Can I request my submitted Bain London application to be pushed to the next recruiting cycle (3 months away) if I still didn't click on the SOVA test link yet?

Question

Hi, I applied for the Bain London deadline of 2nd Sept, and received an invite for the sova test. However, I now noticed that their next deadline is 2nd Dec, which I'd rather have applied for, if I knew that beforehand (I thought the next hiring cycle will only be a year later). This would give me more prep time + is more aligned with my current timeline of potentially joining. If I still haven't started the sova test, can I ask the recruiter if my application can be pushed to the next cycle? Will they allow it, or will I need to apply again? Also, I had a referral, so incase they allow to push the application, will the referral still remain and get automatically associated with my application in the next cycle?
Many thanks!

Answer 1

Hey there :)

Yes, you can definitely ask recruiting to move your application to the next cycle, especially since you haven’t started the SOVA test yet. Bain is usually flexible with timing if you’re transparent about why December works better for you. Most likely they will just withdraw your current application and ask you to re-apply for the December deadline, but that’s not a problem.

If you re-apply, your referral will still count.. either automatically if the system carries it over, or you can just let your referrer know and they can quickly resubmit. Recruiters are used to this and it won’t reflect negatively on you as long as you reach out early.

So best option: send a short, polite note to the recruiter now before you open the test link.

best,
Alessa :)

Answer 2

Yes, you can do that. Just reach out to HR. If they have any issue, they will let you know, it won't hurt your application.