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Follow-up emails

followup
New answer on Dec 20, 2023
7 Answers
246 Views
Anonymous A asked on Dec 18, 2023

hello,

Given that most HR staff are on leave, I was wondering if it would be better to follow-up with HR now or after the New Year's, beginning January?

 

 

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Alberto
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 18, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews

Hi there,

Unless you are 100% sure your recruiter is on holidays, it's better to keep following up every 2 weeks than assume they are not working.

If you are not sure, it's also a good opportunity to wish a happy break as an excuse to also follow up.

Best,

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

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Inigo
Expert
replied on Dec 18, 2023
Senior Consultant at Roland Berger / Ex-Lazard IB / Top performer and interviewed +100 candidates / INSEAD MBA 24D

Hello,

I would follow up every week, specially if you are advanced in the process

In some cases, the recruiting email can be accessed by several people in the team, so you might reach someone that is not on vacation

Best

Íñigo

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Lorenzo
Expert
replied on Dec 20, 2023
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review

The timing for following up with HR depends on the urgency of your inquiry and the company's culture. Here are a few considerations to help you decide whether to follow up now or after the New Year:

Follow Up Now If:

Urgency:

  • If your inquiry is time-sensitive or if you need a prompt response, it's appropriate to follow up now, especially if the matter is related to a specific timeline or deadline.

Recent Interaction:

  • If you've had recent interactions with HR or if your initial contact was in the last week or two, following up now may be seen as reasonable and demonstrates your continued interest or need for information.

Upcoming Events or Deadlines:

  • If there are upcoming events, deadlines, or processes you need to be aware of, it's advisable to follow up now to ensure you have the necessary information before the New Year.

Follow Up After the New Year If:

Non-Urgent Inquiry:

  • If your inquiry is not time-sensitive and can wait until after the New Year, it may be considerate to allow HR staff to enjoy their holiday break without additional work-related emails.

General Inquiries:

  • If your follow-up is a general inquiry or if it doesn't involve immediate action, waiting until after the New Year is often appropriate, as HR staff may be more available and responsive.

Company Culture:

  • Consider the culture of the company and how they typically handle communication during the holiday season. Some companies may have a tradition of shutting down non-essential operations during the holidays.
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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 19, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Given that most HR staff are on leave, I was wondering if it would be better to follow-up with HR now or after the New Year's, beginning January?

I don’t think there is an issue if you follow up now – if they don’t reply before Christmas, they should do so after the break.

In terms of timeline, I would recommend waiting 2-3 weeks after a test and 1 week after an interview to follow up.

Good luck!

Francesco

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Dennis
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 20, 2023
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Follow up now and then follow up again at the end of the first week in January if you don't hear back. This week is still a work week in most areas so you might as well use it. Of course it is also a matter of how urgent the issue is that you are seeking feedback on. That I don't know.

Best

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 18, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I would follow up now! Like ASAP (this week is still a working week generally).

Then, I would again followup at the end of the 1st week of Jan, or start of 2nd.

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 19, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Definitely after. 

Now most people are having coffee chats and reflecting on the end of the year or choosing their outfits for office parties or doing last-minute holiday shopping. So do the same :) and follow up with the interviewers in the second week of Jan. 

Happy holidays!

Cristian

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Inigo gave the best answer

Inigo

Senior Consultant at Roland Berger / Ex-Lazard IB / Top performer and interviewed +100 candidates / INSEAD MBA 24D
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