McKinsey & Company has become synonymous with high-level consulting services. The firm was founded in 1937 and now boasts over 15,000 employees across the globe. This company will require you to have some great skills.

McKinsey offers various career opportunities, from entry-level positions to senior management roles. There are two main ways to apply: through their global network or website.

If you’re looking for a job at one of the world’s top management consulting firms, McKinsey & Company, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll share some tips on successfully applying for a job at McKinsey and increasing your chances of being hired. So read on and put these tips into action!

McKinsey: Brief company history

In 1926, Professor James M. McKinsey established “The Consulting Association.” He recruited his friend, Marvin H. Bower, to help him build it into what we know today as McKinsey & Company.

By the 1930s, McKinsey & Company had become known for its ability to provide objective analysis and advice to clients facing complex challenges. The company’s name became synonymous with business strategy consulting.

During World War II, McKinsey served as a consultant to the United States government and a member of the American delegation to the Allied Control Council. After the war, the company grew quickly, opening offices in places like London and Tokyo.

Today, McKinsey continues to operate in over 70 cities around the world. We are proud of our history, tradition, and commitment to client service. We invite you to learn more about us here.

Getting hired by the company

McKinsey & Company is one of the “Big Three” management consulting firms, along with BCG and Bain & Co. They work across various sectors, including energy, finance, healthcare, technology, and transportation.

Based in NYC with 104 offices worldwide, McKinsey covers many industries, such as oil and gas, private equity, aerospace and defense, telecoms, and retail.

The company recruits from hundreds of universities annually and boasts some of the highest pay rates in the industry; typically, starting salaries start at $160,000 per annum.

A job at McKinsey allows you to work alongside some of the most talented people in the business, but getting an offer is notoriously hard. Here are our top tips to help you stand out from the crowd…

1. Do well in your undergraduate degree

2. Make yourself known within your university network.

3. Apply early

What to keep in mind before sending your application?

Undergrads and non-MBAs join McKinsey as business analysts. Advanced degrees might join at the Associate level.

If you join the firm before graduating, you’ll likely be asked to earn an MBA after two years. Usually, you’ll have to pay for this.

Make sure you can live the McKinsey lifestyle before applying. This entails long hours (early morning starts and the late night ends), travel, and a high-stakes, high-pressure job.

Networking can help jumpstart your application. Many think networking means socializing with friends and family. But it’s deeper. Networking is building ties with powerful people to achieve goals.

What to include and highlight in your application?

To land a coveted position, you’ll need to submit a resume highlighting your skills and accomplishments. Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

1. Include a cover letter.

As important as your resume is, don’t forget the accompanying cover letter. A cover letter gives you a chance to highlight why you’re interested in working at McKinsey.

If you have relevant experience outside of college, explain how it relates to what you’d do at McKinsey. For example, if you worked at a fast-food restaurant while studying abroad, explain how this experience prepared you for a career at McKinsey.

2. Focus on your strengths.

The best way to show off your skills is to give examples of how you used those skills in the past. Talk about specific projects you have completed or clients you have helped. Don’t just talk about your academic record; focus on what you did well during your studies.

3. Showcase your extracurricular activities.

If you have leadership roles in student organizations, sports teams, volunteer groups, etc., mention these experiences on your resume. They show that you’re passionate about something besides academics. And since you’ll likely meet many people at McKinsey, having a variety of interests will make you seem more interesting.

McKinsey recruiting process

The McKinsey recruiting process is considered one of the most competitive processes in the corporate world. A recent survey found that only about 1% of applicants make it into the final round of interviews.

Applicants must pass three separate tests to qualify for an interview. First, they must complete an online application form. Next, they must submit a resume and cover letter. Finally, they must take the McKinsey Problem Solving Test. This test assesses how well you think on your feet under pressure.

Apply online

The first step to becoming a member of the global consultancy firm McKinsey & Company in the Middle East is applying online. The recruitment process takes place throughout the year. You can apply for any position you are interested in.

Applicants need to be fluent speakers of English.

McKinsey interview process

The McKinsey interview process has four stages: pre-interview preparation, the actual interview, post-interview follow-up, and the offer stage. Each stage has specific tasks and timelines associated with it.

1. Pre-interview preparation

This includes researching the firm, preparing questions, writing responses, practicing interviews, and scheduling interviews. There are several ways to prepare for the interview, including reading about the firm, talking to people working there, researching, and watching videos.

2. The actual interview

During the interview, you will likely meet with multiple interviewing team members. You might talk to one person during the phone call while another member of the team observes via video chat. After the interview, you will receive feedback from both the interviewer and the observer. This feedback helps determine if you did well enough to move forward into the next round.

3. Post-interview follow up

After the interview, you will typically wait between three and six months before receiving a formal job offer. You will continue to practice your skills and hone your resume during this time. If you decide to take the job, you will sign a contract and start working immediately.

McKinsey interview timeline

McKinsey expects candidates to apply online via the firm’s career site. They’ll receive a short email inviting them to submit a resume and cover letter.

The next step is a phone screen where recruiters will ask more detailed questions about your background. This could include things like “What are three accomplishments you’re most proud of?” or “Why do you want to work here?”.

After the phone call, the candidate will either move forward to the next stage or be told to resubmit their application. If they pass the phone screen, they’ll be invited into one of the firm’s offices for a face-to-face interview.

At this point, recruiters will ask candidates about their strengths and weaknesses, how well they fit within the team, and what makes them unique.

During the interview, recruiters will look for examples of leadership, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and analytical thinking. They might also test your knowledge of financial markets, technology trends, or current events.

You’ll be offered a job if you pass both interview stages. You’ll likely hear back within two weeks of submitting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does McKinsey hire experienced professionals?

McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Co. surveyed over 2,500 MBBs about hiring trends. They found that while the firm hires experienced professionals, it also hires many less-experienced consultants.

The survey revealed that most MBBs hire experienced consultants, but even among those that don’t, nearly half of respondents said they hired someone with “some experience.” Only 11% of companies reported having hired someone without experience.

Some of the reasons cited for why MBBs don’t hire experienced consultants include:

1. Finding experienced consultants who want to move to another firm is difficult.

2. MBBs don’t think experienced consultants are worth paying for.

3. MBBs don’t know how to recruit experienced consultants.

4. MBBs aren’t sure what types of experiences they’re looking for.

2. Is it hard to get a job at McKinsey?

Getting in isn’t easy. To become a member, you must pass an extremely rigorous interview process. So how do you stand out among thousands of applicants? Here’s what we recommend:

1. Make sure your resume stands out. A good way to do this is by highlighting your achievements. Use bullet points to make each item concise, specific, and actionable. Also, use numbers whenever possible.

2. Don’t just list your job responsibilities. Instead, describe your key accomplishments. What projects did you lead? Did you manage a large team? If so, explain how you led the team to success.

3. Demonstrate your soft skills. These include communication skills, teamwork, leadership ability, adaptability, and critical thinking. You don’t want to come across as arrogant, nor do you want to seem unprofessional. Be yourself, and try to keep your tone upbeat.

4. Show off your brand. Include keywords related to your career interests. For instance, if you love sports, say so. Likewise, if you enjoy working with people, mention it.

5. Prepare for questions about your salary history. Most companies won’t ask directly, but they might ask why you left your previous jobs. Your answer should highlight your strengths and experiences.

6. Write a strong cover letter. Recruiters read hundreds of applications every day. They know that yours probably won’t be the best. Therefore, they’re looking for something special that sets them apart from everyone else. Explain why you’d be a great fit for the firm, and emphasize your unique abilities.

Key takeaway

McKinsey may be the place for you if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career.

Our team can help you prepare your resume to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing an interview.

We offer coaching and resources to help you succeed at every stage of the process, from submitting your application to acing the interview. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream job.