Middle Bucket Analysts - How did you explain your ranking to recruiters / future employers

Curious how you guys explained your ranking if you were in middle bucket? Anyone ever had their offer withdrawn cos the employer found out they were not top bucket?

To me, being in the middle is not a bad thing since majority of us will be in the middle. I have seen people in the middle or even bottom bucket go to prestigeous MF PE, UMM PE, HF, a better BB and various other good exits. I have also seen top bucket analysts struggle to find a good exit or an exit that they truly want.

I have no clue whether their recruiters or their future employers have asked about their ranking but I certainly was asked once or twice. I never had to explain why I was not ranked more highly but am also thinking if I was asked what I would say to them. I have seen buy-side stating being top bucket as one of the requirements. Some of those never asked my ranking before inviting me to interviews.

Thoughts?

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