I’m really interested in applying to Bain, but I just started my full-time role this month at a Fortune 10 company.
Do you think applying so soon after starting a new role could come across negatively to a recruiter?
Consulting is something I’m genuinely interested in pursuing long term, so I don’t want to miss the opportunity to apply, but I’m a little concerned about how the timing might be perceived.
Would you recommend including my current role on my CV even though I’ve only just started?
Hi,
Honestly, without a general view of your resume it is hard to give you a precise read, so feel free to send it over by DM if you want an outside perspective.
Having said that, I would not see the timing as a big problem in itself, as long as you can justify two things: why you did not apply earlier, and why you want to move so soon after starting.
On the CV, I would definitely include the role, even with only a few weeks in it. An unexplained gap on the resume is a lot more damaging than a recent start date.
If you want something more specific to your situation, feel free to share your resume to me, happy to help.
Best,
Franco
Hi there,
I’d include the role on your CV, and I wouldn’t rule yourself out of applying just because you’ve recently started. The point I’d add to the answers above is to separate your interest in Bain from your assessment of your new job. After a few weeks, it’s early to conclude that the current role isn’t right for you, and you don’t need to make that argument.
Instead, explain what attracted you to the role you accepted, why consulting is your longer-term ambition, and why you’re pursuing Bain now. Be specific about the work you want to do and why Bain appeals to you. That will be more convincing than simply saying you’ve realised consulting is your passion.
On the CV, the company, title, dates and a brief description of your remit are enough for now. You don’t need to manufacture an achievement bullet for a job you’ve just started.
The main question I’d ask yourself is: are you ready to submit a strong application and perform well in interviews? If so, the recent start date alone wouldn’t stop me. If you still need substantial preparation, give yourself that time rather than rushing because you feel you might miss out.
Best,
Bogdan
Hi there,
Absolutely apply. You know consulting is what you want long term, so why hold yourself back just because you started a new role this month?
Starting a new job is not a black mark. You just need a clean story: you accepted the Fortune 10 role, started it, and confirmed that consulting is the path you actually want.
And yes, include the role on your CV. Put the start month through Present and write the bullet in the present tense. Just don't invent impact you haven't had time to deliver.
Finally, network before applying and try to secure a referral. The strength of your application and referral will matter far more than whether you started this role a few weeks ago.
Apply if Bain is the move you genuinely want. Starting a job recently is not automatically a negative signal, but you need a clean explanation for why you accepted the role and why consulting is still the better long-term fit. Keep the explanation respectful and avoid criticizing your new employer.
Include the Fortune 10 role on your CV with the correct start month and “Present.” Add only work you have actually done. If it is too early to show an outcome, describe your scope briefly rather than inventing an impact bullet.
The recruiter may ask why you are moving so quickly. A strong answer connects your past choices to consulting and shows that this is a considered decision, not a reaction to a difficult first month. Also keep performing well in the current role; the application process may take time and an offer is never guaranteed.
Hey there :)
I’d definitely include the new role on your CV, even if you only started recently. A Fortune 10 position is still relevant experience, and leaving it off could create questions about your timeline.
Applying soon after starting shouldn’t automatically look bad. If asked, simply explain that you accepted the role while continuing to explore consulting because it’s something you’ve been seriously interested in for a while.
I’d apply rather than waiting several months just to make the timeline look nicer. Your current role can actually strengthen the application if you can clearly explain why Bain is the direction you want to pursue.
Best, Alessa :)
What do you think if in a conversation with a recruiter you would be as transparent as you were in your message here?
I would expect them to be understanding. It sounds fair what you're saying. You're starting in this role, and yes, you're just beginning it, but honestly, long term you want to do something else and you want to already give it a shot now. I don't see why anybody would hold that against you.
Best,
Cristian
