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2 weeks since MBB final round, haven’t heard back?

Had my second round at an MBB 2 weeks ago, and I haven’t heard back yet. How bad of a sign is this?

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Nov 24, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process thus far!

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

  • First of all, it's important not to jump to conclusions. Delays in feedback can happen for various reasons like scheduling conflicts, and they don't necessarily imply a negative outcome.
  • Moreover, I would advise you to follow up with the recruiter. A polite email reiterating your interest in the position and inquiring about the status of your application is entirely appropriate after the time frame they provided has passed.
  • Lastly, while waiting, continue preparing for other opportunities. This way, you're not losing momentum and are ready for whatever outcome.

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

Best,

Hagen

on Nov 24, 2023
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi!

I wouldn't read into it. 

Sometimes it just takes a while. And now, at the end of the year, they're busier than usual, tying up loose ends. 

If you feel the interview didn't go that well and it's most likely a fail then I'd recommend you actually send out more job applications. Diversification is key. Here's how to build an application strategy that takes that into account:


Good luck!
Cristian

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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> CodeWave  

Dennis
Coach
on Nov 23, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

this is a frustrating situation, I know. I’ve experienced cases where the verbal offer was extended on the same day of the final round and other cases where it took a while. If a firm definitely wants a candidate, they have a great incentive to let them know quickly before another company snatches them off the market. 

So I tend to agree with the statement that 2 weeks of radio silence cannot be viewed as a good sign. But it also isn’t a definite game over either. I think it would be justified for you to follow up with the recruiter earlier next week to inquire about the status.

Fingers crossed

on Dec 01, 2023
FREE INTRO I exMcKinsey EM I exKearney consultant I High Success Rate I Official Coach for HEC (160 coachees in 2022/23)

Hi,

From my point of view, it has no meaning, the people making the decisions are busy so they might be under a rush. Only good option is to wait.

Fingers crossed,

Cheers,

Alexandre

on Nov 23, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Had my second round at an MBB 2 weeks ago, and I haven’t heard back yet. How bad of a sign is this?

Two weeks is quite a long time to hear back after a final. However the delay doesn't necessarily mean you have been rejected. There could be multiple reasons why the interviewers have not decided yet, unrelated to your performance.

Having said that, if you don’t hear back after one week, usually it’s not a great sign.

Good luck!

Francesco

Alberto
Coach
on Nov 26, 2023
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers
Ian
Coach
on Nov 23, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Honest answer is it's not a good sign.

It's also not “over” either. The more time that goes by, the lower the odds, but the odds are NOT 0!

Hope for the best (offer), but plan for the worst (apply elsewhere)

Anonymous A
on Nov 23, 2023
Why is that the case? Doesn’t it just depend on how long it takes the partners to get together?
Ian
Coach
on Nov 23, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
Of course. But the longer it takes the more likely it is they got together already and decided no (or decided to go with another candidate and are waiting for their response). It's all probabilities and there is an upward sloping curve on "rejected" over time.
Anonymous A
on Nov 23, 2023
So you’re saying that MBB often sits on a decision, without communicating it to the candidate, while waiting for other candidates to accept the offer? I thought the way the process is structured they are required to communicate the decision once they’ve made it.
Ian
Coach
on Nov 23, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
I'm saying if you're texting someone you like and they don't respond in a day, it's less likely they like you, right? And if 2 days go by, they're even less likely to like you? Sure, maybe they lost their phone. But, time is CORRELATED to rejection. Same exact scenario here - it's statistics/probabilities. (To answer your question: they can do what they like more or less and every office operates slightly differently...HR might not be good, other interviews might be happening, they might have a pending offer, they might be figuring out pipeline/roles available, etc. Ultimately: if they really really want you and have the spot, they are more likely to tell you sooner not later)
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