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Bain Office Preference

Dear Experts and Community,

I recently applied to Bain and allocated 95% to one office and 5% to another but I am having strong doubts about this decision. I really want to work at the 95% office and only put the second as backup and so I would like to allocate 100% to my preferred office. 

So my question is: Is it acceptable to call the HRs to change the % allocated to an office? What do you think is the perception when HRs see that an office was only allocated 5%?

Note: I also have a referral for the 95% office 

Many thanks :) 

From a remorseful PrepLounger

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Top answer
Deleted user
on Feb 19, 2018

I would leave as is. With a 95-5, your preference is clear and you can justify with the fact that you really want to work for Bain and if, for some reason, there wasn’t a spot for you in your preferred office, you are open to consider other ones.

Hope it helps,

andrea

7
Vlad
Coach
on Feb 19, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Leave it as it is. They will pay attention only to the office with 95% and will contact you in case they have doubts. 

Although in the situation of international recruiting (Post MBA), having 95% bet on the one office may not be the best move. Hope it's not your case.

Best!

on Feb 19, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

I agree with Vlad and Andrea, a 95% plus a referral would be totally ok to show your preference for your target office, thus no need to call the HR person.

Best,

Francesco

Deleted
Coach
on Feb 24, 2018
NOT AVAILABLE

Hey anonymous,

I do think that you did the right thing by chosing that % distribution over the alternative one (100%) for two reasons: the first office who will assess your application is still the one you want (so as far as you have a good application you will be called anyway) and, as a bonus, in case you're not called you get the chance to be called by the second office, which you wouldn't have in your alternative!

I do believe that candidates often undervalue the option of including more than one option - at least at McKinsey I would strongly recommend for everyone to fill in the 3 options available (as it doesn't hurt in any way).

Best

Bruno

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