What are the consequences of declining a MBB job offer?

Hi there,

I doubt there are formal policies on this but here's my take from my time in recruiting.

If MBB thinks highly enough of you to make you an offer, declining the offer won't change that and they'd be happy to "take you back" if you return in the future.  The same thing should apply if you have a strong performance early in the process and then drop out.

With two caveats:

1) everything is done professionally.  Meaning you don't just ghost them or give the impression that you never seriously considered accepting the offer and were just interviewing to see if you could get it

2) You have a good story as to why you declined and why you are now coming back.  This is pretty easy and almost anything that makes sense will do.  Examples: a) I wanted to help my family business or b) take some personal time or c) take another opportunity which wouldn't be available in the future and now that I've done that I'd love to work for MBB to achieve my original goals.

As for the other question, I'd say it's better to complete the process.  Once you receive an offer, you're in higher standing so MBB is more likley to take you back.  Again, as long as you don't give the impression that you're wasting their time.

Hope that helps!

Allen

Hey. 

No consequences.

If you have made up your mind, do it without any delays to save time & effort for both parties.

Have a good reason to back up your decision and explain to HR (ideally over phone) and write to the hiring manager directly. Thank them for the opportunity. 

If you can, offer to recommend/refer someone you know who could fit the role. Show them this was a hard decision and that you definitely would like to keep in touch for future opportunites. People cross paths unexpectedly and you want absolutely no misunderstanding or confusion in their mind. Keep your brand image clean :).

All the best.

From personal experience I can tell you it doesn't closed doors for good. I've receveid a second offer from one of the MBBs after I had turned them down earlier (same local recruiting team). 

And I fully agree with the other coaches. You'll need to be professional about your decisions and treat them with respect when doing so.

Hi there,

I agree with the other comments. There are no direct consequences, however:

1. You need to decline the offer in a professional way
2. You need to have a valid reason to decline

If you check these two boxes, there shouldn't be any issue if you reapply after some time.

If you already know you are not going to accept the offer, I would recommend dropping from the process before the final round.

Best,

Francesco

Hello!

A priori, nothing happens, as long as you then dont regret the decision ;)

To your 2nd question, is better to stop the process. You won´t take it from there in case you want to interview again, but having reached certain phases would be beneficial for you. 

Best regards, 

Clara

Hi,

I doubt that there will be any consequences. This is especially the case since your market value only grows overtime. In the future you'll have more experience and will be ven more valuable for the company. Just make sure you decline the offer professionally and provide the rationale for that.

If the rationale is another MBB company, you should say it directly. They'll find out anyway

Best

Allen's answer is spot on. 

I think if you have a very valid reason for why you are declining the offer (for example a ver important personal situation changing) then you will be fine. 

There really aren't consequences! As long as you handle it in a respectable way (i.e. with ample notice, with a reasonable reason, and NOT after having already signed) then you will be just fine.

Just make sure to keep the doors open by declining in a professional and courteous manner!

If you're looking to re-apply a few years down the line you actually should have an advantage over other candidates NOT a disadvantage.

Hi,

There's no red cross, blacklisting, etc.

I know plenty of candidates who declined and then joined (even after years).

I think it's great to keep in touch if you think is interesting for you and them. 

I'd go through the whole process before interrupting it. Great learning experience for you, and maybe you'll even change your mind. 

Hope this helps.

Best,

Antonello

Hi there,

it's a common practice and there is nothing wrong about declining an offer. Make sure to let them know your decision in time, make it personally (better on the phone), reach out to the HR (and may be a partner) and explain them your situation. If you do everything professionally, you stay in contact and leave the doors open, there is always a second chance. 

For your second question, I think it's better not to interrupt the recruiting process, but to decline an already existing job offer. At least that's how they really know what you're capable of and if they want you.

Hope it helps,

Cheers, 

GB

Hi,

It really depends on the way you decline. Obviously you need to communicate it well, have a strong reason and demonstrate that you are open to keep in touch.

If it is done properly, I would not expect a negative consequences. Regarding your question about the timing, do it as early as possible if you already set your mind.

Best,
Iman