Should I tell my recruiter or move on?

Question

I had difficulty hearing my interviewer during one of my MBB interview over zoom, probably because we're in different continents; I need to ask him to repeat the questions again, and still couldn't understand it, but I tried my best to pick up his keywords. Finished the quant, and didn't bomb the case. Sometimes, I mis-interpret what he meant, backtracking and made me not structured enough. The interviewer also turned off his video, perhaps due to connection. It seems that he has bad upload speed, while he can hear me okay.

My other interview went great.

I didn't pass due to structure feedback.

Should I tell my recruiter about the issue, or simply just move on?

Answer 1

Hey there,

That is very unfortunate to hear, however, I share the sentiment of my fellow experts here. I think the ship has sailed on this once since

you should have noted that already during the interview (always clarify when something is unclear or there are tech issues. This is actually an important part of the case)
there would have been a harder push back from the other interviewer to progress you to the next round

I would focus on other opportunities and then increase your future chances for a new invitation to the interviews:

Whenever you (re)-apply after a failed application (screening, aptitude test, or interviews) you need to make sure to show significant development in your resume since your rejection. Assuming you want to be hired straight out of university this means

New academic achievements (e.g., new degree, top of class achievements,...)
Experience abroad (career or university)
New job experience (internships, working student, project assistant,...)
New extracurriculars (leadership experience, NGOs, student clubs,....)

Usually, you are banned between 12 and 24 months from re-applying. Referrals can help both

shorten that time
increase your chances for a new invitation to the interviews

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

Hi there,

Sorry to hear that – that was unfortunate.

The truth is, if you report that to the interviewer it won’t have any effect on the feedback. The interviewers will assume that you should have explained the issue anyway during the interview. It’s not particularly fair, but unfortunately that’s how it works.

In case of other interviews with the same problem, you will need to stop the interviewer during the interview and explain the issue then.

It is very risky to continue an interview if you can’t understand what is said, and the interviewer will become impatient if he/she has to repeat constantly the information. Although not ideal, it is better to ask to move to a new communication channel or reschedule the interview, rather than hope to crack the case hearing only part of the information provided.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Really sorry to hear. It's not ideal timing where you really should have flagged this immediately after the interview and not after they have made the decision. Unless you feel super strongly about joining this MBB and feel like you completely aced your first interview, I probably would just move on. My rationale would be two folds: 1. It will be his words against yours where he clearly didn't feel strongly about you or else he would have flagged how the Zoom connection was bad (this is really unfortunate...), and 2. If you had passed your first interview with flying colours, your interviewer would have banged the table harder for you and would most likely have reached out to you directly to stay in touch

Answer 4

Hello!

This is a very difficult question to be answered tbh.

On the one hand, you have nothing to loose... on the other one, I would only adress it if you know that you a good communicator and you can phrase it in a way that does not sound as an acusation.

In any case, if you do it, do it via phone.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 5

ah tough luck. Really unfortunate.

If you genuinly feel you could have done much better had there be no issues, then best reach out to HR to discuss the matter. They may be willing to give you the opportunity to re-do the case interview.

Otherwise, let it go. Its not the end all and there are plenty of options out there. Stating the obvious, next time dont suffer this and make it very clear to the interviewer that you are struggling to hear/understand them. Be polite obviously and dont be afraid to ask to reschedule the interview.

Answer 6

Hello there,

Unfortunately once that feedback is given is almost impossible that you would convince the recruiter to give you another cahnce. Next time, if you have any technical problem that is affecting your performance, you should kindly point it out directly to the interviewer.

Best,
Luca

Answer 7

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I have to confirm there's nothing to do with the output of the feedback. However, asking for how much is going to last the ban to be invited again for an interview, you can communicate your issues

Best,
Antonello

Answer 8

Hi,

It's definitely worth trying - you have nothing to lose. However, I would not expect a positive decision. At the end of the day, it's on you to tell the interviewer that the connection is bad and that you can't continue the case that way. You should never start solving a case if you don't get the details

Best

Answer 9

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear this :/. I've heard of this happening with other candidates as well as it is a shame.

I actually disagree with some of the other coaches regarding what you should coulda woulda done. If I were in your shoes I would not have done anything different, and I don't think many people would have the audacity to be a "little" interviewee in front of a big-shot MBB interviewer telling them their English/connection isn't good enough!

That said, you are the little guy here so I'd set expectations a bit :/

I recommend you ask HR for a call (phone 100% better for this). Explain your situation, and explain it from as neutral a perspective as possible (i.e. highlight the poor connection etc.). Flag the fact that you did great on the other interview so there is a precedent for good performance here.

I think it's worth a shot - ask if they can schedule a 2nd interview given horrible connection from the interviewer's end.

Answer 10

Hi there,

sorry to hear! It's a dfficult situation and I completely understand your behaviour and concern.

You can try to reach out to the recruiter and explain the situation, but I doubt they'll react to the issue.

If you decide to move on, remember that you've done your best already and look at it as a possibility to do better next time!

Hope it helps & Good luck!

Cheers,

GB