Headhunters Asking about Return Offer
I spent the summer at a MM firm and didn’t get an RO because of HR, wherever. I landed a better offer at a better group and bank for FT. I am planning on recruiting for PE so I’ve been filling out their forms, CPI, HSP, etc., all of them have been asking if I got an RO, what should I put here? Feel like junior summer shouldn’t matter as I landed a better offer.
So you didn't get a return offer because of HR (presumably misconduct), so you're going to do more misconduct by lying to headhunters? Seems like a good idea
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's crucial to handle this situation with transparency and strategic framing. Here’s how you can approach it:
Be Honest: Always be truthful about not receiving a return offer (RO). Misleading information can backfire, especially in tight-knit industries like finance.
Focus on the Positive: Emphasize the better offer you received. This demonstrates your capability and desirability in the market. Explain that you secured a position at a more prestigious bank and group, which is a significant achievement.
Explain Tactfully: If required to elaborate on why you didn't receive an RO, focus on external factors like organizational changes or headcount limitations rather than personal performance issues. Mention it was related to HR constraints, which were beyond your control.
Highlight Learning and Growth: Discuss what you learned from your summer experience and how it prepared you for your current role. This shows proactive attitude and ability to derive value from every experience.
Prepare for Follow-up Questions: Be ready to discuss in interviews how you turned a challenging situation into a positive outcome by securing a more prestigious role.
By focusing on these points, you can effectively navigate questions about your return offer while maintaining a positive impression.
Sources: Advice for summer and return offer rate?, Current IBankers: What would you do if a summer candidate reneged another offer to sign with your firm?, How did you manage to get a return offer from another team as a summer intern?, Q&A: I didn't get a return offer, Why You Didn't Get Return Offer
Put no return, lying to them would be a bad take given how easy it is for them to find out
"didn't get a return offer because of HR"
what does that even mean
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