Delaying my starting date

consulting Job offer starting time
New answer on Dec 22, 2022
13 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Nov 25, 2022

Hi guys,

I just received an offer from a tier 2 consulting firm in its private equity practice - super excited! However, the starting date for this job is in May next year, while I probably need to take one or two classes during the summer to graduate:( Moreover, I do plan to have a trip to my home country (it has been 3 years since my last visit) I wonder if I can negotiate this situation with my firm and ask to delay my starting date for 1 or 2 months? I just don't want them to rescind my offer based on this… Thanks very much guys!

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Rushabh
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replied on Nov 25, 2022
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Hello,

Absolutely not a problem. 

Consulting companies take a lot of time during the recruiting process to attract you, screen you, interview you, etc. 

So sure you can ask them to delay the start date at a reasonable date provided that you explain them with the same reasons you mentioned here, without any fear for them to lose out on great talent. 

They will certainly try their best to accomodate as much as possible.

All the best!

Rushabh

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Pedro
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replied on Nov 28, 2022
30% off in March 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Congratulations on your offer!

Usually consulting firms are fine with negotiating starting dates. They definitely won't rescind their offer (of course, they may chose to be inflexible about starting date, but then it will be up to you to not to sign if that is a deal breaker).

I doubt this will be an issue to them. Business is slowing down, particularly on PE business, so starting a bit later should not be a problem at all. 

Additionally, you have good reasons to want to start later (not sure they even want you there if you need to still take a few classes to graduate… consulting doesn't like part time workers that much).

What may be an issue to them is starting in July, as July/August tend to be slow months, and they also have a summer internship intake that they need to keep busy… Most likely they'd rather have you at end of August or September. So be flexible about this.

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Emily
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replied on Nov 27, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad

It is always worth talking to HR and asking them what they can do. Often they can delay the start date - it's impossible for us to give you an answer here, but it's a totally acceptable question to ask HR. 

Good luck! 

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Clara
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replied on Nov 27, 2022
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Hello!

Many congrats! It's wonderful to have it all clear for next summer!

Usually there is a ton of flexibility, if you have the right reasons. I would raise it to the company (maybe not yet coz it's too far, but like half a year before the start date) and negotiate with them, I am sure you will reach a solution that satisfies both. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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Francesco
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replied on Nov 27, 2022
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Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! In terms of your question:

Q: I wonder if I can negotiate this situation with my firm and ask to delay my starting date for 1 or 2 months?

It is totally fine to ask and they won’t rescind if you do so. Worst case, they will say that’s not possible.

All the best for your new job!

Francesco

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Ian
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replied on Nov 27, 2022
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Hi there,

Absolutely you can delay! Just ask them to delay with a brief explanation. They should provide you a couple of alternate start dates.

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Maikol
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replied on Nov 25, 2022
BCG Project Leader | Former Bain, AlixPartner, and PE | INSEAD MBA | GMAT 780

Not a problem at all, particularly in period of significant slowdown for consulting firms

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Mario
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replied on Nov 25, 2022
Ex-Mckinsey (analyst->associate->manager) and now in tech (Bytedance) + Part time interview coach and mentor

Hi there,

 

This should not be a problem as there is valid reason and you already proved you would be a strong asset for the company. 

 

Mario

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Florian
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replied on Nov 25, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

That is a non-issue and you can definitely do that.

As always, be transparent and open about it and it will be fine.

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

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Anonymous replied on Nov 25, 2022

Don’t worry it won’t happen. They won’t rescind your offer. You can discuss your starting date. just be transparent with them.s usually firms have fixed periods when they want new recruits to start. So they should be ok considering you for the period that suits you 

 

good luck 

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Anonymous replied on Dec 22, 2022

This should be absolutely no problem for the firm to accomodate. Ask away and make sure to take some time to relax! Once you start working, it is rare you will get a good chunk of free time ever again.

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Dennis
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replied on Nov 30, 2022
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

that's the advantage of project work in consulting - there usually is a great deal of flexibility. Often firms extend offers that are valid for a year so the candidate can pick a preferred starting time. 

I would say you should definitely get all the things on your agenda done before starting a consulting job. Talk to your HR contact. I'd be surprised if they couldn't accommodate but the worst they might say is that it's not possible. You are not jeopardizing your offer by asking

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Udayan
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replied on Nov 29, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Your reasons are very valid. One phone call with HR should be enough to resolve this issue.

Best,

Udayan

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Rushabh gave the best answer

Rushabh

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