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Firm Rejection after Offer

Hi All,

 

How should I go about rejecting an MBB after signing the actual offer (a few weeks ago)? What if the MBB has already undergone and finalized my visa issuance process and the starting date is in about 3 weeks?

 

PS: I imagine this is not a usual situation but I have personal reasons that currently restrict me from relocating (i.e. personal reasons not legal-related). I previously requested the MBB to transfer me to the local office but they did not accept.

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Sep 14, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I agree with the others that you should absolutely schedule a call.

Prepare what you're going to say beforehand and make sure you know how it sounds out loud (try it out on someone).

Make sure you are earnest and genuine. You need to emphasize how you're not trying to cause hassle and inconvenience but that because of x legitimate issue, you just cannot make it. Try to see if there are any workarounds and re-emphasize your interest in the firm.

Emily
Coach
on Sep 13, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad

Call the recruiting team, apologize profusely and explain what your reasoning is and ask them for the process. Then write to people at the firm that you built connections with, especially the partners, explaining why you can’t take the offer and thanking them for the experience of interviewing and any help that they've given you. 

If they have refused to move you to a different location is there anything else that they could offer you which would mean thar you could take the offer? If so it’s worth talking with the recruiting team about whether they could make that work for you. 

This does happen from time to time so you’re not alone! 

Udayan
Coach
on Sep 13, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

At this point it's all about how you communicate your intention. 

 

Schedule a call with the recruiting team and be prepared to discuss the situation honestly and with clear reasoning. If something is unavoidable that's fine but it helps to explain it via call or in person. 

 

First apologize for the situation and then ask if they are willing to work with you given the developments. Many times they can negotiate a transfer on your behalf but if not then you have to do what's best for you. 

on Sep 14, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the issue. In terms of your question:

Q: How should I go about rejecting an MBB after signing the actual offer (a few weeks ago)?

I would recommend the following:

  1. Call the office, explain the personal reason, ask again if there is any option they could relocate due to that
  2. If they still say no, ask if there is an option to start later (once you may have solved the constraint)
  3. If that still doesn’t work, ask how you should proceed to withdraw from the process, as it is impossible for you to move now

Hopefully 1) or 2) will work, so you will still be able to join.

Good luck!

Francesco

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