Are applications to another MBB anonymous?

Question

Hey everyone! I’m currently at an MBB firm but have been unhappy for a while due to my project focus and location, which likely won’t change in the next 1–2 years. I’m considering applying to another MBB in my preferred city, also because I’ve had positive experiences with their culture during student events, and a close friend there encouraged me to apply since they’re hiring for the industries I am passionate about.

My main concern is confidentiality. I’m worried my current employer might find out, either if the new firm contacts them directly or through casual gossip between consultants who know each other. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any tips or insights would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

It's highly unlikely. I know people who have applied to other MBB firms, but usually to a different location. Despite that, a potential employer would not contact people in current employer unless for reference checks.

Answer 2

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your negative consulting experience thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

First of all, consulting firms treat lateral applications with a high level of discretion. They will not reach out to your current employer unless you explicitly list someone for a reference, which usually happens only after an offer.
Moreover, internal gossip is the only potential risk here. If you're in a small local market, word might spread informally. But in almost all cases, people keep it professional.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 3

Hi,

Yes, they are anonymous.

If you are in a really small office, then there is a chance people at firms know each other, since the recruiting pools are basically the same.

But based on my experience, even if someone who is interviewing you knows someone else at your current firm, the people at MBB are professional enough to keep it discreet / anonymous.

If you are unhappy, don't be afraid to apply. Go for it!

All the best!

Answer 4

Hi there,

Totally fair concern — and the good news is that applications to another MBB are confidential. Firms take this seriously and won’t contact your current employer without your permission.

That said, consulting is a small world, so to stay safe:

Keep it quiet — only tell people you fully trust.
If using a referral, ask them to keep it strictly confidential.
Avoid mentioning colleagues or sharing internal details during interviews.
You can request references be checked only after an offer.

Happy to chat or help if useful!

Best,

Evelina

Answer 5

Hi there,

I find it heard to believe this sort of information would leak.

The recruiting pipeline is confidential and the process as well.

If somehow, somebody notices you from one firm and somehow they know somebody at the other firm and they talk about it, then, yes, it could leak, but it would also be a mark of unprofessionalism on the person who does that.

Plus, there is nothing wrong with interviewing with a different firm.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 6

Hi there,

Don’t rush that decision.

First, who’s guaranteeing that you won’t face the same issues in the new MBB firm? If the main problem is just project location, that’s something you might be able to solve internally — through networking, staffing conversations, or even informal mentoring. Try to fix things where you are before jumping ship.

If after that, you still want to apply to another MBB, go ahead — the processes are strictly confidential. No one at your current firm will be notified unless you disclose it yourself.

Best

Alberto

Answer 7

It’s confidential - and there’s a low (but non-zero) probability that it’ll leak.

Best of luck.