no offer, now what

Question

interviewed a tier 2 firm, today recruiter told me they really liked my experience, its a great fit for the firm and I did well on each round of the interview, but they cant offer me a job this time because there is not enough business need

I interviewed through MBA campus recruiting, I thought firms only interview when they have positions, I have never heard a thing called you are a fit but we cant offer a job

I am disappointed but my friend recommended me to stay in touch with them given still a few months before graduation, things might change

what would you recommend me to do?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I agree that’s not usual and signals bad management of the recruiting pipeline. On the other hand (i) in this particular period many consulting companies are struggling to match demand and supply and (ii) at least they have been honest – which is not a bad thing at all.

My recommendation is: assume this offer will never materialize. Continue the preparation for the other firms and do your best there. Then if you land an offer or anyway after a few months you can drop a message and check if things are going better from their side. But would not put hopes in this particular firm given their feedback.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hey there,

Ah thats close! But please don't be disappointed, given COVID situation, this is not surprising. Clients change their needs, demand changes. There could be other things not in your control. All you can do is give your best. But important thing is you made it all the way, so keep in touch with them and am sure when the gates open they will take you in.

While firms try hard to balance recruitment with actual demand, things can change quickly in this business within weeks.

Meanwhile, have other options going in parallel and don't put all eggs in one basket. Keep moving forward!

Good luck.

Answer 3

Hi, I confirm in this particular period it is more a matter of the few slots available. I recommend strengthening several relationships amount top firms to leverage next opportunities

Best

Antonello

Answer 4

Hi,

Unfortunately, it is a possibility to have this kind of respond. Usually because they will have a very very very limited spot (e.g. due to covid crisis) so they need to set the bar really high. It just means that in normal situation you will get an offer.

I would suggest to move on and apply to another firm, I would also agree with your friend. No harm to get in touch with them when you are closer to graduation.

Best,
Iman

Answer 5

Hey there,

Hard to swallow, but in a way it should also give you a bit of reassurance/validation!

Look, you "passed" and they wanted you, but they mis-judged their pipeline.

I would do two things:

100% keep in touch with them and look to apply full time later
Move on! We should never put all our eggs in 1 basket. Get aggressive in applying to a lot of different internships etc...try to grab a few more interviews + offers!

Answer 6

Hi,

There are definitely issues with staffing in the US right now. Normally they would not tell this to candidates and will just send a rejection without any clarification. In your case, they were pretty open which is good.

What to do next?

Ask the recruiter if you can reach out again in a couple of months to see if there is a need.
Ask them not to put a reject into the system, so that at worst you could reapply in half a year
Send thank you notes to all partners / managers you've interviewed with. Briefly describe the situation and ask for their advice. Ideally, they would propose to schedule a call
Keep in touch with them and ideally convert them into your "ambassadors". Once the time comes - you'll need their support

Best

Answer 7

Hi there!
I am so sorry to hear that you face such a problem. However please don`t give up, because it is definitely not your fault. I would recommend you to continue your work searching and preparation for the interviews, improve your skills and knowledge. And I also agree with your friend that you should stay in touch with that company.

Was it helpful?

GB

Answer 8

Hello!

Agree with you that sounds a bit as an "excuse", or an example of a horrible candidate pipeline management.

However, think of the learnings you gained and don´t give up, I am sure your opportunity is just arround the corner!

Hope it helps!

Best,

Clara