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Will it hamper my chances?

MBB
New answer on Sep 29, 2021
6 Answers
1.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 25, 2021

Hello everyone, 

I had worked on one project last year for 6 months (Not paid). Basically, there was this one ex consultant who wanted to develop one website like preplounge and I helped him to form marketing strategies. There was not anything official and I just did that to learn something. 

I will explain this in the interview but during a background check, will it hamper my chances because there was no paperwork or any official position?

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Ian
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replied on Jul 25, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

You should be ok, especially if the site still exists and that consultant is still running the project. 

Worst case scenario, they'll reach out to you and you'll be able to explain. You are not lying, which, as a general rule, is pretty much the point of a background check!

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Francesco
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replied on Jul 25, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

If I understand correctly, you don’t have any kind of contract. I don’t think this is an issue if you can show emails or any correspondence confirming the work experience. “Worst” case, you will need the former consultant to write a confirmation the work activity took place.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

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Adi
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replied on Jul 25, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Just say this was volunteer/pro bono project and be ready to pass on contact details of your manager/friend to verify the details should they need it.

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Ken
Expert
replied on Jul 25, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

I don't see any problems where taking a different example, no one calls up your school to ask if you were really the VP Events at your university student club, etc.

Question for me would be around why you think this experience merits being included in your CV. The challenge and impact around your marketing strategies would need to be meaningful.

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Florian
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replied on Jul 26, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

This is not an issue and I would add it to the resume rather than having a 6-month unexplained blank period.

Cheers,

Florian

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Pedro
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replied on Sep 29, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

This is normal. You only have to state that it was an entrepreneurial role (or that it was pro bono).

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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