Can offers be rescinded before you sign them?

Hi there,

Q: Can offers be rescinded before you sign them? For example, for trying to negotiate certain things.

I have heard of some verbal offers rescinded when COVID happened from non-MBB firms. Besides that, an offer might be rescinded due to the background check (eg if you lied about something). However, a background check normally happens after you sign.

Personally, I have never heard of a case where an offer was rescinded due to negotiation.

Good luck!

Francesco

Yes, offers can be rescinded before you sign them, although it is relatively rare. Typically, offers are extended with the expectation that the candidate will accept them as presented. However, if a candidate attempts to negotiate certain aspects of the offer, such as salary or start date, there is a possibility that the firm may choose to rescind the offer if they feel the candidate's requests are unreasonable or if they believe the candidate is not fully committed to joining the firm. It is important to approach negotiations with professionalism and to carefully consider the potential consequences before making any requests.

100%

In fact, a close friend of mine who owns their own firm rescinded an offer because the candidate was being haughty during the negotiations.

This is why a coach is so important.

There is a right way to negotiate and a wrong way.

However, as long as you negotiate in good faith and go through it in the proper way (i.e. not rude, not too pushy, asking/not demanding, not giving ultimatums, etc.) then you should be just fine.

Ultimately, this is a rare scenario.

Hi there,

Depends on whether the firm signed them. Generally speaking, offers can be rescinded but rarely are.

Firms don't hand out offers like cookies. There's A LOT that has to happen before a contract is issued. It's the culmination of a long process and something really drastic would have to happen for a firm to rescind an offer.

If you negotiate with a positive attitude and keep it reasonable, you will be fine. If you turn into a jerk who is being completely unreasonable, you might just give them one of those rare reasons to change their mind about the offer. 

ADVICE: My hypothesis is that you're an agreeable person who sees negotiating as a situation of conflict, which is not the case. Try and google the terms “negotiating” and “agreeableness” and you will find some good tips for people in this situation with this particular character trait.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!
Moritz

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Hope this helps. Best of luck!
Moritz

Offers can be withdrawn before acceptance, though it's uncommon. Offers are usually given with the expectation of immediate acceptance. However, if a candidate negotiates terms like salary or start date and the firm finds the requests unreasonable or questions commitment, they may rescind the offer. Professionalism and thoughtful consideration of potential outcomes are key when negotiating.

Hi there,

Yes, offers can be withdrawn the same way you say yes to a company offer and you finally change your mind.

It is very unusual though. Negotiations should not make the company rescind the offer as long as you conduct them in a professional manner.

Best,

Alberto 

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Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Hi!

Well, theoretically no, as long as you're polite and fair in the process. I haven't heard of any examples of this happening.

But do bear in mind that until an offer is signed and you're holding it in your hands signed by both parties, it's not yet a legally binding document. 

So do tread carefully.

Good luck!
Cristian

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It is very unusual. As a rule, Tier 1/2 consulting firms will not back out from an offer.

Of course, if one behaves in a way that makes them uncomfortable, they may rescind the offer. Trying to negotiate is not a problem, as long as you don't make them doubt your commitment, motivations or professionalism.

Once the offer is in writing and you're dealing with MBB/Tier 2 companies no (unless value concerns). Warm regards, Frederic