Post Final Round with T2

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on the etiquette of 'nudging' a T2 firm after a final round.

I had my final round with a T2 firm 3 days ago. However, no news up until now. On the other hand, I just received an offer from one of the Big 4 with a 5 working days deadline to respond.

The T2 firm is my absolute #1 choice. Is it appropriate to reach out to the recruiter to mention the competing offer? How should I phrase the nudge to the recruiter to emphasize that they are my top choice?

Answer 1

Totally fair and normal for you to follow up.

How to do it well:

Be factual and calm
Do not frame it as pressure or an ultimatum
Be explicit that the T2 firm is your first choice

Suggested structure:

Thank them
Mention competing offer and deadline
State clearly that they are your top choice
Ask about expected timing or alignment

Template u could use

Hi ...
Thanks again for the final round earlier this week. I wanted to share a quick update: I’ve received another offer with a response deadline of ...
Your firm is my clear first choice, so I wanted to check whether you have visibility on the decision timeline or if it might be possible to align decisions.

If they are a yes, this often accelerates things. If they are still debating, they will usually tell you transparently. Either way, you lose nothing by reaching out.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Yes — in this situation, it’s absolutely appropriate to reach out to the T2 recruiter and mention the competing offer. This is very standard, especially after a final round, and recruiters expect it.

A few guidelines on how to do it well:

Timing: Three days after a final round is reasonable, particularly since you now have a concrete deadline.
Tone: Be transparent, respectful, and calm. This is not pressure — it’s information.
Positioning: Emphasize that the T2 firm is your top choice, but avoid sounding ultimatum-driven.

A good way to frame it is:

Thank them again for the final round and reiterate your strong interest.
Mention that you’ve received another offer with a response deadline.
Ask whether they have a sense of timeline or if it’s possible to align decisions.

You don’t need to ask for an “expedited decision” explicitly — recruiters will read between the lines.

This kind of nudge often helps prioritize internal discussions and, if you’re a yes, can speed things up. If they’re still undecided, they’ll usually tell you honestly.

In short: yes, reach out, keep it professional and appreciative, and clearly signal that they’re your first choice.

Best,
Evelina