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Scheduling interview

Interview Scheduling MBB MBB
New answer on Jan 26, 2022
6 Answers
879 Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 24, 2022

Hi, MBB reached out to me and told me that the interview will be conducted the same week itself. I was not ready and asked to reschedule but have not set the date yet (just stated which month works for me). Should I just call them and tell them which exact date works for me or wait for them to reach out again? I was thinking that if I call them, I could suggest the date that I'm okay with instead of them scheduling an interview again suddenly without any notice. What do you think?

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Moritz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 24, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

First of all, has there been any acknowledgment from HR side to cancel the interview for this week? 

Secondly, these things are easily done over the phone. Especially if you have many dates in the month you gave them that don’t work. In that case follow up your email with a call. However, if any day of said month works for you, just wait and see what happens.

As for communicating exact dates, I wouldn’t do it. That’s because you probably have way more options than they have. For instance, 80% of all interviews are conducted on Fridays because that’s when consultants are in the office and not so busy with client work. So it really doesn’t make sense for you to provide a specific time for Tuesday morning, let’s say.

Hope this helps. Best of luck with those interviews!

 

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Lucie
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Jan 25, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

It is ok to provide some sort of overview of your availability (e.g. I cant do before xxxx, or Mondays afternoon doesn't work) as it is understood we also work and have other responsibilities. But at the same time you should express your interest in joining the firm and clearly mention your flexibility if needed (not giving just one slot) as agendas of partners and senior consulting staff that do interview are EXTREMELY packed and if it would be difficult you may loose your spot.  

Lucie

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(edited)

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Jan 25, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Please don't provide an exact date! This implies that you expect them to work around you which is not a good look - you need to indicate it's the other way around.

Let them come back with proposed dates/times. If you ever do lead an email with a proposal, make sure you give multiple dates AND flag that you are flexible to any days/times they have in mind.

I would personally wait for their response. If they don't get back to you in a week or two, then call.

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Jan 26, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

You can definitely contact the MBB firm that invited proactively. However, please be aware that they may not be able to accommodate a specific day. It would make sense to:

  • Call instead of sending an email to align more quickly with HR
  • Propose a range/few weeks that would work for you, instead of a specific day

Best,

Francesco

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Jan 24, 2022
30% off in March 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

You can call them back - or send them an email - it doesn't really matter. But don't give them an EXACT date that would work for you. You should give them a few preferred options for you. 

You should show some flexibility in terms of scheduling - giving them a SINGLE option would show lack of interest in interviewing with them.

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Stephan
Expert
replied on Jan 24, 2022
Former BCG Con and political advisor here to help you crack the case (MBB, Europe & MidEast, non-business backgrounds)

I recommend you call them - out of courtesy, but also to see what their position and concern is and how likely and willing they are to accommodate you.

That’s much better than a long back-and-forth via email. 
 

Best

Stephan

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