Accepting an offer while waiting to hear back from other firms - bad etiquette?

Question

I was also told during my MBA program (several years ago) that accepting an offer and later reneging it for another offer was considered bad etiquette (I guess they wanted to preserve the image of the B-school and its candidates, so they actively discouraged this practice. Which makes sense).

However, since I'm applying for a mix of MBB and T2 firms as an experienced applicant several years out of B-school (US), is this practice still detrimental? Or is accepting then reneging an offer (if a better offer from a higher tiered firm comes along) just considered a cost of making a business decision as an adult looking to maximize their option's value?

Obviously HR would frown upon this and you might get blacklisted from reapplying to that firm again in the near future (potentially worth the risk imo).

I know you can politely ask for a decision deadline extension if you receive an offer, but if there isn't sufficient overlap between the two firms' interview dates, how do you guys feel about accepting the 1st offer by the decision deadline, while you interview and wait for the second decision?

I know some people I've cased with have done this exact thing, but I'm still a but unsure. Any thoughts/personal experiences?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I'm sorry but how can you possibly think it's not bad etiquette?

You just said the MBA program said it was bad etiquette, that HR would not be happy (and you could get blacklisted), and I'm sure you understand what “making a verbal AND written promise” means…so in what world is that not bad etiquette?

You're making a promise and not sticking to it.

Now, does that mean you cannot do it? Well, that's for you to decide :)

Ultimately it is not a good thing to make a habit of, and you are screwing over the person to whom you agreed to work for (they said “no” to other candidates because you said yes), but, if you truly have no choice and an amazing firm comes along, well, of course that changes the calculus!

If you're going to renege, ok, but do so knowing that it is 100% bad etiquette!

Answer 2

Hi there,

Honestly, it is really bad etiquette - would not recommend you to do that. Not saying that the firms always play fair, but an agreement is an agreement - it should be honored.

From a pure rational / selfish standpoint, yes, of course the approach you mentioned is viable and you would usually not face major consequences . You may burn a bridge with the firm, but that's about it. There are plenty of other firms out there.

Trust you will make the right decision for you. Wish you good luck!

Regards, Andi

Answer 3

Hi there,

Is it bad etiquette? Maybe. Should you care? That depends entirely on what's important to you!

In my case, I have a family to take care of and I couldn't care less about etiquette when it comes down to “being nice” vs. doing what's best for my family.

Hence, ask yourself if you can live with the consequences either way and take it from there!

Best of luck!

Answer 4

Please keep in mind that Tier 2 firms and Boutiques will not match MBB salary. Unless your skills are really in demand and you aced the interviews and you create a compelling case. So, have a bit of clarity of where you fit better- MBB or other firms. If you get multiple offers, have a look at this article for guidance on how to choose- https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-do-i-know-which-career-is-right-for-me

Best option is to ask for a deadline extension. Be nice and polite and explain your reasons. Its totally okay to say that you are evaluating your options and need a little more time to get the decision right.

Accepting and then reneging for more money is not good in my view.

If the timelines dont work out at all and risk factor is high, then by all means go ahead and accept and change later. But this should happen only after you have tried all other possible options.

All the best.

Answer 5

Hello!

Yes for sure, as they told you in the MBA, it doesn´t look good to sign and them tell them “ey, actually…”.

This said, sometimes is just what you need to go (e.g., you signed with Big4 and then get an MBB offer).

Whenever you can, gain some time by telling them you are in other processes, and only sign when literally you have no other option.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 6

Hi there,

It is bad etiquette and I usually recommend my candidates not to do it. However, if you don't mind it, then it's the rational thing to do.

An alternative is to accept the offer, start working there, and if you happen to get another offer in the meantime, then adjust the starting time for the preferred new job to four-six months from now. This way basically you have your cake and eat it too.

Answer 7

I actually don't see any issue in reneging an offer and accepting another.
People in B-Schools do it too and everyone is still alive.