Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Backing out from an offer

Hello,

I was wondering how bad is it to back out from an offer after accepting it? Are there any circumstances where this might be acceptable and doesn't reflect badly on the candidate?

Thanks, 

7
1.2k
4
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Gaurav
Coach
on Nov 30, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there,

it depends on the reason why you have done it and the firm.
The thing is to be transparent with them, and I don't think that would be a problem when applying in the future, probably it turns into one more question to be asked at the next interviews

Was it helpful?

GB.

 

Deleted user
on Nov 30, 2020

Technically its okay. But have a good reason to back up why you did what you did, apologise to HR and write to the hiring manager directly. Offer to recommend/refer someone you know who could fit the role. You dont want any bad feelings and/or misunderstandings.

16
on Nov 30, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, it's pretty common for candidates who receive multiple offers spread in many weeks

Best,
Anto

Vlad
Coach
on Nov 30, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Should not be a problem unless you are an MBA student and it's a part of on-campus recruiting. In the case of an MBA - you should better talk with your school first

Best

on Dec 01, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

The company extending the offer will never like it, no matter the reason. It is not uncommon in consulting though, in particular in the recruiting period and for Tier 2 vs MBB.

There is no much you can do to mitigate it. I would recommend to call HR first, explain the reason and then follow up via email so that there is something in writing as well. You should also check there are no consequences in the contract you signed.

Best,

Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Dec 01, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

While it's not great etiquette-wise, it happens a lot during recruiting season.

If there is another offer you like better, you ultimately need to pick you first. Unfortunately, it "reflects badly" no matter what you do. Just accept that that company will not be very happy and you've burned that bridge. If there's another bridge that you like better, it's the price you have to pay.

Be very careful if you are recruiting through your school (undergrad, MBA, PhD, etc.). If you are, thentalk to the career counselors/career office about the best way to go about this.

Deleted
Coach
on Dec 31, 2020
Experienced strategy consultant

Hi,

It depends in what do you mean by accepting it. If you already said yes then backing out from it requires a very strong reason to avoid burning the bridge.

However, if you merely just receive an offer and have not commit anything, it is pretty common and should not be an issue.

Best,
Iman

Similar Questions
Consulting
PwC Middle East Graduate Recruitment timeline
on May 31, 2024
Global
5
2.2k
Top answer by
Yousef
Coach
I make it easy for you to master case interviews! (ex-McKinsey |Stanford University | Imperial College London | ex-P&G)
51
5 Answers
2.2k Views
+2
Consulting
Got a lower offer from BCG than expected, should I take it?
on Mar 26, 2025
Global
8
1.9k
Top answer by
Mattia
Coach
Bain & Co | 100+ interviews | Free 30-min alignment call | Experienced Hire | SDA Bocconi MBA
101
8 Answers
1.9k Views
+5
Consulting
McKinsey vs T2 offer Riyadh
on Mar 01, 2025
Global
6
1.4k
Top answer by
Mamoun
Coach
Prepares you to crack ALL cases | Interviewer with recent cases, 150+ interviews, 6+ years exp (France, MENA)
34
6 Answers
1.4k Views
+3
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.