Scheduling Recruiter Screen

Question

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?

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

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)

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

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

Answer 6

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

Answer 7

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

Answer 8

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

Answer 9

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