How to answer "Have you accepted your return offer" question if interviewing for Analyst 1 roles?
I have accepted a return offer to start in a few months. I'm also interviewing for other roles and would renege my current offer if I were to receive one of the roles I'm interviewing for. What is the best way to answer "Did you accept your return offer" or "When is the deadline for your return offer" (when the deadline has far passed)?
Based on the WSO threads, it's crucial to handle this situation with honesty and tact. Here’s a strategic approach to answering questions about your return offer status during interviews for Analyst 1 roles:
Be Honest but Tactful: Acknowledge that you have accepted a return offer. It's important to be honest as the finance industry is relatively small and reputational risks are high.
Express Your Motivation for Exploring Other Opportunities: Clearly articulate why you are exploring other opportunities despite having accepted a return offer. Focus on what specifically attracts you to the role you are interviewing for, such as a better fit, specific interests in the projects or the team, or long-term career goals that align more closely with this new opportunity.
Reassure Your Commitment: Emphasize your commitment to securing a role that aligns best with your career aspirations and how you are serious about the opportunity at hand. This shows that you are not just casually exploring but are deeply interested in the role.
Address the Deadline Question: If asked about the deadline for your return offer and it has passed, you can state that while the formal deadline has passed, your decision to explore other opportunities is based on finding the best possible fit for your skills and career goals.
Maintain Professionalism: Throughout the discussion, maintain a professional demeanor. Acknowledge the delicacy of the situation and assure the interviewer of your ethical approach towards handling offers and commitments.
This approach not only shows your honesty but also your proactive nature in seeking the best career path for yourself, which can be a valuable trait in the finance industry.
Sources: no return offer, No return offer SA23., What to do when you get a return offer?, Advice for summer and return offer rate?, How do Return Offers work
bump
Just say yes therefore I value process speed should I need to inform them I won't be joining
You don't think having accepted another offer could result in an automatic rejection?
Are you in the class of 24 and what roles are you interviewing for?
yes class of 24, not gonna say
Yes, that's fair. We are in a similar boat, but I am going from a non-US bank to LMM/MM. In either case, I have been able to convey my desire to gain actual IB experience, and most of them have been understanding. I did have one EB first round, and they weren't satisfied with it. When I asked the analyst, he said it was because they wanted folks that didn't have a return offer and might reach out after they interview the rest.
bump - anyone that has conducted interviews/leads hiring have any input?
That’s actually strange if they ask that. In my experience I think they assumed I didn’t get a return or declined it. I know lying is frowned upon, but I would keep it vague and just say “I’m not returning” point blank and avoid the topic. I think being very vague protects yourself either way
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