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Interview follow up

followup
New answer on Oct 31, 2021
7 Answers
834 Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 27, 2021

Hi,

I had an interview yesterday and it was with my DREAM company, which is a top consulting company (mbb). However, I was quite nervous and don't think it represented my abilities very well and I wasn't too structured during some of the behavioral questions. I would like to do a follow up email to possibly salvage whatever may have gone wrong - is there anything I can say that will help? Please help as this means everything to me!

Thank you!

(edited)

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Oct 28, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I'm super sorry but there's really nothing you can do at this point - the die have been cast.

That said, there are a few things to remember:

  1. This was just your first shot - there are so many candidates I've worked with where it's their 2nd or 3rd attempt…and they make it! Learn from this experience :)
  2. This is the most important moment in your life…until the next one. How much does that stressful exam, school application, big presentation affect you now? Not at all! Same goes here…this is going to be in the rearviewmirror soon and it won't matter
  3. This isn't your dream company. You just think it is. That doesn't mean it's not worth trying again - just remember things are not always how they appear and reality is often different from the outside-in perception! For all you know, you could have joined and been miserable, and whereever you go now could be the best company for you.
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Pedro
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replied on Oct 28, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Sending a thank you email is a good practice, and reinforcing some positive aspects as well - you can use this to smoothly “blend in” a small comment you believe could improve your chances… but that's the most you can do. 

If you overdo this (i.e., try to answer again the questions) you will sound desperate and you may be doing more harm than good. Also don't forget that you can't really assess from the outside their perception of your performance.

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Anonymous A on Oct 28, 2021

Thank you!

Agrim
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 28, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

If you'd like to send a ‘thank you’ email to HR - you should definitely do so.

However, in terms of your performance - whatever has been done, is done. Your survival in the process will now be determined by the interview performance and how you are rated by the interviewer.

Maybe you did well - who knows?

If you yourself think that your performance is not up to the mark, then why would HR want to listen to the interviewer as well? Have confidence in yourself buddy!

On the other hand, practice more and make sure you are fully ready for the next interview (whichever it may be). 

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Adi
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replied on Oct 28, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
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Francesco
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replied on Oct 28, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Unfortunately at this stage the only thing you can do is to send a thank-you email. 

I agree with Pedro that if you try to push too much and “correct” your performance you may sound desperate. On the other hand sending a polite thank-you email is totally fine.

Good luck!

Francesco

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Anonymous A on Oct 28, 2021

Makes sense, thank you!

Hagen
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Oct 29, 2021
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

First of all, I am deeply sorry to hear you feel that you did not perform well!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • First of all, I would advise you not to send a follow-up e-mail to talk content since there is nothing you can do at this stage. It is still a great practice to incorporate in your professional setup, however, 1) interviewers will notice and 2) chances are high the decision has already been made either way.
  • I totally feel you that you think this is your dream job but honestly, you really cannot know. I had so many colleagues during my MBA who wanted to work for a specific consulting company and most ended up doing something different and are still very happy about it (e.g. they interned there and the culture did not match, they applied to other consulting companies and liked it more there, they applied outside of consulting and liked it more there).
  • If you still want to work on your appearance during the interviews, I would be more than happy to work with and help you. Moreover, please also have a look at PrepLounge for topics such as nervousness.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best deal with nervousness and present yourself in the best possible way during the interview, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

(edited)

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Marco-Alexander
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Content Creator
replied on Oct 31, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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