I was asked if I am on track for promotion. I said yes but actually no. What's the consequence?

Hey there,

There won't be any consequences.

It's a bit of a weird interviewer question tbh. In consulting everyone is always on track for (micro)-promotion more or less so I would not make a big deal out of it. 

If asked again, you could say more truthfully ''yes, but low utilization in the firm has generally slowed down the process for everyone.''

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there. Don't think too much about it. What's done is done! 

Avoid bringing it up in your future conversations. Unlikely this question/topic will come up again as it doesn't test skills related to consulting. 

In the future, if you're specifically asked whether you're on track for promotion, avoid a specific "yes" or "no" answer. Just say "I believe so" or jokingly say "I believe everyone is on track for promotion :)".

Hope this helps!

So, you lied! This may not mean much as they wont bother checking the facts, but if you get caught somehow, thats the end of the interview process. 

Be honest. If you are not on track for promotion thats okay. Why do you feel the urge/pressure to stretch the truth?! Nothing wrong with it. And if you perform really well in the interview process & show evidence of playing at the higher level, they will bring you in at that level.

If probed on this, provide a good explanation as to why you are not up for it this year/current performance round - some things in your control, some not in your control. Explain how you have demonstrated evidence of working at next level but just havent had the length of time to show it consistently or the right opportunities didnt come your way. Talk about specific things you plan to do to get it either in the current company or elsewhere. Its about timing and luck also.

Hi there,

Here are my thoughts:

• I don’t think there is going to be any consequence unless you are extremely unlucky (eg someone in the MBB company you are interviewing with knows someone in your current company and informally asks about you – unlikely because they should keep this confidential).
• However, avoid to lie explicitly in interviews. If they ask you if you are on track for promotion, keep it vague and say you believe there could be an option in X months when the next window could open up (assuming that is the case).
• You should prepare in advance the answer to why you were not promoted if you are not on track or late for promotion. The reasons could also be related to an area of weakness you worked on and improved, so far that you can bring evidence of the improvement.

Best,

Francesco

Hi, it's not going to be a problem

Best,
Antonello