Telling a half-truth to HR about another offer

Question

Hello everyone,

I have an internship offer from a Tier-2 firm. For this reason I would like to speed up the process with an MBB, with whom I am interviewing for a full-time position. If HR asks me insistently for details about the offer, how much is it fair/reasonable/accettable/risky to tell that I have an offer from another MBB (instead of Tier-2) and full-time (instead of internship)? I would tell this in order to speed up the process because of a competitive offer.

Thank you.

Update: thanks to everyone for the answers, I agree with you. However, yesterday I had the call with HR and she asked me so many details about the other offer in a pressing way: the company, the type (internship or full-time), the salary and even the contract classification. I think it's a bit strange. Why do you think?

Answer 1

Hi there,

This is not going to be an inquisition…

You tell MBB that you have another offer but are still interested in them. Flag that the offer has a deadline and you'd like to speed up the process.

They respond with “we will see what we can do and aim to accelerate”.

They are not going to ask for more info (other than, maybe, the company) - you're fine!

Congrats on the 1st offer and here's to you getting a second!

As you prep, read this: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

And this: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

Answer 2

You don't need to do it that way. Just mentioning that you have another offer that has a tight deadline is enough.

If they ask details (which they won't) I don't see why a lie would have a more positive effect than the truth.

Answer 3

Agree with others, I would mention you have interesting offer with tight timeline to speed it up. I was in similar situation, having another very interesting offer (not consulting) that was truly pressing me to answer and I had to push BCG and it helped to speed it up.

Good luck!

Was this answer helpful?

Answer 4

Hi there,

One additional point to take into consideration here - you have no obligation to actually disclose this information. So you can also be polite and choose to not answer.

Best,

Cristian

Answer 5

Hi there,

I wouldn't be dishonest, because its a very small world and they might find out - and you might end up jeopardising an amazing opportunity. You can keep it vague - “I have an offer from another Firm which is exploding soon” and that's it.

In the unlikely event where they ask you who it is from, I suggest you are honest; and if you are in the process for other Firms too, you can say you are in the late/final stages, which of course showcases your desirability.

Good luck!

Presi

Answer 6

Hi there,

you could tell them that you already have another offer and that you need to make a decision soon. Of course that very MBB firm would be your preferred choice so you want to inquire if the process could be expedited.

It's not very typical for the firm to then ask you from whom your offer is exactly

Answer 7

First, it is not correct to lie.
Second, the fact you state you have another MBB offer is most likely negative.

Answer 8

Do not lie but also you do not have to give them the entire information

You can say something like I have an exploding offer from a competing firm and would like to expedite the process. Typically they do not dig for too many specifics at this stage.

Answer 9

Hey there,

They will not ask about the details, they just need a date to operate with so they know when to schedule the interviews/

Cheers,

Florian