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Scheduling Recruiter Screen

I recently got reached out by a MBB recruiter for an experienced role. However, I accidentally scheduled the screening interview 2 weeks from the day they reached out to me. Is it normal for candidates to start interviewing this late? If so, should I reach out to the recruiter with a new date as long as they have an available earlier date?

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Top answer
Ariadna
Coach
on Apr 29, 2024
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School

Short answer: the 2 weeks timeline should not be any problem for an MBB role. 

The reason for that is that you are not per se filling one unique existing position, but rather joining a pipeline of candidates. 

Longer answer: if you are keen to have the chat earlier however, there is absolutely no harm in reaching back out to the recruiter and saying something along the lines of "I have initially scheduled this call in two weeks for now, however I now realize I have earlier availability for this chat. Would you have any available slot in the course of [e.g., next week / propose your own timeline]. 

As always, don't forget to also prepare for this chat with a strong intro about yourself, why do you want to join consulting and a good set of questions for them. 

Good luck!
Ariadna 

Anonymous A
on Apr 29, 2024
Thanks for the clarification. Is a recruiter screen call just a fit interview? Should I expect any case interviews or anything beyond talking about my resume?
Ariadna
Coach
on Apr 29, 2024
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
A recruiter screen call is nothing more than a brief fit interview + the chance for the recruiter to introduce the role and their requirements. Therefore, you should not expect a case interview. However, based on how fast is their recruitment process, you might be offered an actual interview slot quite shortly, so do keep that in mind. Be ready to give an indication when you would be ready to interview - of course base this also on your current level of readiness.
Udayan
Coach
on Apr 29, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

2 weeks is fine but if you want to do it sooner (which I would recommend given that it is just a screening call) you can typically change the date on their calendly link or email them to offer other dates and times that work.

Best,

Udayan

Anonymous A
on Apr 29, 2024
Thanks for the clarification. Is a recruiter screen call just a fit interview? Should I expect any case interviews or anything beyond talking about my resume?
Udayan
Coach
on Apr 29, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience
It is mainly a call to go over your work experience to make sure you have the requisite experience and skills for the role
Agrim
Coach
on Apr 29, 2024
BCG Dubai Project Leader | 6 years in Consulting | Elite Prep to dominate interviews | Free personalised prep plan

Chill - its fine.

If you want to prepone, then simply mail them with a new earlier availability or simply reschedule through their Calendly link (or whichever)

Pedro
Coach
on Apr 29, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Private Equity | Market Estimates | Fit Interview

1. You should be able to anticipate, and no harm done

2. Consulting firms recruit on a constant basis, so this is perfectly normal

3. Beware that if they reached out, there's a good chance you will get an interview - start preparing right away.

4. It's a screening interview, in the sense of checking that it aligns with your interest, and you understand what the role is. While you need to be minimally prepared (and know a bit about consulting) it is not a proper interview, nor a deep fit interview. Just be prepared to explain why you believe you would be a good candidate, and why / how it fits your career plans.

Gero
Coach
on Apr 29, 2024
Ex-BCG │200+ Interviews & Interview Coachings @ BCG │ 25+ candidates coached into MBB │WHU/LSE/Nova │ Teacher & Trainer

Hi there,

Congratulations, being reached out to is great! They are obviously interested and take your expertise serious, so whereas it is important to be very polite and professional you do not need to be too concerned about making mistakes in the process.

Just reach out and re-schedule, what can happen? :)

Best,

Gero

on Apr 30, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Is it normal for candidates to start interviewing this late? If so, should I reach out to the recruiter with a new date as long as they have an available earlier date?

A gap of two weeks from the first contact is not unusual. If you prefer to organize the interview earlier, I don’t see issues with anticipating it.

Good luck!

Francesco

Alberto
Coach
on Apr 30, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Partner | Most experienced coach (15 years exp, +2.000 real interviews) | 95% success rate

What is the problem with the 2 weeks timeframe? 

That is pretty standard. In any case, it is fine if you contact your recruiting contact to accelerate the process.

Best,

Alberto

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

Dennis
Coach
on Apr 29, 2024
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi, 

you can try to schedule something earlier. Since it is just a preparatory step for the recruiting process, you might want to do it sooner than later. Otherwise you create an unnecessary bottleneck for yourself.

See if they can be available sooner and go for it.

Best

on Apr 29, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

2 weeks is about normal. If anything, on the shorter end. 

Sometimes the interviewing window could be in a couple of months from when you initially applied. 

So this is nothing to worry about. 

Try to use the time in the meantime to work on your prep. 

Best,
Cristian

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