Advice for pushing back start date?

Question

Just got my first job offer in consulting. I'm graduating on May 21st. In the interview they really emphasized how it's going to be >40 hours a week sometimes with late nights and weekend hours. When I was offered the job on the phone yesterday, the recruiter told me the start date on the offer letter is June 9th, but that's not a hard date and it can be moved. Would asking to start August 4th (the first Monday of August) be pushing it too much? I'm graduating with my masters and I have a basically full time internship now that I kind of feel like I need the break, especially since the full-time job can be late nights and weekends sometimes. I wasn't really expecting to get an offer this soon tbh and ideally wanted to start work in August. But is asking for August too late? I'm a little nervous, this will be my first full time job ever. What about mid to late July? It's a relatively small firm (~25 people). Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

Hi Marley,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

First of all, I would advise you to ask for August directly. The recruiter already mentioned the date is flexible. If they push back, you can negotiate for earlier.
Moreover, you may frame your request in a way that benefits both sides. You could say you want to start fresh and fully recharged, ensuring you bring the best energy and focus to the job.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi Marley,

Congrats on your offer!! Big step for you and glad to hear you made it ☺️

On the start date: I would not worry about pushing it back. Call them and go in with the date that suits you most. In case they push back hard, you can always try to find middle ground.

They have given you an offer and want you in their company, so they will be willing to accommodate some wishes of you.

Just be polite and ask them nicely if it is possible, I am sure they will accept ☺️

Best,
Sebastian

Answer 3

Hi Marley,

Congrats on receiving the offer.

Pushing the start date to begin August should not be a big issue. Try to explain your reasoning behind and they will probably be keen to adapt the start date. One parameter you need to consider is if they prefer to let new consultant start in batches (e.g., to optimize training etc.).

Kr,

Mattijs

Answer 4

Hey Marley?, it's totally reasonable to ask for a later start date—especially since you need some time to recharge after graduation. Given the flexible nature of the offer, suggesting mid-to-late July or even August 4th can be a good move if you explain that you want to be fully energized for the demands of the role. It’s always best to be upfront with the recruiter about your needs, and most firms appreciate transparency. Best, Alessa ?

Answer 5

Hi there,

Congrats!

If they offered you to move it, 2 months is not a lot of time. I'd discuss this with them transparently.

For most larger consulting firm, you can push back the start date up to 1 year after your interviews.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 6

Based on my own experience - you should ask for it.

I took ~3 months before starting at my first consulting role. It was the best time.

You can always earn back money, but you can't earn back time.

All the best!

Answer 7

Hey there,

Pushing back start dates is much more common than you'd think. The recruiting and HR teams are used to this.

Be transparent about everything and discuss this in an open, polite and professional manner. Let them understand your situation and seek to find a resolution collaboratively... I'm sure everything will go well

All the best

Answer 8

Hi,

Pushing a start date for 2-3 months is quite common. Just ask nicely and politely. For myself, when I joined BCG I pushed it back by 1 month, and when I joined Bain I pushed it back by 2 months.
Consulting firms typically would get a few new joiners to start together as a batch, so they might put you to whenever the next batch is.

Best,
Emily

Answer 9

It's fine. They're open to a different date. So you ask for what you want (it's 1,5 months later, not 6 months later...), and they'll let you know if that is acceptable or not. Don't stress about this.