Bain Office Preference

Question

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

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

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!

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

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