A bit of background: I unsuccessfully applied for the BA position at McKinsey London in 2022. I had a referral from a London-based EM at the time. Now that I am applying again after 2 years, I was wondering if it is a good idea to ask the same person for a referral. They are an Associate Partner now. Will it work against my favour to have the same referee from the previous unsuccessful application? I am concerned I might not even get invited to interview.

2 Answers
400+ Views
56
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Florian
Coach
on Aug 29, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

You can definitely ask the same person. It would not have a negative impact.

What counts if you re-apply after a while is that you demonstrate significant improvements on your resume across certain areas, e.g., education, professional experience, leadership, etc.

If that's the case, go for the referral and try again!

All the best,

Florian

Hagen
Coach
on Oct 03, 2024
#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 in the past!

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

  • First of all, I would advise you to definitely consider asking the same person for a referral again. Given their progression to Associate Partner, they are likely to have even more influence now, which could positively impact your application.
  • Moreover, ensure to update them on your professional growth and new qualifications since your last application, which is crucial when you reapply.

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

Best,

Hagen

Similar Questions
Consulting
How do MBB referrals work at London offices?
on Oct 31, 2024
UK
5 Answers
300+ Views
Top answer by
Shane
Coach
ex-BCG London Principal 7yrs | 1st & 2nd round interviewer (150+) | CV screener | Recruiting mentor | LBS MBA
55
5 Answers
300+ Views
+2
Consulting
Are you only able to apply for MBB once?
on Oct 28, 2024
UK
6 Answers
400+ Views
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching
59
6 Answers
400+ Views
+3
Consulting
Anybody heard back after McKinsey Solve regarding R1? London McKinsey office (October 2024)
on Oct 30, 2024
UK
5 Answers
300+ Views
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching
121
5 Answers
300+ Views
+2
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
You are a true consultant! Thank you for consulting us on how to make PrepLounge even better!