This myth is partly true, partly false.
It’s partly true because selectivity varies by office at GMCs. Smaller offices may prefer a weaker candidate who ranks them #1 and has a rationale for that ranking (eg, it’s their hometown, they’re interested in the region’s dominant industries) to a stronger candidate who doesn’t rank them at all.
It’s partly false because selectivity can vary significantly in the smaller offices year-to-year. Particularly in the current hiring environment, smaller offices may make offers in the low single digits (if any).
Here’s your takeaway: if you’re a very strong candidate, it won’t matter to which office you apply. If you’re a borderline candidate, you may want to give office preferences a closer look – but only if you have good personal and professional reasons to do so.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
How does your lifestyle differ in a smaller office compared to a larger office, in terms of travel and clients?
Also, how do your exit opportunities differ?
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bdm Reply:
June 4th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
sorry just realized i asked this question twice…
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Kevin Reply:
June 7th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
In a smaller office, you can expect more travel.
It’s hard to say about exit opportunities – there are more important variables (eg, the type of work you do, the client industries/sectors you serve, etc).
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