Impact of GMAT on getting a job interview

Having a 780+ would make you stand out during the screening process, having a 650- might hurt your chances. Between them, its the other baggage you have that will either push you into the interview call or pull you down. Ex :Having a good CGPA might make up for a less than stellar GMAT. So, work on other aspects of your application over which you have control and stop worrying about GMAT. Once you get the interview invite, 800/650 doest count. Your performance on that day is whats gonna get you an offer.

Having said that, at INSEAD (I am an Alum), only McK amongst MBB asked for GMAT during my recruitment time. BCG/Bain didn't bother. Between-INSEAD has grade non disclosure policy as well.

Technically, the GMAT is only used for the purpose of qualifying students for an MBA program... companies aren't supposed to look at your GMAT score for hiring purposes. That doesn't mean they don't do it though...

The GMAT may have been designed to assess MBA readiness, but that is definitely not the only purpose it's used for. There is no such thing as "aren't supposed to." Fact is, every consulting firm application asks for SAT and GMAT scores and they should be on your resume if that's a career path you're interested in. Standard measures of analytic ability factor heavily into interview decisions, though not necessarily hiring ones.

Posted from my mobile device

Before taking the exam, GMAC has long disclaimer about the test, what it's used for, consequences of cheating, etc... it clearly states that GMAT scores are only for the purpose of evaluating a candidate for school admissions and scholarships and cannot be required for the purpose of obtaining a job.

I may be the only person who actually read that though... because Yes, you are right... consulting companies do require them and they do have an impact on getting hired.

Is there a score MBB prefers to see though? I had read that it was 700 and up, but recently read that it was 720 and up.

Posted from GMAT ToolKit

Funny enough, was just having this discussion with some of my colleagues at MBB. Between the 9 of us, everyone had a 720+ GMAT, although none of us are URM (we're Caucasians, East Asians, Indians). A colleague involved in the recruiting process confirms it is definitely, definitely a screening mechanism.

What about undergrad GPA? Do they weigh it differently if you have more pre-MBA work experience similar to b-schools?

I have an acceptable GMAT for MBB, but undergrad GPA will be out there...

I had a 3.0 from an Ivy League with 5 years of good career trajectory.

From my own limited experiences, I think that once you get a interview invite (which can be done through great networking, great resume, or hopefully both), it all comes down to how you do in the cases.

How about non disclosure policies at specific schools? I'm pretty sure companies cannot ask and candidates cannot tell. Anyone willing to enlighten me?

Correct in regards to MBA GPA. Companies cannot ask and you cannot tell. However, you can put down awards like Dean's List that are derived from GPA at some schools. Of course companies have the right to ask for your transcript after they extend you an offer.

Undergrad GPA is not protected by non-disclosure however and is often requested in job applications (at least for consulting and bigtech it was).