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Grades after headhunter invitation to MBB?

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Hi,

I recently received a call from a headhunter stating that an MBB (they obviously stated which MBB, but for anonymity sake) wants to meet me for an interview. Before the meeting with the MBB-firm I am scheduled to meet with the recruiting firm for further information, but stated with no impact on the MBB process. From what I've heard this is a reputable headhunting firm in my city and I currently work at a strategy boutique where I know my colleagues are fairly frequently approached from all MBB so this didn't suprise me.

After the call the headhunter returned asking me to send a CV, which also makes sense as it is commonly used as a basis for discussion in interviews.

However, after sending the CV, the headhunter came back once more saying that the MBB firm asked for my grades. This I found odd as it puts me in a position where it feels as if I'm applying for a job, which I'm not - they reached out to me! Also, I know that in terms of MBB-firm expectations my grades are definately too low. I was able to get my current job partly through contacts that could vouch for me, a very good CV from internships etc and great test results.

So, to my questions:

  • Is it common to ask for grades after inviting to an interview?
  • Why do they suddenly ask for grades of a experienced hire, it was years ago I was in uni?
  • Can the low grades result in them changing their mind and cancel the interview?

Hi,

I recently received a call from a headhunter stating that an MBB (they obviously stated which MBB, but for anonymity sake) wants to meet me for an interview. Before the meeting with the MBB-firm I am scheduled to meet with the recruiting firm for further information, but stated with no impact on the MBB process. From what I've heard this is a reputable headhunting firm in my city and I currently work at a strategy boutique where I know my colleagues are fairly frequently approached from all MBB so this didn't suprise me.

After the call the headhunter returned asking me to send a CV, which also makes sense as it is commonly used as a basis for discussion in interviews.

However, after sending the CV, the headhunter came back once more saying that the MBB firm asked for my grades. This I found odd as it puts me in a position where it feels as if I'm applying for a job, which I'm not - they reached out to me! Also, I know that in terms of MBB-firm expectations my grades are definately too low. I was able to get my current job partly through contacts that could vouch for me, a very good CV from internships etc and great test results.

So, to my questions:

  • Is it common to ask for grades after inviting to an interview?
  • Why do they suddenly ask for grades of a experienced hire, it was years ago I was in uni?
  • Can the low grades result in them changing their mind and cancel the interview?
 New answer on Jul 16, 2020
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Hi,
I have supported tenths of experienced hired in interview preparation. MBB do not care about grades for these positions, but consider only the last working experiences. Therefore, I always recommend displaying grades only when they are top.
For what I understand from your context, it is likely that the headhunter is the one who wants the grades to have a bulletproof profile and not the MBB. You could avoid to send it and, if they ask again, explain the situation clearly to the headhunter and decide together how to better proceed to get the interview.

Best,
Antonello

Hi,
I have supported tenths of experienced hired in interview preparation. MBB do not care about grades for these positions, but consider only the last working experiences. Therefore, I always recommend displaying grades only when they are top.
For what I understand from your context, it is likely that the headhunter is the one who wants the grades to have a bulletproof profile and not the MBB. You could avoid to send it and, if they ask again, explain the situation clearly to the headhunter and decide together how to better proceed to get the interview.

Best,
Antonello

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Hi,

To address your questions:

  • It is uncommon to ask for grades after the interview. But maybe the office you are applying to is following a certain procedure (say a digital form), where they need to input your grades
  • I highly doubt that your grades will change the outcome

Best,

Deniz

Hi,

To address your questions:

  • It is uncommon to ask for grades after the interview. But maybe the office you are applying to is following a certain procedure (say a digital form), where they need to input your grades
  • I highly doubt that your grades will change the outcome

Best,

Deniz

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Dear A,

What I can say here, that asking for grades might be just a part of the procedure and since it was 2 years ago, your experience is more relevant than your grades.

Wish you best of luck,

André

Dear A,

What I can say here, that asking for grades might be just a part of the procedure and since it was 2 years ago, your experience is more relevant than your grades.

Wish you best of luck,

André

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Hi,

1) Yes, MBB will check your grades even if they invite you. It's part of the interview process. The fact that they invited you does not change the process

2) If it was years ago and you have a lot of experience - probably they will not pay attention to the,

3) Yes, they can if the grades are low. However, I believe that your recent experience is more important

Best

Hi,

1) Yes, MBB will check your grades even if they invite you. It's part of the interview process. The fact that they invited you does not change the process

2) If it was years ago and you have a lot of experience - probably they will not pay attention to the,

3) Yes, they can if the grades are low. However, I believe that your recent experience is more important

Best

(edited)

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