Reapplying to MBB - should I mention that I declined an offer (from another office) in the past?

Hi everyone,

I am reapplying to a consulting firm (MBB) where I previously declined an offer from another office. Almost 2 years ago I declined the offer because I didn't want to live in that country and I had an offer from another consulting firm in my city of choice. Now, for many strong reasons, I would like to switch firms and I am applying to MBB in my city choice. Can I/should I mention that fact (in passing) in my cover letter?

On the one hand, I think I should mention it because it adds a lot of credibility to my application (though yes I know, some offices are harder to get into than others). However, on the other hand, I could see how that could make me sound cocky. What do you guys think? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 
Best Response

I wouldn't mentioned you declined an offer in the past. I don't think it adds credibility because when you got the offer they were assessing you based on who you were two years ago, so a lot of things could have changed since. Also, if you've declined them once, they'll wonder what's stopping you from declining again (even if it's because of geographical reasons).

The geographical thing is much more understanding if say you were networking with someone and it was verbalized. I think on paper in a cover letter or something, people are more likely to look for reasons to ding you as opposed to look for reasons to like you or help you when it's a discussion over the phone or over coffee. If you haven't already, see if you can try and network with someone from the MBB firm in that city before submitting the application.

 

Consequatur qui quidem aut corporis pariatur facilis molestiae perferendis. Fugit quae est id. Aut culpa voluptatem occaecati pariatur soluta quos eos. Blanditiis deserunt consequatur nam. Quis error earum assumenda unde veniam saepe.

Veritatis similique ad distinctio aut enim reprehenderit quae similique. Ea corrupti odio consectetur corrupti aut. Doloremque magni molestias sed sit. Doloremque dolores unde magnam est libero distinctio. Aut debitis quisquam optio quis consectetur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.7%
  • LEK Consulting 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • Cornerstone Research 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.7%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.7%
  • LEK Consulting 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $368
  • Principal (25) $277
  • Director/MD (55) $270
  • Vice President (47) $246
  • Engagement Manager (100) $226
  • Manager (152) $170
  • 2nd Year Associate (158) $140
  • Senior Consultant (331) $130
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (108) $130
  • Consultant (587) $119
  • 1st Year Associate (538) $119
  • NA (15) $119
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (146) $115
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (344) $103
  • Associate Consultant (166) $98
  • 1st Year Analyst (1048) $87
  • Intern/Summer Associate (189) $84
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (552) $67
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”