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Applying to different region by different email address?

Hi, I'm currently applying to consulting firms. Given the economic situation and headcount freeze, I'm considering applying to multiple geography locations.

Would it be a good idea to use different emails to apply for different regions in different continents? Many firms use  Workday or a firmwide system to track applications, and hiring managers can spot easily which roles have you applied to if you use the same account. This would cause concerns if I apply largely different regions such as Beijing / London / Dubai. 

Have anyone tried using different address to apply to same firm but different locations? Would it cause any issue and would a firm care about this?

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Top answer
on Jul 18, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Would it be a good idea to use different emails to apply for different regions on different continents?

Personally, I would not recommend applying with multiple emails for multiple locations for a couple of reasons:

  1. For several companies, you can express up to three preferences during the application anyway
  2. If they find out that you are the same candidate trying to apply to multiple offices with different emails, it could backfire
  3. There are usually a limited number of offices where it makes sense to apply due to visa / language knowledge / personal connections

Instead, I would recommend identifying the most promising location out of those interesting to you, optimizing your application material and finding a referral to maximize your chances.

You can find more on how to structure the CV, Cover and referral strategy below:

▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

on Jul 18, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there,

It's great that you're thinking how to maximise your chances of getting invited to interviews. 

However, I wouldn't recommend that you apply the strategy you suggested. Even if it works, it doesn't make for a good story of how you got the job. 

Instead, I'd recommend you develop a proper application strategy. I develop a free guide specifically on this that lays out the most important steps. You can access it here: 


Last but not least, you should consider working with a coach to calibrate your application strategy and then help you craft a powerful application. CV and Cover Letters matter more now than at any other point.

Best,

Cristian

Agrim
Coach
on Jul 18, 2023
#1 Awarded Coach | BCG Dubai Project Leader | Elite Prep to dominate interviews | 10y in Consulting + M&A | Free plan

The best strategy is to be truthful and honest.

Most consulting applications will allow you to specify multiple locations as your preference.

Starting off with deception (through multiple emails) will never do you any good in the long-run. Stay true to yourself.

on Jul 18, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

I'm in alignment with the other coaches. Could you do it - sure. But should you do it? The consensus is no. One of the core values that consulting firms are looking for is integrity - and doing something like that really doesn't demonstrate it (even if no one ‘finds out’).

Hagen
Coach
on Jul 19, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

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

  • First of all, it's understandable why you may be tempted to use different e-mails for different geographical applications given the economic circumstances. However, I would advise you to use the same e-mail address when applying to the same firm, even for different locations. This is because consulting firms value transparency and integrity highly, and the action of applying with different e-mail addresses could be seen as deceptive, which might not cast you in the best light when discovered.
  • Instead, I would highly advise you to focus your applications to a few specific locations where you genuinely wish to work and have strong reasons for doing so. It's often more effective to tailor your application to specific offices or regions, demonstrating your commitment and reasons for wanting to be there. This can often be more persuasive to recruiters than a scattergun approach.

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

Best,

Hagen

Ian
Coach
on Jul 18, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
Deleted user
on Jul 18, 2023

Hello,

I don't recommend doing this. The likelihood of it getting flagged is very high - you may be able to use different emails, but all of your application details will be the same, so it is easy to flag. The downside can be high too.

 Many consulting firms allow you to specify up to 3 regions you might be interested in. If you don't see this option and are interested in applying in different regions, contact HR to see whether this is allowed at their firm. 

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