I got dinged last month through e-mail by McKinsey two weeks after submitting my application online. But I was able to find someone who referred me as a potential candidate for an interview to the recruiting team. I received an e-mail from the recruiter asking me to submit my application online through the website and indicate X office as my first office preference. From there, they will get back to me for the next steps.
1. Wouldn't it be a problem since I already got dinged a month before?
2. If its not a problem, would you advise to still send a cover letter?
3. When she said "next steps", does this mean I already passed the resume screening?
Note:
*Non-target school here
*I was e-mailed by the recruiter at the same e-mail address I used when I got dinged.
Anyone who have the same experience or someone from McKinsey?
Different firm, but I was dinged for an internship and after a networking call a week later the guy I talked to had enough pull and I got an email saying I was selected for an interview immediately after.
You situation is unique but not completely uncommon. I interviewed at McKinsey about a year ago and it was through a referral, although not a direct referral as they were doing business with my current company. They put a lot of weight on referrals so they will be waiting for the application even though they may have said no in the past. I believe with a referral they will at least give you a first round as a courtesy to the Partners / Employee.
Think of it as them saying, well maybe there is something here we missed the first time around. GL.
Thanks! I'm just being careful with this one. Any other thoughts?
Thanks! I'm just being careful with this one. Any other thoughts?
Not sure how the process is working out for you, but I am also interviewing with McKinsey from a non-target and would love to connect and go over a few cases for preparation. Good luck!
Sent you a PM. :)
Re-applying to an MBB (Originally Posted: 03/15/2012)
Had applied to an MBB thru the standard online app for a Business Analyst / Jr.Associate position. Dinged! Not even an interview.
Now since their website says to wait for 18 months before re-applying. Is there any harm if I try to get an interview with someone at the firm by networking.
Pls. advise. Thanks!
If you have a connection or think you can get an interview by networking, then go for it. I don't see why it'd be a problem, regardless of what it says on the site, if you convince them to invite you in for an interview.
No, I don't think there's any harm in trying to get an interview by networking - especially if you already have connections. If someone internal refers you, I don't think HR will push back, could at least get them to take a closer look.
However, I would also encourage you to consider alternative paths to consulting, i.e., post-business school. It's a longer road, but that's how the majority of people get to MBB. If you had gotten an interview and didn't case well, something like that, then I think putting in some work on interviewing and re-applying could get you over the hump. But the fact that you were automatically rejected could be a signal that you don't currently have the experience / leadership profile they're looking for. And if you don't already have connections, trying to build a relationship with someone on the basis of "I was rejected, so am looking for another route in" could be difficult.
If you're committed to reapplying for a BA / Jr. Associate position, you should think about what you can do a) in your current role and b) through extracurriculars to strengthen your impact / leadership story.
HR will definitely push back unless it's someone high up. Can't hurt to try though. Probably won't amount to much if you were dinged the first time without so much as a reach around.
Frankly, I doubt that HR would even track it that carefully. They just get way too many applicants. It seems like the kind of thing that they just put on the website to deter people from applying over and over.
Not at all accurate. I personally know 3 different people that tried to reapply after 12 months and were told no dice because of that policy. I know one guy that was a pretty unique case that applied again after 6 months and got placed. His circumstances were (1) he was an experienced hire, (2) the office he was applying to the first time didn't have a strong need for his skill set, and (3) he was very good friends with one of the senior partners. This partner had to green light him with HR to go through interviews again at another office (overseas) where they did have a need, and he subsequently got and accepted the offer.
My bad. In that case, OP, you might be better off spending your time and energy on finding new opportunities.
Seconding what djfiii says - actually happened to me early in my career. The rejection hurt more the second time :) It'll work out though. Step down to next tier or take the b-school route. Or, keep networking and try to be the exception!
Well still awaiting other firms decisions ... Thank you-all for your feedback!
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