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Anonymous A

on May 13, 2022

Global

A very specific referral concern

I managed to get two referrals and applied about two weeks ago. I think at least one was in the portal system. My problem now is that it seems as though I haven't been able to get any update from my referrers after the fact, but they were very enthusiastic about helping me, as one was my college classmate.

I don't really want to bother them anymore, as it's out of their control in the HR system, yet I haven't heard from the team. One guy told me that it passed the initial screening and is now with a more senior person in specific verticals and gave me his name, but that has been about ten days ago, and I never even got a confirmation email that my application went through.

I am thinking to contact this person who I got the name of from my friend, but I am wondering if it is normal that the recruiters take so long, and if it's a good idea to contact this person considering perhaps he would not like to be bothered (not an HR person you would find on the company website). What do I do?

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Top answer

Florian

Coach

on May 13, 2022

1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

It sounds all good and within the norm.

Usually, it can take up to 2 weeks to hear back. In your specific case, I'd reach out mid-next week to your contact, not to the HR person who you officially don't know yet.

General tip: never reach out to consultants or recruiters on a Friday. It might get lost until Monday. :-)

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Clara

Coach

on May 14, 2022

McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Sorry to hear about your frustration, I totally undestand! You want news, but you also don´t want to bother people.

If you referrers are people you know, as it seems to be your case, I would honestly reach out and ask them kindly. It´s the first time, at the end of the day, and they understand. We have all been there.

Cheers,

Clara

Ian

Coach

on May 14, 2022

Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

This isn't all that uncommon!

I would wait another week and then reach out to your referrers. It sounds like you haven't reached out to them yet - it would be perfectly normal ask them 3 weeks out if they know of anything or any update.