Interviewing competing firms - how to frame underperformance? Should I reveal?

Hi there,

I'm SO sorry this happened. It's really not easy and truly shakes the confidence.

Just know that this is happening at a higher right now before because of overhiring and pipeline issues.

On the one hand, please don't blame yourself, on the other hand get real/honest about what you need to do to improve and make sure it doesn't happen again (think back…could you have seen this coming? Were there warning signs? Could you have hired a coach or gotten mentorship to improve?)

You will find another job. Just face this challenge head on.

(1) Is it common for consulting firms to ask about performance at current firm, and is this an important metric? In my previous experience working with a head hunter, I was specifically asked about this question.

They shouldn't. If they do though, there are so many tactics to get around this though. They don't “know” so you just have to frame everything positively.

If you're interviewing afteryou've left the firm, this is more likely.

Luckily, you have 2.5 months with that firm still on your resume. That is more than enough time to land dozens of interviews.

(2) If the company directly ask about my latest appraisal result, what would be the best way to address this question? Not thinking about lying, but if I say bluntly say that I underperformed, this may raise a red flag and could kill the opportunity… Any smart answers?

Absolutely there are smart answers! But, it really depends on you and your background. I'd have to sit down and wordsmith this answer for you.

In general, you need to focus on the positives, you can flag areas to improve and identify how you're improving them, without making it sound bad. Ultimately, it's all about how you communicate this and how you come across.

Feel free to reach out - happy to help you get back on the saddle!

When you do start again, make sure to read the following to help you better manage the job: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tips-for-consultans

Hi there, 

Sorry to hear about the situation. This is just a reality of life and it can happen to everyone at some point or another. 

Realistically, very few firms as about your performance on the previous job. 

If they do specifically ask about it, I would recommend that you are transparent. But also let them know what was the context in which you performed poorly. Explain what were the other constraints in your life that made it difficult to perform better.

Best,
Cristian

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, that must be really tough! But I'm glad to hear you still feel passionate about consulting and are looking for more opportunities in the field. This is a delicate matter and it's best to approach this in a way that's personalized to each candidate, which is why I recommend talking to a trusted mentor or getting coaching to help navigate your specific situation for the best results. But, to answer your questions in general:

1) They will generally ask about performance, but only in a “tell us what you did at firm X” way, rather than a “what were your performance ratings on your last project”. That is, you should talk about the projects you worked on, the specific things you achieved there, and so on. You should be prepared to talk about why you are leaving your current firm in case you are asked that, however.

2) Smart answers is definitely the way to go here. There's no need to lie. I would acknowledge your performance review, but then explain: a) how the performance issues arose and why weren't you able to catch them early in the first place, which you now see with the benefit on hindsight; b) how you internalized the feedback you were given and the concrete steps you took to address them; c) how you will make sure this will not happen in your new role - show them that you have learned your lesson.

Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you want to work through your situation more specifically!