How to phrase no return offer

Hi all, Did a S&T internship at a BB but did not receive a return offer. Was very clear why: I was not enthusiastic about the job (very true). Not upset other than the fact I have less leverage for FT recruiting. Question: I've heard that, if in interviews, if they don't SPECIFICALLY ask if I received a return offer, I don't necessarily have to state that I didn't. I've had a few phone calls where they ask "how'd it go, or how'd you do" and I say I had a great experience and learned a ton, but am interested in xyz because... If I go through the whole process without ever explicitly stating my offer status (unless of course directly asked) would that count as lying?

Thank you all

6 Comments
 

Also, another part of the feedback included lacking some technical skills (which for me was due to my lack of interest). If I phrase my lack of an offer, or dance around the question focusing on cultural fit, will they ever go back and ask my office what the "real" reason was and have that pointed out of me?

 

It's definitely not lying if they don't ask you. There's no reason you would ever have to state you didn't get a return offer (unless asked). But I think there's a good chance you'll probably get asked.

Unless it's at the same bank, I doubt they would go to your BB and say "Hey, can you clarify why this kid didn't get a return offer. He says it's because of a cultural fit." But, if you do lie and say you got a return offer, I think it's possible that they find out. I could be wrong with these two points, so maybe someone else could be a bit more helpful here.

 

A BB won't disclose why they didn't extend you an offer, that's a huge liability that most corporations steer clear of. They might disclose if they did or did not give you an offer, so definitely don't lie, but you can embellish on the reason.

Just know that your interviewer is going to assume that you are putting your rejection in the best possible light and will discount everything you say. So make sure you're giving a very good excuse for why you didn't get an offer..

 

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