I am concerned that revealing my current situation with BCG might lead to the question, "If BCG also gives you an offer, which one will you choose?" In general, how should I answer the question, "Why didn't you get an offer from BCG?" in a way that avoids further related questions and doesn't make me seem like a weak performer who didn't succeed in getting an offer?
Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 457,000 Peers!
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!
Recently, I was invited for a partner interview for a consulting intern position at KPMG. Last summer, I had a summer internship at BCG, and I will know their offer/reject decision after my final interview, which is expected in July/August. If the partner asks me, "Why didn't you get an offer after your internship at BCG?" what should I say to avoid both indicating that I am still waiting for an offer from BCG and appearing as an unsuccessful intern?
Overview of answers
Upvotes
Best answer
Hi there,
Q: What should I say to avoid both indicating that I am still waiting for an offer from BCG and appearing as an unsuccessful intern?
I would say the truth and explain that you have a pending decision from BCG. The fact that you might have another offer will increase the perception you are a good fit for consulting.
If they ask you “If BCG also gives you an offer, which one will you choose?”, you can say you would be happy with both offers (assuming that's true). To make a decision, you would prefer to complete the process, have the opportunity to talk with people in both companies and have more details about the offers. Then you can add what you like about KPMG, using your answer for “Why KPMG”.
You can find an example below.
“I think both companies are great and can offer an interesting career in consulting. I believe my possible final decision will be based on how each company could help me to grow, as this is one of the most important elements for me. To have a complete picture, I think it would make sense to make a decision once completed the process, talked with people in both companies and have more details about the offers. I already know that KPMG is great for [SPECIFIC REASONS WHY YOU LIKE KPMG]. Based on that, if we have time, I would also like to ask you a couple of questions later about your experience at KPMG and how it allowed you to grow as a person and from a career point of view.”
Hope this helps,
Francesco
Was this answer helpful?
Hi there,
First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with KPMG thus far!
I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:
- First of all, an internship is by no means a failure if you have not received a return offer. In many industries there are no return offers at all, and even in consulting it is not the standard to receive one.
- Moreover, when discussing your current situation, you could simply mention that you are in the process of considering various opportunities.
- Lastly, if you are pressed on which offer you would choose, I would advise you to express your focus on the current interview process with KPMG, showing your respect for the opportunity at hand and avoiding any speculation about future decisions.
If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Best,
Hagen
Was this answer helpful?
Hi there,
Whenever asked about “Why A instead of B?”, always play the personal experience and connection card.
Just highlight how you enjoyed your interactions with people from A more than with people from B. No one can argue with your experience. :-)
Cheers,
Florian
Was this answer helpful?
Since you actually have not received a decision from BCG yet - a good choice could be to just say that.
Though it can invite a potential counter-question of choosing between a KPMG offer vs BCG offer (hypothetical). That is one question you would definitely want to prepare for - with the right arguments that show a clear preference for KPMG (during the KPMG interview)
Was this answer helpful?
But you do want to say that you don't know the outcome yet! :)
Regarding “which one would you choose…”, honestly, just turn the table… if you have the option to choose, it's the Partner that should be answering that question, not you. I mean this in a diplomatic way. You had a good time, it's a great company. But you are enjoying your interview process and the people you know at KPMG. Whatever you do, don't say anything negative.
Was this answer helpful?
I would just be honest that you are still waiting to hear back on whether or not you're getting a full-time offer.
I don't see why you would hide that.
Best,
Cristian
Was this answer helpful?
Tell the truth and share you are still waiting for a decision. This can also help in a potential negotiation with KPMG if you get an offer from them.
Best,
Alberto
Was this answer helpful?
Related Cases
Expert case by Francesco
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US.The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many students as possible to complete studies and prevent that they drop from the school system, in particular in disadv
...
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US.The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many stude
...
(Open whole case)
32.0k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is a BlissOttica, an Eyewear Manufacturer that is looking to reach a 10% increase in profits. How would you help our client?
Our client is a BlissOttica, an Eyewear Manufacturer that is looking to reach a 10% increase in profits. How would you help our client?
(Open whole case)
13.9k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is a supermarket chain that is considering whether they should enter the emerging online grocery delivery business where consumers order their groceries online and have them delivered to their homes. Currently, two competitors have entered the online market in the client's area in San Fra
...
Our client is a supermarket chain that is considering whether they should enter the emerging online grocery delivery business where consumers order their groceries online and have them deliv
...
(Open whole case)
8.3k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Your client is the Performance Chemicals division (revenues of $500 million) of a Specialty Chemicals Company with total revenues of $14 billion. The CEO wants the company to become the fastest-growing specialty chemicals company and has therefore asked all the divisions to present growth strat
...
Your client is the Performance Chemicals division (revenues of $500 million) of a Specialty Chemicals Company with total revenues of $14 billion. The CEO wants the company to become the fast
...
(Open whole case)
8.1k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is a German-owned water provider company based in the southwest of the United States. As the biggest water provider in the region, they serve the majority of the southwest region.Profit growth has slowed down considerably in recent years, and the company is finding it difficult to co
...
Our client is a German-owned water provider company based in the southwest of the United States. As the biggest water provider in the region, they serve the majority of the southwest re
...
(Open whole case)
7.7k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Content Creator
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
4,542
Meetings
47,533
Q&A Upvotes
402
Awards
1624 Reviews
