Applying for three different offices in the states

Question

I am applying for full-time roles at a business school. I am an international student and when I apply, I choose three different offices (west/south/southwest). I don't have any strong relation to any of the offices. I networked 1-2 person(s) per office.

How can I develop a better story of why these offices? (recruiter always encourages you to apply for a location where you want to live)

How can I better put this in my cover letter? Explain the rationale for choosing each of them? (The reasons for each office are quite different)

Answer 1

Hello,

I had a similar situation to you when applying! I thought Emily's suggestion of reaching out to HR to understand how your materials will be sent out is a good one. I would come up with a reason for your interest in the particular office, but those can be anything from industry interest to personal connections in a particular city. I think it's also ok to be open about these not being strong preferences if you are asked about them - indicating a readiness to work at your second or third choice offices may provide additional opportunities for interviews if your first choice office is oversubscribed.

Answer 2

I would ask the recruiting team what they advise you to do. Some firms send your application to only one office at a time and so you may only need rationale for one office; some send it to all. The reasons for the office can be anything from it's where your friends are; to the office works in the industries you want to work in; to your have really good connections in that office. I'm sure that you'll be able to think of a good reason!

Answer 3

Hi there,

1) How can I develop a better story of why these offices? (recruiter always encourages you to apply for a location where you want to live)

You can use the same points of the “Why us” question. Most likely you could talk about:

Sectors of interest: specific focus of the office in areas/products interesting to you
People you met and culture: specific people of the company you talked to, and the things they shared about the office
Company potential: how much the office grew in the last year and its recent development in new areas, which is a good guarantee for your future career as well

Theoretically, you could talk about personal connections as well, but from what you shared they are not present in your case.

2) How can I better put this in my cover letter? Explain the rationale for choosing each of them? (The reasons for each office are quite different)

I think the best thing is if you post your current approach to get feedback. You can find general cover tips below:

▶ How to Craft a Great Cover Letter

Best,

Francesco

Answer 4

Hi there,

Take a look at this article here!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

Ultimately, be genuine. If you have genuine reasons for each office and can defend it (and be organized), that's the most important!

Answer 5

Well, i guess there must be a logic why are you choosing a specific location, I would try to explore it. You can also be honest and just share with the recruiter you are trying various offices as you are open minded and would like to gain more international exposure, etc.

Lucie

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Answer 6

Hi,
I would prioritize only 1 office (your 1st choice) in the referral search and story telling

Best,
Antonello