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Follow-up emails

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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Top answer
Alberto
Coach
on Dec 18, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | MBB Coach | 95% success rate | +13 yrs in consulting | +2,000 real interviews in 3 firms

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

Inigo
Coach
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

Lorenzo
Coach
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.
Dennis
Coach
on Dec 20, 2023
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

Ian
Coach
on Dec 18, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

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.

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

on Dec 19, 2023
#1 rated 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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