Impact of GMAT on getting a job interview

Question

Hi,

I have been trying to dig out some information on how relevant the GMAT is to get an interview in top tier consultancy/finance firms however I don't seem to find any information.
Is there anyone willing to share his/her experience with interview invitations? For some reason I don't think it is very likely someone will receive an invitation for an interview at BCG/Mk/B if the chap had a 660 in the GMAT.

Thanks!

mgg234 · Answer

Consulting firms do care about GMAT and it is one of the screening mechanism. I did meet someone with a 680 who got a McKinsey internship...she was an URM (black female) though, so I don't really think an over-represented group would have the same success.

brandon432 · Answer

GMAT matters quite a bit for consulting recruiting (especially MBB). It also matter somewhat for IB recruiting. Generally less so for other tracks. That said, the most important determinant of getting an interview is networking. Come interview decision time, you need 1-2 people at each firm who will vouch for you. After you get the interview, little else matters except for your interview performance.

mattapraveen · Answer

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.

AmyCope · Answer

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...

brandon432 · Answer

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.

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AmyCope · Answer

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.

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.

politricks · Answer

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.

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EnigmaD · Answer

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.

dtse86 · Answer

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...

EnigmaD · Answer

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.

NeverGivingUp · Answer

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

EnigmaD · Answer

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).

Impact of GMAT on getting a job interview

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