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Change mind after offer letter

Hey!

I recently signed for McKinsey after all the interview processes. I wanted to ask if anyone has heard of someone having their offer rescinded after signing but before starting?

 

Thanks!

 

Edit: appreciate the reply everyone! Just making sure because I'm planning on quitting my job before my starting date and did not want to risk it!

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Top answer
on Oct 18, 2022
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there, 

No, never heard of it. 

Your impostor syndrome is probably pushing you to believe this :) 

Congrats and enjoy the ride!
Best,

Cristian

Florian
Coach
on Oct 18, 2022
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

I can imagine that it can happen in two cases:

  • Candidates lied on their resume
  • A financial crisis that forces consulting firms to a grinding halt, since consulting spend is often one of the first expenses that are cut in dire times (happened last in 2008)

I guess the first point does not apply and for the second we are still a few months out in the worst case…

All the best at McKinsey and enjoy the ride!

Cheers,

Florian

Deleted user
on Oct 18, 2022

Hi there - 

No I have not heard of something of that nature before. Some firms have done this (non consulting) but it is very very unlikely I would say. 

Best, E

7
Pedro
Coach
on Oct 18, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

No. Not at MBB level.

In the previous crisis, some candidates were asked if they were willing to start later. If you can read between the lines, it means that MBB were so commited to keeping their word that they would rather push out starting dates (ideally on a voluntary basis) so that they could spread out new incomers than rescinding offers which would severely damange their reputation.

On the same logic, they are more likely to be more strict on “up or out” (and “outplace” people) than to rescind offers.

Moreover, in the current market situation, there is still no need to do it. I don't know which office do you refer to, but in many countries the economy and job market are still going strong (particularly in the US). 

We just moved from “so much work that we don't have enough people” to “enough work to keep everyone busy”. Of course we know that the good times are getting close to an end, but we are still a bit far awat from bad times. 

Dennis
Coach
on Oct 19, 2022
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

I have heard of firms do that in some cases durIng Covid - or pushing the starting date into the following year. But those were extraordinary circumstances 

Maikol
Coach
on Oct 18, 2022
BCG Project Leader | Former Bain, AlixPartner, and PE | INSEAD MBA | GMAT 780

Nope, I have never heard something like that.

Udayan
Coach
on Oct 18, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

No. Your mind is just being anxious. 

Deleted user
on Oct 23, 2022

Hi,

I have never heard of this happening and do not expect this to ever happen.

Best regards,

Jorn

6
Agnes
Coach
on Oct 18, 2022
Digital Consulting | Personalised approach | @PwC, EY, Deloitte, Microsoft

Hey there,

During COVID, I've heard of KPMG doing this in some instances, but not from McKinsey. Fluctuation is quite high, so it's not really worth it for them.

So, congratulations! 

Best,

Agnes

Ian
Coach
on Oct 19, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer!

You are fine here. If both parties have signed the offer you are safe :)

on Oct 19, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! In terms of your question:

Q: I recently signed for McKinsey after all the interview processes. I wanted to ask if anyone has heard of someone having their offer rescinded after signing but before starting?

I personally never heard of this with MBB offers.

The only situation when I think this might happen is if you lied about your personal information and this is discovered during the background check. Even during times of strong uncertainty like the COVID period, MBB postponed the starting date instead of withdrawing offers.

So far that everything was correct in your CV and application material and you have signed, you have nothing to worry about.

Best of luck with your new job!

Francesco

Lucie
Coach
on Oct 19, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Oh man you want to give up before starting? Rejecting the offer because you think you may not do well??? Oh no!! You are the 1% who made it and I can ensure you that the recruiting is very thoughtful and they only take people that can fit 100% (99% is not enough) meaning you will be successful! 

if you want to however not take the job for any other reason, just be honest and upfront, it is not a big deal. 

Good luck!

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Emily
Coach
on Oct 19, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad

I have never heard of this happening - McKinsey would have far too much to lose on its reputation  to do that. I know how easy it is to worry but try not to - you have the offer, you’re good to go! 

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