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Leverage Offer? Big 4

I'm a rising undergrad junior and I work as an intern at a big 4 (deloitte, pwc, etc) firm in the consulting branch. I applied to MBBs but I just received my return offer for my current firm. I am yet to hear back from MBBs on interviews thus far, though I have taken the pymetrics for BCG and the imbellus for McKinsey. Should I reach out to HR and inquire on my status, mentioning my return offer as leverage?

 

Thanks

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Top answer
on Jul 28, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Should I reach out to HR and inquire on my status, mentioning my return offer as leverage?

Yes, that's totally ok. 

If you got an offer, it is fine to mention it to the other companies in a polite way to try to accelerate things. I did so once I got an offer with a Tier 2 and managed to speed up things with MBB substantially.

Having said that, if the company is not a direct competitor (ie in strategy consulting specifically), it might not help.

Best,

Francesco

Deleted user
on Jul 28, 2022

Hello,

You could certainly do so, particularly if the big 4 offer you have has a deadline to accepting. If you're at a fairly early stage where they haven't begun screening resumes yet it might not have too much sway, but could help speed the process along.

10
on Jul 27, 2022
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Yes - this way they'll accelerate your process. 

If they don't, then I would recommend you accept the offer you already have and in case you get an offer from MBB you defer the start date. This way you play on the safe side and maximise your chances. 

Best,

Cristian

Hani
Coach
on Jul 28, 2022
Associate and All-star Interviewer at OW | Ex-S& | 5+ years in the Middle East |300+ Interviews | INSEAD MBA

Hi there,

Nothing wrong with reaching out and asking to streamline the process as you have another contract with a deadline to sign.

Usually, they would try to speed up the process as you would be joining a relative competitor (another consulting firm) but if they do not I would recommend you sign with PwC (this is the only solid offer you have right now).

If MBB gives you an interview later on and you get/sign the offer then you can go back to PwC and respectfully let them know that you got a better opportunity elsewhere and will not be joining them.

Hope this was helpful! 

Best,
Hani

Clara
Coach
on Jul 31, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

100000%. Those are the magic words that will expedite the process immediately. 

Cheers, 

Clara

Pedro
Coach
on Jul 28, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Yes, you should do it. You should always communicate your relevant deadlines (or risks) to the companies you are recruiting with. This way they have the opportunity to adjust the process and put you in the “fast lane” if they want to.

Ian
Coach
on Jul 28, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Congrats on the return offer!

Yes, absolutely you should bring it up. Just lightly check-in to see if they have any update and if they can accelerate the interview timeline. Mention that you have a time-sensitive return offer at another major firm and but view them at your top choice.

Udayan
Coach
on Jul 29, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

It's totally fine to reach out to HR. Inform them that their firm is your first choice and that you also have an exploding offer that you need to respond to and if there's any way to meet that timeline. If they think you're a good candidate they will try their best to expedite your interview. 

 

Best,

Udayan 

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