Getting a McKinsey interview through a connection

Hi everyone,

My cousin's boyfriend graduated this summer from an Australian university and works at McKinsey in the U.S. now.

I was wondering if there's any way I can increase my chances of landing an interview by asking my cousin to help out.

Does networking like this work in consulting, and if so, how should I ask my cousin to help out?

Also, can new joiners like my cousin's boyfriend really help, since they're new to the firm and thus don't have the credibility to recommend others?

Thanks!

 

I was referred by new hire at McK, but did not get a first round interview. My resume was good enough to get me to the final round at 1/3 of MBB (word on offer should come tomorrow). However, I have a non-business background, and I'm sure that played a part in my rejection.

Don't believe everything you think.
 

A referral is not going to get you the job. HR may look at it a bit more seriously, but that's about the extent of it. My experience is that knowing someone at the firm will help for a few reasons. 1) They can give you insight into what they actually do and the culture. 2) You can ask they to help review your resume and cover letter, because a lot of on the beach guys do those screens. Even a recent hire may have seen one or two come across his desk already.

 

Not sure for the other remaining MBB firms but for McK, I'm pretty sure you have to take PST in order to be considered for an interview, so you should ask your cousin's bf to help you boost your resume and cover letter and focus your effort on practicing for the PST and case interviews.

Good luck

My formula for success is rise early, work late and strike oil - JP Getty
 
Quarterlife:
Not sure for the other remaining MBB firms but for McK, I'm pretty sure you have to take PST in order to be considered for an interview, so you should ask your cousin's bf to help you boost your resume and cover letter and focus your effort on practicing for the PST and case interviews.

Good luck

Sorry for the noobish question, but what's PST?

 

Another thing he might help you with is doing cases with you in preparation for your interview. Once he has been there for a while, he probably knows quite well how to do that.

 

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