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Anonymous A
on Feb 26, 2024
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

How long does an entry offer stand?

Dear consultants, I am currently at the end of my studies and will soon start applying for a full-time entry-level position in Consulting. As I want to plan my interviews properly, I need to know how long an entry offer will stand, in case I receive one. I am planing to enter 4-5 processes over a period of 2-3 months. For internships, I had the experience that an offer stands for around 2-3 weeks until I had to decide wether to take. Will that be different for a full-time position? Thanks in advance!

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Florian
Coach
on Feb 26, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Usually 2 weeks; you can sometimes ask for an extension by 1-2 weeks but it's tricky without a valid reason that is not that you are waiting for a better offer.

I would create a detailed preparation plan with interview dates right at the start, making sure that the final rounds are all around the same time.

Once you have signed the offer, it is usually valid for 12 months.

All the best,

Florian

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Dennis
Coach
on Feb 27, 2024
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi,

once you receive an offer, you typically have around 2 weeks to accept. You can use this offer to try to accelerate the remaining recruiting processes you are in to get more clarity about your full option set. However, trying to delay the timeline to make a decision is a tough one. Because there is usually no other relevant reason in play than the candidate waiting for a better offer to come around. And firms know this of course so they have little incentive to accommodate that.

Start with your lower priority companies first as this might also serve as practice to finetune your approach for your top choices. But don’t space out your applications too far.

Best of luck 

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Cristian
Coach
on Feb 27, 2024
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

It depends on the firm. The standard is 1-2 weeks, but lately, I've been seeing candidates receiving requests to answer by the end of the week (which is often 2-3 days). That might also have to do with the hiring market being tighter at the moment. 

I'd recommend that if you're interviewing with multiple firms at the same time, to try and group them as much as possible. 

Sharing here a couple of other tips on how to set up your application strategy:

  • Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian 

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Ian
Coach
on Feb 27, 2024
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

In general they will last 1-3 weeks. You can delay/postpone by either negotiating or asking for more time (doesn't always work).

Ideally, try to align the interviews as much as possible. If you can't, have the “lesser” or plan B firms earlier rather than later.

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Nikita
Coach
edited on Feb 27, 2024
MBB & Tier2 preparation | 100+ offers | 8 years coaching | 3000+ sessions

Hey,

I'd say in between 1 week and 1 month, depending on the company. Also, keep in mind that accepting an offer in some geographies is not legal-binding, therefore you can theoretically accept one but refuse to onboard later if you get a better offer. Though I don't recommend this since it can be considered unethical and damage your professional reputation.

Usually a candidate is lucky to get a single offer from 4-5 companies he/she interviews with. Therefore, it's usually a non-issue.

Good luck!
Nick
 

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Francesco
Coach
on Feb 27, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: As I want to plan my interviews properly, I need to know how long an entry offer will stand, in case I receive one.

Based on my experience, offers are usually valid for 1 to 2 weeks.

Good luck!

Francesco

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Pedro
Coach
on Feb 27, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Standard is 2 weeks, in some cases up to a month. While this is negotiable, extensions are usually not granted unless you have a strong valid reason (one that is related to valid personal reasons)

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