Office location preference for MBB

Hi Ryan,

Q: My question is, how important is all those priorities? Do some offices hate that they are a third choice (although its literally the same company)? 

When you select the priorities, they take into consideration that order and pass the application to the following office if your profile is not suitable. 

I helped candidates who were selected for the third office, so I don’t think the fact that you put Korea as a third option will have an impact on the judgment for that office in case they consider your profile a good fit.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hello,

To answer your question, in my experience the offices don't hold a ‘grudge’ about being 2nd or 3rd choice. They understand that candidates have to prioritize for various reasons and it is not necessarily a ‘bad’ thing.

More pertinent however is the VISA issue - from what I know in Singapore, hiring for EPs (employment pass i.e. foreigners) is super super tight now, if non existent. 

The preferences typically decide which office gets your profile first. In most cases if your first preference office rejects you, it is harder to get in because all offices get many applications and they like going with ones that have put them as the first preference. This is because there can be a perception that if it is a 3rd choice you don't really want to be there.

For offices that typically don't attract as many high profile candidates (e.g., Atlanta or Houston vs NYC or Bay Area) that matters less and they will still offer you an interview if you are considered a strong candidate.

One thing to do is to reach out to HR and say you would like to change the preference ordering because of a shift in personal circumstances and see if that is possible.

Best,

Udayan

Hi Ryan,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First, highly international offices such as Dubai are used to receiving applications from individuals without a work visa. Most strategy consulting companies will do everything possible to assist with obtaining one, though.
• The decision regarding which office will conduct the interviews will be made promptly. Additionally, if you do not succeed in the recruiting process with this office, you will not have the opportunity to interview with your second or third choice of office either.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

HI Ryan,

You've made your submission. It is now out of your control.

Pro Tip: Don't worry about things you can't control. Focus on the things that you can influence.

(Yes, if you're optimizing for % chance of getting an interview, you should have selected the office in which you speak the language, went to school, have working rights, and have work history….i.e. Korea…)

Hi there, 

I would suggest you just write to HR to adjust your application. They might have not started the ‘passing’ around just yet ;)

Best,

Cristian