Am I screwed?! Conflict of interest?!

I am currently in finance but looking to jump ship to consulting so I applied to some firms. One emailed me back saying that they aren't sure if they can interview me because my current workplace is their client.

Is this a serious issue? Would they trace back to me at my current job? I want to of course find the best career opportunities for me but not at the risk of losing what I have now. Anyone been in a similar situation before? I haven't even been offered an interview yet but I'm sacred of the consequences... New to the industry here!

4 Comments
 
DreamingBigAlwaysOne emailed me back saying that they aren't sure if they can interview me because my current workplace is their client.

Sounds like a bullshit palm off, unless they are in such a weak bargaining position with your current employer that they agreed to general no poach clause.

Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 

This is a concern on the sell-side. You don't poach talent away from your clients. You're reliant on your clients' business and sometimes it's not worth jeopardizing the relationship.

I have a hard time seeing them fret over this for a junior hire. It's not like they are taking away a heavy hitter who the company really values (no offense to you in any manner).

HOWEVER, sometimes there are legal constraints within the engagement letter… poaching from the client can be one of those items.

 

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