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Referred but heard nothing - contact HR or referee first?

Hi, I applied for an entry-level role before Christmas with two referrals but have not heard anything besides the immediate confirmation that my application has been received. I was wondering who I should get in touch with first - ask HR for an update or ask the person who referred me to ask? Thanks

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Top answer
Deleted user
on Jan 16, 2021

If you applied just before christmas, two actual work weeks have passed since your application. Nothing to worry about for now. Give them another week.

After that: I'd reach out to your referees, as communication might drown in the masses of emails they get. The referees can follow up with recruiting directly.

14
Deleted user
on Jan 16, 2021

Be patient and give it another 2 working weeks as week of 11th Jan would have been the 1st proper work week. After that nudge your contacts & they can follow up internally to check status.

11
Ian
Coach
on Jan 16, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I'd definitely practice patience here!

Christmas+New Years are periods where there won't be that much new activity...wait another 2 weeks before following up with HR

Vlad
Coach
on Jan 17, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I would wait. It's too early due to the holidays. Then contact the referee

Best

Clara
Coach
on Jan 18, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I would 1st talk to your referrers, to see whether they can informally follow up internally. 

Cheers, 

Clara

Gaurav
Coach
on Jan 18, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Totally agree with the other coaches here. Wait a little then contact a referee.

Cheers, GB

on Jan 18, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

They'll get in touch soon.

If you wish to get in touch with someone, I'd go with HR.

Best of luck,

Antonello

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