Offer to Contract

Question

I realized that MBB will give the employment contract just one week before the starting date even if we sign the offer letter several months before.

My question

1.Does it mean they will be able to cancel the offer easily in case they need no new hire after reevaluation of company condition at that time ?

2.Will the candidate still have flexibility to sign with another company ? Althought it might not be the best thing in terms of morality

3.How long usually the CV verification take time ?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Personally I never heard of MBB canceling an offer for lack of need of consultants (while I heard that for other consulting firms). I would not worry about that. Doing so would create a reputation issue and I see this as extremely unlikely. If they have staffing issues, it makes a lot more sense for them to ask you to join later than canceling the offer
Theoretically you may switch even after signing the contract. There may be a penalty if you do so though (I know that happens for some Tier 2 in China for example)
I believe it is office-dependent. I would expect a couple of weeks but may change according to the country

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

1. No. They have nothing to re-evaluate. MBB gems are struggling to find the right candidates. They would never turn down an applicant they themselves extended an offer to. So nothing to worry about.

2. Yes. Theoretically if you didn’t sign a contract you’re not bound to anything. But I wouldn’t recommend the practice. The world is smaller than we think.

3. Depends on the office. Some don’t even do it.

hope this helps!

Answer 3

Hi, answers below

1. It is very unlikely they will cancel the contract. At the worst they will ask you to join few months later if there isn't enough work right now

2. You can always do that but that will be a very bad thing to do for many reasons after you have committed to joining the company.

3. 1-2 weeks for background check

All the best,

Udayan

Answer 4

Hi there,

1. Technically, even after giving an employment contract companies can fire you (this happens more than you think…especially when covid hit). That said, the advantage of getting a McK offer is they have a reputation to uphold. Worst case scenario is they delay your start date (as they did during covid), not cancel.

2. Yes. Technically even after the employment contract you "can"

3. Do you mean the background check? Normally a few weeks

Answer 5

1. They can, but they won't. They'd rather delay your start date (your hire you and send you off 6 months later).

2. Yes, you can do it. You haven't sign the contract yet. But you shouldn't.

3. Couple of weeks.

Answer 6

Hi!

1. Definitely no!

2. Yes, but this might happen at any time during your stay at the company.

3. It should be around a couple of weeks.

Best,

Anto

Answer 7

McK cancelling: Most likely they will not, it is a reputation issue for them. Plus MBB are quite well-planned. At worst, they push the joining dates - as many consults did during COVID.
Switch offers: Generally yes, although if you have an McK offer in hand then you need a really good reason to say no - I guess? Do check your offer letter for a clause. Best to check with HR as well if you are really concerned.
CV verification: Timeline is unclear - varies office to office and case to case.