Thursday, March 21, 2013

How the McKinsey Resume / CV Screening Process Works


McKinsey's success is built on its reputation and people.  To maintain a sufficient supply of the latter, every year McKinsey reviews thousands of resumes from the top undergrad and MBA programs around the world.  As a result, the Firm has gotten quite good at making a highly qualitative process more objective and consistent.  In this post I'll explain the resume review process...




DISPELLING MCKINSEY RESUME REVIEW MYTHS

There's a lot of conjecture from non-McKinsey consultants about the process the Firm uses to screen job applicants.  I'd like to dispel those myths by bringing some transparency to the process.  During my time at McKinsey I screened over a thousand resumes during the summer and full-time hiring cycles at undergrad, MBA, and APD sources (aka schools).  So, this article is based on first-hand experience and facts, not speculation or guesswork.


CAVEATS

I'll be describing the process as it's applied in several US office complexes.  Having reviewed resumes and participated in resume review meetings for several US office complexes, these observations are representative of how the process works in the US.  However, McKinsey is a global Firm with hundreds of locations - it's likely there might be some variation from office to office and location to location, even within the US.

It's also worth noting that this process might not be used in the "experienced hire" process.

TWO COMMON MCKINSEY RESUME SCREEN MYTHS

I find it interesting that the two McKinsey resume screen myths I see or hear most often polar opposites of one another.  On the one hand, some people seem to believe that there's a rigid, mindless algorithm that examines then accepts or rejects resumes.  On the other hand, other people believe that the process is completely subjective and determined by the whims and moods of someone in McKinsey HR. 

MYTH #1 - Resume-screening software

In this myth, there's some sort of automated McKinsey software that filters resumes based on keyword searches or similar algorithms.  This is absolutely incorrect.  Every resume is read by at least one McKinsey consultant and, because they have to score the resume - and often calibrate their scores with those of another consultant who is reviewing the same resumes - they actually have to read the resumes in some detail.

MYTH #2 - Subjective HR Reviewers

In this version, candidates' fates are determined by anonymous people in HR who apply highly subjective criteria to determine who passes and who doesn't.  The Firm tries to make this myth as incorrect as possible

Although resume screens are qualitative and, as a result, prone to subjectivity, McKinsey trains consultants to review resumes using objective criteria, standardized scales, and scoring rubrics to minimize the subjectivity of the process.  A typical batch consists of 50-60 resumes.  In my experience, our scores for most candidates will vary by less than 10% and very rarely (1 or 2 resumes per batch) vary enough for a candidate on the fence to make the decision to extend an interview invitation unclear.

THE PROCESS

STEP 1 - Applicants drop resumes

Each consulting season - fall for full-time hires and winter for summer internships - schools have deadlines for "dropping" or submitting resumes to McKinsey for consideration.  At some business schools, nearly half the class will drop resumes for McKinsey and other top management consulting programs.

STEP 2 - Assign resumes to reviewers

Once the Firm receives the resumes, they are assigned in batches to consultants for review.  Usually, pairs of consultants are assigned to each batch so they can score resumes independently and then compare results and calibrate.

STEP 3 - Read and score resumes

Resume reviewers read each resume and score them according to a standardized framework.  The dimensions and characteristics being sought during the resume screen are not mysteries and are clearly defined on the McKinsey website.  In addition, there are tips on how to do well on the McKinsey resume screen in a previous blog post.

Resumes are scored on several dimensions on a scale of 0-4.  There is a scoring rubric that clearly defines objective criteria and examples of what it takes to receive each score on each dimension (e.g., it takes X to receive a "3" on "Leadership")

STEP 4 - Resume reviewer pairs compare scores

Ideally, each resume reviewer will compare scores with their partner to confirm that they are well-calibrated.  If there is a significant difference it will be reconciled by the reviewers walking through the resume together and - using the scoring rubric as a guide - discuss why each score was given.

STEP 5 - Resume review meeting

Once the resume batches have been reviewed, scores are submitted to the recruiting team to be compiled and stack-ranked from the highest to lowest.  The reviewers then participate in a resume review meeting (often done via conference call) to determine which candidates should be invited to interview.  Candidates with the highest resume scores are "clear passes" and invited to interview, and those with the lowest are "clear turndowns" and not invited to interview.  Applying the 80/20 rule, most of the time is spent discussing the candidates in the middle of the pack





40 comments:

  1. Great blog. A lot of the info you have regarding candidate prepartion is useful but I wanted to know if you could expand upon the role of the Waltham knowledge center team at McKinsey. In your former role as a consultant at McK, how did you interact with the NAKC in Waltham?

    The candidate process for NAKC Research roles so far has been similar to what you have spelled out for consulting role (PST, two rounds of interiews, similar cases, PIE/fit portion). Since the NAKC/Research roles don't seem to recruit from the same caliber of schools that consulting roles do, will I be held to a comparatively lower standard for my case interiews?

    Furthermore, do you have any insight as to the types of exit ops that NAKC/Research staff are competitive for?

    You can email me directly at uatu@outlook.com if you want to discuss this 1v1.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is the reason why resumes should be written perfectly. Many people go to resume writer Calgary to get some advice from professional writers. Sometimes, there are things that must be included or information that must be removed from the resume. People who have errors in the format for example have less chances of getting the job they applied for. The screening here is really tough and I heard, the competition is tough as well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing this! Screening is an essential part before employment because this is the time where deserving individuals are picked to work for the company. A miscalculation of evaluations might allow a volatile person to work in a high-stress environment, which can cause trouble sooner or later. Good day! :)

    Philip Watkins @ USA Fact

    ReplyDelete
  4. When applying to the top schools to get your MBA, there are three words you should know to get your application started off on the right foot: sample MBA essay. See more cheap resume writing service

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is a detailed inputs on resume screening process i really loved in going through the complete article, hope this will be helpful for others also. And i am passionate MBA professional pursuing my online free degree some one also get help here MBA Courses

    ReplyDelete
  6. The rpo services Outsourcing team provides complete resume sourcing and screening solutions to our clients. We source through thousands of curriculum vitea’s from online job boards to find the candidate right for you. Using search engines, online communities and groups, we make full use of the age of technology for our clients.
    http://rposervices.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Elite Recruiter At RPO services, we provide permanent Experienced recruiter(s); with all the necessary skills, tools and technologies for recruitment process. Here the dedicated team or dedicated resource will work as your shadow team in India to support your recruitment process achievements.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Best consultancy agency online CV database
    BiodataWorld is a Business to Business (B2B) online recruitment concept in India, that aims at providing the most relevant, well searched instant resumes of the employable candidates at the lowest cost to employers for their recruitment and hiring needs, at a click of a single button within a period of 24* hrs. only (72hrs on weekends). It provides database of candidates to recruiters at the very base of the HR pyramid.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey Guys, we have developed a platform that allows people to book their future jobs in advance, by subscribing the opportunities before their arrival on the platform. And most valuable, it all works in the hidden mode. Would you help us to spread the voice? It will work only if we will be a lot, and we trust that our efforts can bring value to you and others too. Choose your job interest and level and subscribe, here is a link: https://www.rekruited.com/en/dreamjob/

    ReplyDelete
  11. If you want results that are really going to make a difference to your chances of success then you need our mba essay writing services. Achieving perfect writing however, is tough and this is where our MBA admission essay editing services can help you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Best placement consultancy agency
    BiodataWorld is a business to business (B2B) online recruitment concept. It provides recruiters the most relevant, focused & instant resumes database of the employable candidates to the employer for their recruitment and hiring, as per their requirements and specifications. BiodataWorld gives you the relevant resume database only within the shortest time span of 24*hrs only (72*hrs on weekends) and at the lowest price in the industry.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Best placement consultancy agency
    BiodataWorld is a business to business (B2B) online recruitment concept. It provides recruiters the most relevant, focused & instant resumes database of the employable candidates to the employer for their recruitment and hiring, as per their requirements and specifications. BiodataWorld gives you the relevant resume database only within the shortest time span of 24*hrs only (72*hrs on weekends) and at the lowest price in the industry.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Really it was an awesome article… very interesting to read…
    Thanks for sharing.........
    online staffing solutions
    online jobseeker services

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post.
    digital marketing agency in india

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for posting the useful information to my vision. This is excellent information,.
    permanent placement services

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for great article about HR consultants.
    HR Consultants

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for sharing great article about recruitment consultants.
    Recruitment Consultants in Pune

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks for sharing great article about recruitment consultants.
    Recruitment Consultants in Pune

    ReplyDelete
  21. Really it was an awesome article… very interesting to read…
    Thanks for sharing.........
    recruitment process outsourcing

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for posting the useful information to my vision. This is excellent information,.
    recruitment process outsourcing

    ReplyDelete
  23. Awesome,
    Thank you so much for sharing such an awesome blog...
    video interview software services

    ReplyDelete
  24. I liked your article that you have made, is full of useful information for recruitment agency.
    Best Recruitment Agencies in USA



    ReplyDelete
  25. it is very interesting content.i've thoroughly loved reading your points and feature come to the belief that you are proper approximately lots of them..for information regarding placement consultancy service please visit to the link.
    Best Placement Agencies in Lucknow

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for this wonderful post about Recruitment Agencies in USA.
    Recruitment Agencies in USA


    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you for sharing such great information would love to hear more on hr consultants Mumbai Gheewala

    ReplyDelete
  28. If you are looking for Employment in United States.
    Employment in United States





    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for sharing such great info

    Regards
    SmartcoOverseas Manpower Consultant

    ReplyDelete
  30. Really it was an awesome article. Thank you for posting this gave me knowledge. Have a good day. For Job opportunities check here.
    lankmark Agency

    ReplyDelete
  31. Very informative and helpful blog!
    Would you also know the resume shortlisting process followed at McKinsey India?

    Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Looking for Resume screening and land here. Got very much knowledge and ideas. Thank you for sharing.
    Recruitment agency in Nepal

    ReplyDelete

  33. If you are searching Manpower Consultancy Services in Delhi NCR or Manpower Job Placement Consultants in India and also Overseas Recruitment Agencies in India - Quick Global Solution is leading Manpower Consultancy Services in Delhi NCR. Get in touch with us today. Email on info@quickglobalsolution.com or can call on +91 - 9711 914 441.
    https://quickglobalsolution.com/manpower.php

    ReplyDelete
  34. I was diagnosed as HEPATITIS B carrier in 2013 with fibrosis of the
    liver already present. I started on antiviral medications which
    reduced the viral load initially. After a couple of years the virus
    became resistant. I started on HEPATITIS B Herbal treatment from
    ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC (www.ultimatelifeclinic.com) in March, 2020. Their
    treatment totally reversed the virus. I did another blood test after
    the 6 months long treatment and tested negative to the virus. Amazing
    treatment! This treatment is a breakthrough for all HBV carriers.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Great Post! I really loved reading through this article. Thanks for sharing such a amazing post with us and keep blogging BM&A is trusted by over one hundred corporate clients, risk and management consultancy firms, IGOs and high net worth individuals.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Very helpful information for employers and freshers for job! nice post.
    Recruitment Agency Brookhaven

    ReplyDelete