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Emailed Bain recruiter my resume but forgot to rename my file from BCGResume.odf to BainResume.pdf! What to do?

Bain MBB
New answer on Sep 23, 2020
6 Answers
1.4 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 22, 2020

I applied to the Bain position online and on that application I surely added the correct resume named BainResume.pdf.

Unfortunately I sent the resume via email to the recruiter and attached BCGResume.pdf. The contect is the exact same but clearly the name of the file said BCG. Do I assume, this means I should not hold out hopes of getting an invite?

Cheers

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Best answer
Ken
Expert
replied on Sep 23, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Relax, it's not the end of the world! If you're not able to recall the email, I would just follow up with an email asap, apologising for your 'careless mistake' and re-send the attachment with the correct file name. I assume you planned to send the same resume, if not I would definitely send the same CV as it would be strange that you would apply to Bain vs. BCG with a different resume.

Mistakes happen and an MBB recruiter shouldn't be surprised that you are applying to their competitors. If you are a strong candiate, I would be shocked if they reject your application purely due to this mistake. The only times I have seen a recruiter take an active stance beyond the actual submitted application is when there are ethical concerns with a candidate, of which emailing a wrong email attachment shouldn't be one of them.

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 23, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Unfortunately that's not good :/. You have indeed significantly lowered your chances of getting an interview (think about it, in the future you'll be sending super important documents/comms to Execs, etc....this displays your attention to detail).

Not much you can do but cross your fingers.

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Mehdi
Expert
replied on Sep 22, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

I can think of the three following options:

  1. Recall the email if you just sent it and if you think that HR did not open it yet.
  2. Send a follow up email saying that you want to share with him/her the correct version of the CV
  3. Do nothing, those firms know that you are applying all MBBs and they are all competing for talent so there is nothing to worry about!

All the best,

Mehdi

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6
Anonymous replied on Sep 23, 2020

Hi A,

Well, this is not good but of course not a fatal mistake.

I would contact HR as fast as possible to point out the issue, apologize, and just resend the right version.

For the future, pay more attention to detail because sometimes it can be crucial.

Best,

André

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5
Anonymous replied on Sep 23, 2020

While it's difficult to say how the individuals react, it's better to follow-up than not to.

Send a polite email, appologize for the mistake and send the correct version. For the future, it is good practice to name your CV file with your name, rather than the receipient's name. This helps them identify the file in the pool of applicants more then a file that is named after their own company.

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5
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 23, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

If HR gets your email, they will notice 100% the mistake as it is not even inside the resume.

I would followup, apologize and say you are now attaching the updated CV. I don’t think it’s a big issue if you are fine with the usual suspects (strong CV and referral).

Best,
Francesco

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