Got an offer, should I cancel interviews with others?

Question

Hi,

Just received an offer from a Tier 2 firm, and satisfied with the contract, feel strong fit and like the team I'll be working with.

I am also due to start interviewing with an MBB firm and another Tier 2 firm next month, but the offer is valid until the end of this month.

I am inclined to accept the offer, but I have no idea if the other two firms are better -other than the MBB one having likely better exit opportunities, but that might be undermined by being in a smaller office.

I can 1) accept the offer and cancel the other interviews, 2) tell the others I have an offer and try to expedite their interviews, or 3) accept the offer but continue interviewing without informing the others. What do you recommend?

Lastly, if I decline the offer or cancel the interviews, would that damage my chances of future employment with these firms?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! In terms of your questions:

1) I can 1) accept the offer and cancel the other interviews, 2) tell the others I have an offer and try to expedite their interviews, or 3) accept the offer but continue interviewing without informing the others. What do you recommend?

I would recommend #2. If it doesn’t work, you have to consider if #1 or #3 is better depending on which firm you would prefer. If you prefer MBB, then you will have to go with #3 if #2 doesn’t work. Please note that some firms might include penalties if you sign and don’t join.

2) If I decline the offer or cancel the interviews, would that damage my chances of future employment with these firms?

If you decline before accepting the offer or cancel the other interviews there would not be problems. If you sign the offer with the Tier 2 and then decline, there might be problems in the future with that employer.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Dear candidate, my advice

A) great you have the offer. If that is the only one and you like it, take the offer so you have the job

B) feel free to still interview with the other firms, should you prefer to work there then you can choose a later start date and cancel the other offer as per options available

C) So well you have done. It is easier interviewing when you have an offer already

Best regards, pope

Answer 3

Hello,

Congratulations on getting an offer! The right thing to do depends on where you ultimately want to end up. I would say that your options are as follows:

1. Accept your offer and cancel the interviews. This makes sense if you are satisfied with the contract, think the firm is a good fit, and don't feel the desire to pursue other opportunities at this stage. This won't damage your chances of future employment at the companies you have interviews at. Check with HR to make sure, but I think you wouldn't be subject to any time ban for reapplication either.

2. Continue interviewing. If this is what you want to do, you could talk to the firm that gave you the offer to see whether there is any chance that they will extend the acceptance deadline; and also talk to the firms where you have interviews, let them know you have an exploding offer, and see whether it might be possible to expedite the interviews. Recruiters are well-aware that you are likely interviewing at multiple companies, so both of these requests are completely reasonable. I would do this if you think there is a chance that you would prefer the MBB or the other Tier 2 offer over the offer you already have.

Either of these is fine to do - it ultimately depends on what you want. If you're unsure which firm would be a better fit, or whether your contract might be better in one place relative to another, I recommend talking to people at all the firms you are considering to make a more informed decision. I would not recommend accepting the offer and then continuing to interview with other firms: while it is possible to renege on an employment contract if you receive a more enticing offer, this reflects badly on you as a candidate from all sides.

Answer 4

Hi there,

I completely agree with Tyrion here!

I would personally continue interviewing with the others unless you are 100% certain you want this firm AND you've signed the offer AND are starting very soon. This is particularly true for the current market we are in.

Additionally, don't underestimate the value of negotiation. Finally, don't write off MBB so fast!

You should 1) Ask the firm to give you a bit more time and 2) ask the other firms to accelerate as you've been given another interview.

Good luck and well done!

Answer 5

I like Sofia's advice. Especially No.2.

Now, colour me cynical, BUT in this environment, you haven't bagged the bird till you've gotten your first pay cheque. What with delayed starts, rescinded offers, and uncertain project pipelines for certain firms in certain markets, the purely logical option really is to keep playing the field.

Further, if Case interview coaching is something you care about doing at some point, then completing all your outstanding interviews helps you in at least 3 ways

1) Experience: when seeking to deliver learnings to potential candidates who end up as your clients, you will have Live MBB experience to draw from,

2) Street Cred: just being able to say “Interviewed across all MBB & Select Tier IIs” rather has a nice ring to it, and,

3) Networking: because, hey, you never know.