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Withdrawing from an interview

Withdraw
New answer on Sep 09, 2023
6 Answers
257 Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 07, 2023

should I mention when emailing HR to withdraw from an interview that its because I have accepted another offer or should I leave it without reason? 

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 08, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

At the end of the day, it doesn't really make a difference. 

But I would recommend that you are transparent with your reason to also help them improve their understanding of why candidates drop out of the process. See your feedback as a gift.

And by the way, congrats on the offer!

Here are a couple of articles you might find useful to read about how to hit the ground running in consulting:


Best,
Cristian

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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Sep 08, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I agree with Sidi here. When I declined my other offers, I emphasized that I thought they were great and appreciated their time, but ultimately have decided on another role/firm.

As long as you are gracious/curteous they will respond well. (By the way, I would generally advise not pro-actively saying the company name as this can come across “in your face” so to speak).

Congrats on having the luxury to cancel an offer - well done!

By the way, here's some reading to help you thrive in that new role!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tips-for-consultans
 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pros-and-cons-of-working-at-a-top-consulting-firm

(edited)

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Sep 08, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Should I mention when emailing HR to withdraw from an interview that its because I have accepted another offer or should I leave it without reason? 

It is totally fine to mention that you found a different opportunity fitting better with your current goals.

Best,

Francesco

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Sophia
Expert
replied on Sep 09, 2023
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

I think it's totally fine to be polite but transparent. Tell them that you really appreciate their time and the opportunity you were given, but you accepted another offer that better aligned with your long-term career goals, or something along those lines.

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Moritz
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Content Creator
replied on Sep 07, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

Hi there,

The fact that you're asking seems like it's important to you. In that case, I would show them the courtesy of giving them the actual reason. Nothing wrong with that.

Best of luck with the new job!

Cheers,
Moritz 

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Sidi
Expert
replied on Sep 07, 2023
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi!

When I was in the same situation I was just open and honest. I told them that I feel it's a matter of fairness to not waste their resources and possibly even take the spot from another otherwise qualified candidate that would possible rejected because of this. That was totally fine with them.

Cheers, Sidi

_______________________

Dr. Sidi Koné 

(Former Senior Engagement Manager and Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant and Interviewer at BCG)

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Cristian gave the best answer

Cristian

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