How important is a 4-5 month discrepancy on a background check?

Hi!

I wouldn't worry about them reneging on the offer. 

Through the background check, they rather want to understand whether you purposefully tried to hide something or lie in the process. 

A small discrepancy that you have a good explanation for shouldn't cause any issues. 

In case they bring it up, be ready to discuss it. Be humble. And it should be fine. 

Good luck in your new role!

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Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

I can agree that this is not something that could be construed as an “accidental” mixup. That amount of time (4-5 months) would be considered as deliberate misrepresentation. I don't know if these extra months significantly moved the needle in terms of why they invited you to the interviews in the first place. You clearly convinced them in the interviews if they gave you an offer.

I'm not in the business of recommending anyone to lie. So since you already accepted the offer, you will have to deal with the fallout in case they find something on the background check and come back with questions. Otherwise, enjoy your start at MBB and take this as a lesson to not misrepresent your experience on your CV again going forward.

Best of luck

Hey there,

I don't get it - how did you end up with such a HUGE discrepancy?

Your explanation is very casual and doesn't really help understand the issue. It all comes down to how legitimate your actual reason is for putting the date stated in your CV as opposed to the ‘real’ date.

Background checks are designed to uncover such things and you should probably get ahead of this by approaching the recruiting team with a legitimate explanation. If you don't do that, all bets are off, and you may have to pay a price for being negligent (I'm giving you the benefit of doubt and assuming you weren't intentionally deceitful).

Best of luck!

Moritz

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Congratulations on receiving and accepting an MBB offer! Regarding the discrepancy on your CV, it is important to maintain accuracy and integrity throughout the application process. While a 4-5 month discrepancy may raise some concerns during the background check, the severity of the situation depends on the specific circumstances and the policies of the firm.

I would recommend being proactive and transparent about the discrepancy. Reach out to the HR representative or the point of contact at the MBB firm and explain the situation honestly. Provide a clear and concise explanation for the discrepancy, emphasizing that it was an oversight and not an intentional misrepresentation.

It is ultimately up to the firm to decide how they want to handle the situation. They may appreciate your honesty and understanding, especially if the discrepancy does not significantly impact your overall qualifications for the role. However, there is a possibility that they may have concerns about the accuracy of the information provided.

Reneging an offer is a serious decision and should be avoided if possible. It is always best to address any discrepancies or concerns proactively and honestly. By taking responsibility for the oversight and demonstrating your commitment to integrity, you can show the firm that you are a trustworthy and reliable candidate.

I would strongly advise reaching out to the MBB firm as soon as possible to discuss the situation and seek their guidance on how to proceed. They will appreciate your honesty and transparency, and it will give you the opportunity to address any concerns they may have. Good luck in resolving this matter, and I hope it works out positively for you.

Positive Repositioning:

Open Communication:

• Approach the situation with open and honest communication. Companies value transparency, and your willingness to address the discrepancy proactively is a positive step.

Prompt Clarification:

• Reach out to the HR or recruitment contact who extended the offer promptly. Explain the situation, clarify the correct start date, and provide context around why the error occurred.

Apology and Assurance:

• Apologize for any confusion and assure them that it was not an intentional misrepresentation. Emphasize your commitment to honesty and integrity in all professional matters.

Highlight Positive Aspects:

• Reinforce your excitement about joining the company and express gratitude for the opportunity. Highlight any positive aspects of your background that showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Demonstrate Growth:

• Use the situation as an opportunity to showcase your professionalism and ability to handle challenges. Mention what you've learned from this experience and how you'll ensure accuracy in the future.

Seek Guidance:

• If appropriate, seek guidance on how to proceed and inquire about the impact, if any, on the onboarding process. This demonstrates your commitment to a smooth transition into the new role.

Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and what matters most is how you handle them. Companies appreciate individuals who are proactive, honest, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. Your positive and proactive approach to addressing this discrepancy will likely be viewed as a responsible and growth-oriented response.

Hi there,

Honestly, that's pretty bad - that's a BIG discrepancy.

I'm not saying you'll have your offer rescinded (it'll depend on if they see this and how they react). But the chance is honestly there.

Regardless, please don't do this. Change your resume - that's a outright lie and not good practice moving forward.

Hi there,

Before judging, what is your overall work experience? 

If the discrepancy is a small percentage of your work experience, it shouldn't be a major issue as long as you explain it in a humble manner.

If the discrepancy is a relevant part of your work experience, you might face a tough conversation with the recruiter. I suggest you are as transparent as possible if you finally face this conversation.

Good luck!

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, while a 4-5 month discrepancy might not seem significant, it is important to address it proactively. Consulting firms value trust and honesty highly, and any discrepancy, even minor, can be a concern during background checks.
• Moreover, as such, I would advise you to reach out to the recruiter, explain the situation clearly, and provide any necessary clarifications. While I can only speculate about the consequences, I would doubt they would withdraw the offer.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

Q: I’ve already received and accepted an MBB offer. How serious is this discrepancy on the background check? Enough to renege the offer?

From what you shared it is unclear what you have done from September to December. 

If you were part of the firm and can show you enrolled in activities, it could be fine. If this is not the case, it will be up to the company to decide whether it is a misrepresentation or not. The more supporting documents you have proving that you were working with the company, the less likely this will create issues.

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

I strongly suggest to never put any kind of a false information on your CV. Being unemployed for 4-5 months is not such a big deal compared to lying about being employed for 4-5 months more.

Kind regards,
Nick