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Asking to change offices a few months before starting date - Help

T2
New answer on Apr 30, 2024
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Apr 28, 2024

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding a job offer I received back in November 2023 for a T2 firm with a starting date of September 2024. At the time, I was given the option to choose between two locations. HR strongly recommended one location, so I accepted that offer without thinking too much about it. However, after some time, I had the chance to do further research and talk to people living in both locations, and I realized that the other location is a better fit for me.

My start date is in around four months, and I'm wondering how I should approach HR to inquire if the other location is still available. I want to maximize my chances of being able to relocate. I do not want to sound an indecisive and unprofessional person.

Any advice or insights on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

(edited)

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Best answer
Gero
Expert
replied on Apr 28, 2024
Ex-BCG │200+ Interviews & Interview Coachings @ BCG │ 20+ candidates coached into MBB │WHU/LSE/Nova │ Teacher & Trainer

Hi there,

It is 100% understandable that personal preferences can change!

Priorities
Since you already have an offer, it is more important to ensure you have a promising road ahead when you start than to be as uncomplicated as possible for HR. While it is very important to be respectful, of course!

How to proceed
I would simply ask and show that respect by clearly outlining your reasons. It would be unprofessional to go to great lengths or go too much into emotions here. 

Style
Indeed, you can simply use the structured communication that you learned preparing for the interviews anyway. You never make a mistake when using that in the Consulting world. Simply put your request first and then list the corresponding reasons, closing with re-stating your request and thanking HR in advance for their consideration and support.

Hope that helps you in your situation!

Best,
Gero

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Agrim
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 28, 2024
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

Well, there is no other way to approach this than to send an email to HR asking if changing the location is possible.

Give them solid reasons that are convincing enough - that is the best tool you have in hand to have a chance at this.

Also suggest to them that, if needed, you are willing to move your joining date as well - since they might agree to location change albeit with a later joining date.

It is highly unlikely that they will revoke your offer just for asking a location change.

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Dennis
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replied on Apr 29, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

if the two offices are within the same country, you should have a realistic shot at making that happen. Four months is also still enough lead time typically. 

You obviously need to reach out to HR and let them know that your personal situation has changed so that the other location has become your preferred one. Employees tend to switch between offices if their life circumstances require it (e.g. a significant other is working in this other location and they want to be able to spend more time together).

There is of course no guarantee that they will accommodate every request, but you have nothing to lose if you try. The worst case is that you stick with the location you have know and try to relocate in two years or so (if you still want that then).

Best

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Francesco
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replied on Apr 29, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I'm wondering how I should approach HR to inquire if the other location is still available. 

I would recommend contacting HR for the office that extended the offer, presenting your current reasons, and asking if there is an option to switch. If possible, I would rather call than send an email. There are no guarantees they will allow it, but there is no harm in asking.

If they say no, and you are willing to wait for a bit, you could also try to move once you have gained some seniority in the current office

Good luck!

Francesco

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Apr 28, 2024
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

All you can do is…try.

You should approach HR, and ask them for a quick call. You want to handle this in person (over the phone is fine, but over email is less ok) and treat them as “problem solving” partners.

But be aware that since you “rejected” the other location, they may have filled out the vacancy with someone else already, and it may not be available anymore.

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 28, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

I would contact HR asap and explain the situation. 

Apologies for the confusion created and any inconvenience, but explain that in light of further reflection and a change in your preferences, you'd rather go for the other office. 

Ask if there is anything that you can do to make the change easier. 

Unless they somehow froze hiring for that office or they have a separate funnel, it should work. 

Good luck!
Best,
Cristian

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Alberto
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 30, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews

You have full rights to ask for the change. Prepare the conversation upfront with a good set of professional and personal reasons. Be ready to get a no and know what would you do then.

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

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Gero gave the best answer

Gero

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