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3 weeks without date for first round?

Was invited to first round MBB interviews 3 weeks ago, haven’t heard back on a date yet. Should I follow up or continue waiting? If the former, how do you recommend following up without sounding rude or pushy?

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Top answer
Bogdan
Coach
on Apr 14, 2023
MBB Interviews| ex-McKinsey | Kearney | Case and Fit Interviews | CV Review | Free 15-minute Intro Call

Firstly, congratulations for reaching the interview stage! 

It seems to be the case that recruiting timelines have lengthened across the board, potentially explaining the long wait for a confirmed date. Nevertheless, it's acceptable to give the hiring team a gentle nudge. You may write something along the lines of:

"Good morning/afternoon,

Thank you for the invitation to first round interviews - I am delighted by the news. I was wondering if there has been a confirmed date on which these will be taking place.

Thank you very much.

Kind regards,"

 

Of course, ensure that you prepare consistently in the meantime!

on Apr 15, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Was invited to first round MBB interviews 3 weeks ago, haven’t heard back on a date yet. Should I follow up or continue waiting? 

If you are ready for the interview it is totally fine to follow up.

2) If the former, how do you recommend following up without sounding rude or pushy?

The example of Bogdan looks good. In general you can:

  1. Thank them for the opportunity
  2. Ask if they have any updates on the interview schedule

Good luck!

Francesco

Hagen
Coach
on Apr 15, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • While lead times in strategy consulting application processes currently fluctuate quite a bit, you should have heard back from them by now.
  • As such, I would advise you to reach out to the recruiter to politely inquire about the status of your application.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Emily
Coach
on Apr 15, 2023
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad

Congratulations on being invited for interview!

As others have said, the hiring timelines seem to have extended across the board. That being said, 3 weeks is a long time to wait. I suggest dropping the recruiting team a polite email to ask if they have an update on when you could expect to be invited to interview. 

Good luck! 

Ian
Coach
on Apr 16, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Given it has been 3 weeks, you can reach out now. Just be polite and to the point. Ask politely if they happen to have an update on the interview and say you're looking forward to it.

Dennis
Coach
on Apr 18, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

I would definitely reach out and follow up. You need to plan your own schedule after all and they must assume that you are also interviewing with other firms.

Just ask them whether they can give you an update on the timing since it has already been 3 weeks. Remaining passive and silent here would actually send a negative signal that you either don't care too much or are not proactive enough to follow up.

Good luck

on Jul 31, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach
Pedro
Coach
on Apr 14, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

At this point reaching out will not sound as rude, only that you are on top of things and legitimately worried (although they are probably just late).

Deleted user
on Apr 19, 2023

Hello,

3 weeks is a fair amount of time to politely follow up with HR.

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