Unclear Response to Application Inquiry

Hi Zhan,

Hope you are well. I would not read too much into the email as MBBs typically have a firm-wide shutdown during Christmas / New Year. Most likely HR will pick it up in early Jan. While you are enjoying the festivities, I would suggest starting to prepare PEI as well as case interviews if you have not done so. Thank you and hope it helps. 

Cheers,

David

Hi Zhan,

Q: Has anyone else encountered a similar situation?

Depending on the country/channel, they might assess both the application material and Solve score after the test. Therefore, they could send the invitation for the test in January and screen both the test and CV after that.

If you want to prepare for the test, you can find the course I created below:

▶ McKinsey PSG Solve Combo Guide

In case you have any other questions on the game please feel free to PM me, happy to help.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

I'm not sure what you find ambiguous here. They're going to let you know in the 1st of January.

There's a door, and behind that door a decision will be made. Literally nothing we say will help you understand what's behind that door.

Please focus on what matters - case prep and other applications!

(Note: It's probably option A)

The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation
 

Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
 

How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case
 

Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases

Hi Zhan,

You got a pretty straightforward answer :)

You will receive the test invitation by the first half of January. You whole application (resume, cover letter, etc.) is considered then, after you do the test. 

You can check how the recruiting process works from an internal McKinsey perspective here:

MBB Hiring Hacks - Behind the Curtain Secrets

Best,

Alberto

—

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

Hello, 

Due to the timing I would do as they say and “wait for the new year” when you will receive less criptic response. This is most likely an automated “out of office recruiting team” message just so that people don't expect responses over the holidays. 

Best of luck for a successful process in 2024!! 
Cheers, Nicolas Vilmin

Hi there!

I wouldn't read into it. 

The way most offices do it is that they decide whether to take you to the next round once you've also completed the test - basically, they check your CV, cover letter, referrals and test and then make a decision. 

So don't assume that they already checked the CV and they are only interested in the test. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi there, 

Don't worry too much; it's a standard response. A more direct approach would likely have been used for a rejection. 

There is definitely a big slow down around Christmas at all consulting firms:

• Most projects wrap up then, making consultants very busy.
• People aim to complete tasks before holiday breaks, often spanning two weeks in some firms.

If you know someone at the firm, a gentle reminder to HR can be helpful during the first half of January.

Take this time instead to get prepare for McKinsey PEIs :) happy to help if necessary, that's my expertise!

Hi there,

it means that nothing will happen now, you will have to wait until mid-January to find out more. Whatever feedback you will receive in the first half of January will determine your next steps. There is nothing you can do in between in terms of expediting the process. However, you should of course continue your interview and test preparations and also apply to other companies than McKinsey.

Best of luck

This is similar to an “out-of-office” message. They are basically telling you they'll be out during the holiday season and will provide you with next steps only in January. 

They are not saying you will be invited in January. They are saying they will decide the invites in January.