How to ask for strategy role

Question

Hi all,

Reached out to someone senior who have passed my CV to recruitment.

Recruitment have returned with implementation role. Whilst I don't mind implementation I prefer strategy core role.

How do I ask for this without sounding like I don't appreciate the implementation role that I have been put forward for?

1: great at problem solving and enjoy this

2: client relationship, excel at it, evident in resume

3: drawing out insights and recommendations for client success

4: worked across various sectors, analytics mindset, thrive in a complex environments where ambiguity is high and contant adaptability is required

Just not sure how to say this without shooting myself in the foot.

Also the senior director mentioned that I could ask about interviewing tips but I want to leave that for the recruitment team. Is there anything that I can ask here that would be worth checking at this point: firm culture, typical clients, expectations of seniors for junior, what makes you the firm unique/ value proposition?

Am I pivoting too far off from the original ask here and should stay in topic for interview tips?

Any help is highly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi there,

1) Recruitment have returned with implementation role. Whilst I don't mind implementation I prefer strategy core role. How do I ask for this without sounding like I don't appreciate the implementation role that I have been put forward for?

You can simply say you would be more interested in a strategy role and would like to know if there is any opening there. I would recommend calling rather than replying via email to ask if possible.

2) Is there anything that I can ask here that would be worth checking at this point: firm culture, typical clients, expectations of seniors for junior, what makes you the firm unique/ value proposition?

Anything that (i) is interesting to you (ii) you cannot find easily online (iii) is related to a positive experience of the person and not only the company, would be fine. You can find some tips on questions to ask below (it refers to the interview but applies to networking as well):

▶ Which Questions to Ask an Interviewer

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Just be straightforward: Thank you for your reply, I am very honored with the chance of recruiting with Bain. However, I would prefer and see myself as a better fit for a strategy role - is there an opening I can apply to?

See - you don't need to justify or explain. You just need to say you would prefer to apply to strategy if that is possible.

But before you do that, I would note that a lot of consultants actually prefer doing implementation work instead of the heavy lifting of analytical work. Please do a bit of research / networking to make sure strategy is likely to be your preference.

Answer 3

Hi there,

Pedro's line/phrasing is excellent.

Important that you keep it short/clear/concise. Often, less is more - admittedly, I'm still working on this point myself.

If you truly only want strategy, tell them that. Be respectful and appreciative, but indicate that both your interested and your skillset (contribution to the firm) means you would appreciate being considered for the strategy role.

I would try to speak to the direct about this as well, if you had a good call with them initially.

Answer 4

I would communicate directly that you rather had in mind a strategy role and then proactively give examples from your professional experience that show an overlap between what you did and strategy work.

The 4 points you mentioned could also be applied to implementation, so suggesting those is not particularly convincing.

Best,
Cristian