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Time between verbal offer and offer letter?

Hi all,

I recently received a verbal offer from a partner at an MBB firm. I would appreciate your guidance on a few questions:

  • Is the offer letter guaranteed after a verbal offer?
  • What is the typical waiting time to receive the offer letter?
  • Does HR usually send the offer letter directly, or do they schedule a call to discuss specific clauses?
  • Are there any particular details in the offer letter I should pay close attention to?

Thanks in advance!

4 Answers
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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Aug 23, 2024
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

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

  • First of all, yes, an offer is an offer, and the written offer letter is just a formality.
  • Moreover, please simply wait until you receive the offer letter. In case you haven’t received it after two weeks, please reach out to the recruiter because it might have gotten lost.
  • Lastly, offer letters and employment contracts are highly standardized. Nonetheless, you should thoroughly read it.

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

Best,

Hagen

Florian
Coach
on Aug 20, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Congrats on the offer! :-)

  • Yes, it's just an admin task to prepare and send it out
  • It can be anywhere from the same day up to 2 weeks (the summer season is the holiday season - keep that in mind)
  • Can be both
  • Nothing really - contracts are highly standardized

All the best,

Florian

Alfredo
Coach
on Aug 20, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | Leading interviewer 3 year | +200 1st & 2nd Round Interviews | E2E MBB experience

Congrats! dont worry, you will get it. You can expect up to 2 weeks

on Aug 22, 2024
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

Congrats on the offer! Here are my answers to your questions:

  • Is the offer letter guaranteed after a verbal offer?
    • Yes, the verbal offer only comes after the firm has formally decided to extend you an offer
  • What is the typical waiting time to receive the offer letter?
    • Depends on HR and their process, but at BCG it is typically within a week or faster based on my experience
  • Does HR usually send the offer letter directly, or do they schedule a call to discuss specific clauses?
    • Letters are sent via email, with the offer for a call should there be any clarifications needed
  • Are there any particular details in the offer letter I should pay close attention to?
    • If there was some uncertainty earlier on the tenure or level you are coming in at, I would check to see what they are offering you. Otherwise I don't think there is anything else that you need to change or negotiate

Congrats again and enjoy the journey!

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