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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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