All questions tagged time to sign the offer - Consulting Q&A - PrepLounge.com

Yes, there is typically a background check that they will need to do. You'll probably have to sgn a consent form for the service provider to authoize them to reach out to past employers.

Since you have 10 months, don't stress out! Things will take their course. If you're curious, you can reach out and simply ask them what the next steps are.

In the words of my mentor "an offer is valid until you consider it". Now, do not take that to an extreme but I would say that 3-4 weeks is perfectly normal time to have to consider an offer.

Before extending the time, if you feel prepared, I would ask other firms to shorten their interview time because you have another offer.

Techniques to extend time:

• Be honest: tell them you have other interviews and since you already made plans you would like to complete them to be fair
• Negotiate terms of offer: you can negotiate sign-on bonus, tenure (if applicable), start date
• Personal reasons (if applicable): e.g. need to discuss with SO to make sure is right decision

Hope it helps,

Andrea

Hi - congratulations for your two job offers! This is awesome!!

Concerning your questions

• How is the culture in those 2 firms and what are the differences? I read that the culture is better at BCG, but why (or why not) and is this also true for Germany?
  • it's hard to say - because in Germany too, most offices have their own culture
  • but in fact there are a few differences between the typical McK and BCG person;)
  • I would never say that BCG's culture is better - it depends on what kind of person you are and what culture suits you better
  • I worked for McK and fit very well with the people who worked there. But I also have some friends who work at BCG - if you want more specific information, just give me a call!
• Who is the market leader in Germany (not only for healthcare) / is viewed as more prestigious (although this is not too important for me, but I read in a “vault ranking” that McKinsey is leading here)?
  • This is a head-to-head race - I think McK is leading
  • But honestly both companies are very prestagious - so don't worry about this one!
• In which company is it easier to support social impact projects?
  • At McK you can choose the projects you want to work for (e.g. Social Impact Projects)
  • At BCG you will be assigned to projects - you cannot choose

I hope this helps. If you are interested in a more personal view on the different cultures, send me a direct message.

Best

Giulia

Hi!

Given your description you have a couple of options:

A. Join Bain in Dubai

B. Join McK in Karachi

C. Try to join McK in Dubai

Since you don't feel comfortable with working in Pakistan, are concerned about the compensation and miss the personal click, it is a no-brainer that option A dominates option B. The question is whether McKinsey in Dubai would be a better fit for you (compared to Karachi)? Compensation wise for sure, but what a bout the people?

• If you still see a better fir with Bain, even if you compare the Dubai offices, then go for option A!
• If it is not the case, then you have nothing to lose by being open with McKinsey and tell them that you have decided to start in Dubai and that you have another offer there. Just ask whether starting in Dubai would be an option. If yes, great. If not, go for Option A.

Cheers, Sidi

Hi,

I believe you have two more options:

1. Negotiate the new deadline for the offer acceptance
2. You can also talk to McK, BCG and ask them to expedite the process since you have another offer. If it is an offer from Bain - they will do that. If it's not Bainm they might do that if they have a closer slot available.

Best