Lunch with McKinsey Partner

Hey,

try this, this is how I conduct my informational interviews

Speak of nothing related to "asking for a job"

Instead, focus on the interviewee, ask him what his job is like, how he entered, any interesting things related to their job etc.

The time frame I do is usually 20-30 minutes

Always at the end 2 things a) can I ask you for help if i have any questions in the future? b) ask for more referrals

its quite hard to get a job from the guy straight away you know, so try to maintain contact with him for a while

Thanks for the tips.

Anyone else?

^^^

I wouldn't say "Can I ask for help in the future", that's a little too much of a "inacoupleofweeksimgoingtoaskforajob" connotation.

I would be more substantive. "I'd appreciate being able to get your perspective on some (current case studies, crafting your personal brand, ways to build a solid network, etc) Can we touch base a few months from now to discuss?

sidenote: read the McKinsey Way by Ethan Rasiel. Pick up some key points and talk a little about the firm and practices etc. If you're familiar with terminology, it helps to highlight your interest.

Thanks! I'll pick up that book right away.

Are you currently a banker?

Asking him what his bonus was this year. Then when he tells you, say "thats it? I got that as an analyst LOL!"

I would just focus on getting to know him like Gevron was saying. Focus the conversation on his story, what got him interested in what he does, how he ended up there, what he thinks about X, Y, Z, etc. You'll get a feel from your rapport with him whether or not you can later ask about getting hooked up with someone from your practice area.

Basically, just pretend you're taking some chick out and just let him do all the talking while you think about what you can get out of the whole deal.

what did you write in your cold email? what's his expectation of this meeting?

MBP - the McKinsey guy isn't stupid, he knows you cold emailed him to develop a rapport so to eventually ask him if there are opportunities there. It's understood you're not just talking to him for shits and giggles.

I think what Gevron said is pretty spot on. Ask him about his experience and how he got to McK (usually it's good to preface with "I know you were previously at ABC before McK, but maybe you can tell me a bit more") and about his work at McK (again, preface w/ minor details, so they know you did your homework), and if he prev. came from another consulting firm or industry, ask him how the experience compares. And at the end of it, ask if he knows any colleagues you can talk to, and make sure to periodically stay in touch with him.

Personally, I think it's fine to ask if he has advice for you on how to make the move from Deloitte. Just don't outright ask him to forward your resume along.

I'd go beyond McKinsey Way - sign up for the McKinsey quarterly if you are not already a member...read up on some recent articles...show that you have taken an interest. Also, access the career services center of your alma mater..they should have industry reports (I always like those done by S&P) - get a copy of the industry reports for the industry the partner is in (What industry by the way) and the industry you are interested in.

As you rightly said, he's a smart guy so he knows what you are in this for. He will come at this with up to three angles: 1) Can this guy be one of my "guys" - in which case he will stress test your interest in the industry he is in 2) Can this guy be someone else's guy? In which case he will test whether or not he is willing to put his name behind you, however so remotely, to put you in touch with a partner in your industry of interest 3) Is this guy a McKinsey guy - in which case your stated interest does not really matter because they will staff you as a generalist

Your game is to get in. Thus, you should play the generalist card and if pressed share you have an interests and or experience in an industry or two. Make him "love" you and want to keep you on his team (that creates the greatest pull) without making any overt commitments. Once you are in, you can do whatever you want though navigating the staffing process is a skill in and of itself.

Good luck

posting to reference later. This is a good topic.

How did it go?

It went really well! I was really surprised by how down-to-earth this guy was. We were shooting the shit for about an hour and in the end he told me that he'll have me over at the office and introduce me to some of his colleagues in a couple of months. It went way better than I expected. It wasn't all that informational though because we never got past the small talk. I didn't ask him anything specific that I wanted to know going in. I guess it's a good sign, but why does he want to wait a few months before introducing me to the other partners?

good question....

anybody got ideas?

^ to judge your follow-up between now and then? that's the only plausible scenario i can think of. perhaps he thinks it is much easier to shoot the shiit over lunch than conduct oneself in a dignified, professional, personable way after one such lunch and in between the end of the "few month" waiting period.

My guess on the couple months is that he wants to get to know you a little better before he "brings in the stray dog" (not meant as an insult). It sounds like he probably liked you and the conversation you had and that after a few more months of being able to get to know you better via lunch/email/ he will have a better understanding of who you are and what kind of value you may bring. Since we all know the actual work isn't that difficult, I think he is concerned more with personality. I think it's a good thing.

As an example, a friend of my wife asked her if I could help her boyfriend get an interview at a large firm I was at (I was involved in interviewing/hiring analysts). I met with the guy and chatted via email for awhile before I was comfortable putting my name on the line and giving my boss his resume. It would have made me look bad if the guy turned out to be a clown. This is obviously different as he is a partner and I was nowhere near, but the principle is the same. You want to make sure you really like someone and they're legit so it's not a poor reflection on you.

Keep us posted. Hope it works out well.

He might be waiting until recruiting season starts.

It's going to be pretty difficult to get into McKinsey without an MBA from a top school. Their hiring is very limited when it comes to MD/JD/PhD/MFE/MS/etc. holders....even if you lunch with a McKinsey partner. You better hope he doesn't wait until recruiting season, then you are going to have to compete for a position with lots of top MBA students, alumni from his schools, etc.

manbearpig, good post and congrats on your successful networking.

I am new to linkedin and was planning on doing the same thing you shared in your OP. I'm assuming you sent him an "inmail" (this entails having a membership right?)

I would suggest you not show him the leveraged sell out video...

Ok, who the fuck keeps blasting me with monkey shit?

Haha you don't deserve any of them. Here's an SB just for kicks/your successful networking.

^ You're avatar picture probably isn't helping...