Consulting Consulting
Consulting Finance General
Login Sign up for free Sign up for free
Consulting Finance General
Community
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Coaching
Coaches
Coaching Packages
Consulting Q&A
Resources
Case Interview Basics
Case Library
AI Casebot
Tests & Guides
Mental Math Tool
Stress Questions
Drills
Video Tutorials
Brainteaser
Career
Employers
Career Events
Consulting Jobs
Consulting Blog
Sign up for free
Login
Community
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Coaching
Coaches
Coaching Packages
Consulting Q&A
Resources
Case Interview Basics
Case Library
AI Casebot
Tests & Guides
Mental Math Tool
Stress Questions
Drills
Video Tutorials
Brainteaser
Career
Employers
Career Events
Consulting Jobs
Consulting Blog
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Back to overview
Anonymous A
on Feb 01, 2021
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

Should I tell my recruiter or move on?

I had difficulty hearing my interviewer during one of my MBB interview over zoom, probably because we're in different continents; I need to ask him to repeat the questions again, and still couldn't understand it, but I tried my best to pick up his keywords. Finished the quant, and didn't bomb the case. Sometimes, I mis-interpret what he meant, backtracking and made me not structured enough. The interviewer also turned off his video, perhaps due to connection. It seems that he has bad upload speed, while he can hear me okay. 

My other interview went great. 

I didn't pass due to structure feedback. 

Should I tell my recruiter about the issue, or simply just move on? 

10
1.6k
10
Write an answer
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Florian
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

That is very unfortunate to hear, however, I share the sentiment of my fellow experts here. I think the ship has sailed on this once since

  • you should have noted that already during the interview (always clarify when something is unclear or there are tech issues. This is actually an important part of the case)
  • there would have been a harder push back from the other interviewer to progress you to the next round

I would focus on other opportunities and then increase your future chances for a new invitation to the interviews:

Whenever you (re)-apply after a failed application (screening, aptitude test, or interviews) you need to make sure to show significant development in your resume since your rejection. Assuming you want to be hired straight out of university this means

  • New academic achievements (e.g., new degree, top of class achievements,...)
  • Experience abroad (career or university)
  • New job experience (internships, working student, project assistant,...)
  • New extracurriculars (leadership experience, NGOs, student clubs,....)

Usually, you are banned between 12 and 24 months from re-applying. Referrals can help both

  • shorten that time
  • increase your chances for a new invitation to the interviews

Cheers,

Florian

21
Contact coach
0 comments
Francesco
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Sorry to hear that – that was unfortunate.

The truth is, if you report that to the interviewer it won’t have any effect on the feedback. The interviewers will assume that you should have explained the issue anyway during the interview. It’s not particularly fair, but unfortunately that’s how it works.

In case of other interviews with the same problem, you will need to stop the interviewer during the interview and explain the issue then.

It is very risky to continue an interview if you can’t understand what is said, and the interviewer will become impatient if he/she has to repeat constantly the information. Although not ideal, it is better to ask to move to a new communication channel or reschedule the interview, rather than hope to crack the case hearing only part of the information provided.

Best,

Francesco

17
Contact coach
0 comments
Ken
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Really sorry to hear. It's not ideal timing where you really should have flagged this immediately after the interview and not after they have made the decision. Unless you feel super strongly about joining this MBB and feel like you completely aced your first interview, I probably would just move on. My rationale would be two folds: 1. It will be his words against yours where he clearly didn't feel strongly about you or else he would have flagged how the Zoom connection was bad (this is really unfortunate...), and 2. If you had passed your first interview with flying colours, your interviewer would have banged the table harder for you and would most likely have reached out to you directly to stay in touch

9
Contact coach
0 comments
Clara
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

This is a very difficult question to be answered tbh. 

On the one hand, you have nothing to loose... on the other one, I would only adress it if you know that you a good communicator and you can phrase it in a way that does not sound as an acusation. 

In any case, if you do it, do it via phone. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

8
Contact coach
0 comments
Deleted user
on Feb 01, 2021

ah tough luck. Really unfortunate. 

If you genuinly feel you could have done much better had there be no issues, then best reach out to HR to discuss the matter. They may be willing to give you the opportunity to re-do the case interview. 

Otherwise, let it go. Its not the end all and there are plenty of options out there. Stating the obvious, next time dont suffer this and make it very clear to the interviewer that you are struggling to hear/understand them. Be polite obviously and dont be afraid to ask to reschedule the interview. 

4
0 comments
Luca
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello there,

Unfortunately once that feedback is given is almost impossible that you would convince the recruiter to give you another cahnce. Next time, if you have any technical problem that is affecting your performance, you should kindly point it out directly to the interviewer.

Best,
Luca

3
Contact coach
0 comments
Antonello
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I have to confirm there's nothing to do with the output of the feedback. However, asking for how much is going to last the ban to be invited again for an interview, you can communicate your issues

Best,
Antonello

1
Contact coach
0 comments
Vlad
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

It's definitely worth trying - you have nothing to lose. However, I would not expect a positive decision. At the end of the day, it's on you to tell the interviewer that the connection is bad and that you can't continue the case that way. You should never start solving a case if you don't get the details

Best

0
Contact coach
0 comments
Ian
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear this :/. I've heard of this happening with other candidates as well as it is a shame.

I actually disagree with some of the other coaches regarding what you should coulda woulda done. If I were in your shoes I would not have done anything different, and I don't think many people would have the audacity to be a "little" interviewee in front of a big-shot MBB interviewer telling them their English/connection isn't good enough!

That said, you are the little guy here so I'd set expectations a bit :/

I recommend you ask HR for a call (phone 100% better for this). Explain your situation, and explain it from as neutral a perspective as possible (i.e. highlight the poor connection etc.). Flag the fact that you did great on the other interview so there is a precedent for good performance here.

I think it's worth a shot - ask if they can schedule a 2nd interview given horrible connection from the interviewer's end.

0
Contact coach
0 comments
Gaurav
Coach
on Feb 02, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there, 

sorry to hear! It's a dfficult situation and I completely understand your behaviour and concern.

You can try to reach out to the recruiter and explain the situation, but I doubt they'll react to the issue. 

If you decide to move on, remember that you've done your best already and look at it as a possibility to do better next time!

Hope it helps & Good luck!

Cheers, 

GB

0
Contact coach
0 comments
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Yes, I would like to be informed about new content, exciting jobs, relevant events, and selected employers.
By creating an account, I confirm that I agree to PrepLounge's Terms of Use. Please read our Privacy Policy.
Sign up with
You already have an account? Log in here.
Similar Questions
Consulting
How should I explain a change in course at university? Will it be asked of me?
on Apr 14, 2025
Global
10
3.7k
Top answer by
Alessa
Coach
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free
81
10 Answers
3.7k Views
+7
Consulting
What would Math Test looks like for 1st phase of interview?
on Jul 09, 2024
Global
4
500+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
14
4 Answers
500+ Views
+1
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Apr 24, 2025
Global
5
3.9k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
42
5 Answers
3.9k Views
+2
Top Answer by
Florian
Coach
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
To coach profile
Related Article
Top 10 Reasons Why People Fail at Case Interviews
Top 10 Reasons Why People Fail at Case Interviews
View article
Related Product
The 1% Case Method
5.0
53 reviews
USD 1,995
USD 1,599
More information
Related Case
Expert case by
Francesco
BCG Case Style - Online Groceries [NEW]
5.0
9.8k times solved
Intermediate
Candidate-led
Open case
Similar Questions
Consulting
How should I explain a change in course at university? Will it be asked of me?
on Apr 14, 2025
81
10
3.7k
Consulting
What would Math Test looks like for 1st phase of interview?
on Jul 09, 2024
14
4
500+
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Apr 24, 2025
42
5
3.9k
Everything for Your Career
  • Interview Coaching
  • Q&A
  • Interview Partner
  • Mental Math Tool
  • Interview Drills
  • Stress Questions
  • Blog
Everything for Your Career
  • Interview Coaching
  • Q&A
  • Interview Partner
  • Mental Math Tool
  • Interview Drills
  • Stress Questions
  • Blog
Popular in Consulting
  • Case Library
  • Meeting Board
  • Case Partner
  • Case Interview Basics
  • Case Interview
  • Consulting Q&A
Popular in Finance
  • Finance Q&A
  • Interview in Investment Banking
  • Investment Banking Salaries
Popular in Consulting
  • Case Library
  • Meeting Board
  • Case Partner
  • Case Interview Basics
  • Case Interview
  • Consulting Q&A
Popular in Finance
  • Finance Q&A
  • Interview in Investment Banking
  • Investment Banking Salaries
Consulting and Finance Employers
  • RWE Consulting
  • Whiteshield Advisory
  • All Employers »
About PrepLounge
  • For Companies
  • For Universities
  • For Coaches
  • About Us
  • Career
  • FAQ
© 2012 PrepLounge
Our servers are powered by electricity from renewable sources.
  • Cookies & Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Imprint
  • Sitemap
  • Contact
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Submit feedback
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.
Close Close and keep on prepping
Want to leave already?
After your registration you have free access to:
12 mock interviews with peers
360.000+ peers in our community
36 exercises (incl. structuring drills, mental math, brainteasers and more)
Video tutorials
Video case solutions
Sign up for free
Questions or Feedback?
Select category
  • Select category
  • General Feedback
  • Case Interview Preparation
  • Coaching
  • Technical Problems
  • Other
Your name
Your email address
Cancel