I have applied to Kearney ME around October and still haven't heard back. I reached out to the HR around November, and she mentioned that all my docs are on the system and due to the very high number of referrals, the application processing is slower than usual and my application will soon be assessed. However, it's a month later now and no news yet. I know there is a slowdown during this period but when do you think I should follow up or do I just consider that I didn't go through?
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Hi there,
This isn't too abnormal!
There was overhiring a year ago, pipelines have slowed this year, AND we're at end of year.
I would reach out in mid-Jan.
Remember, you should never pin all your hopes and dreams on one firm. Any given application has a 10% chance of resulting in an offer (especially if you don't have professional support). So, make sure you're applying to dozens and dozens of firms and not wistfully looking out the window hoping for this one firm to call you back.
Here's some reading to help:
There is definitely a big slow down around Christmas:
- Most projects wrap up then, making consultants very busy.
- People aim to complete tasks before holiday breaks, often spanning two weeks in some firms.
I suggest following up in the second week of January, starting from the 7th. If you know someone at the firm, a gentle reminder to HR can be helpful.
Hi there,
End of year is typically a busy period for consulting recruiting with frequent waiting lists. Make sure you:
- Keep following up every 1-2 weeks with your recruiting contact
- Prepare for the interviews
- Apply to other firms to diversify risks
Best,
Alberto
—
Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs
Hello,
Good thing to have followed up already so you got some clarity.
I think there is not point of following up during the holidays but as soon as business kicks back in (e.g. Jan 2) you can send a follow up email to show you are still there.
For context: as mentioned they have a lot of referrals but also business is quite slow right now, so it might work out in your favour if they take a bit more time to review so they have a better read on needs (and maybe more space to recruit).
Best of success in the process!
Cheers,
Nicolas Vilmin
Hi there,
First of all, I am sorry to hear about your negative experience with Kearney!
I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:
- First of all, unfortunately, it's quite common at the moment for application processes to take longer.
- Moreover, in terms of following up, I would advise you to wait another two to three weeks before reaching out again. This shows persistence without being overly assertive.
- Lastly, please do not consider the absence of immediate feedback as a rejection. No news most times simply means they are still deliberating.
You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.
If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Best,
Hagen
Hi,
I would consider this as just a lapse in process / delay in process.
There could be numerous reasons why they haven't gotten back to you yet, but you shouldn't assume it is over until you have read it in black and white.
Given its end of the year, I would wait after the new year to follow up again.
Hi there,
Q: When do you think I should follow up or do I just consider that I didn't go through?
I would recommend following up after the first week of January. If you still don’t get feedback from them, I am afraid the only way to accelerate the process is to get another offer and try to leverage it to get a proper reply.
Good luck!
Francesco
Hi there,
it seems like the explanation they gave you still applies. The year-end shutdown in most companies and geographies does not help to expedite things. There is no point in following up right now. Mid-January would make more sense if you haven't heard back by then.
Fingers crossed you receive good news
Given what you described this is within normal behaviour - a bit long, but normal. Reach out on the second week of January for a follow up (they'll be catching up in the first week :))
I wouldn't consider this opportunity gone.
However, I also wouldn't follow-up during this period of the year.
Your best bet is the second week of Jan. That's when things are starting to spring back to life.
Hope you get good news!
Cristian
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