How to communicate with HR/ Recruiting

HR recruiting
New answer on Nov 26, 2020
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on May 12, 2020

Hi All,

Thank you so much for all your helpful responses to our questions. I wanted to ask some advice: I have been waiting on a response from BCG at the CV screening stage (experienced hire moving from another profession into consulting for the first time) for some time and I'm wondering whether the delay may also be due to a hiring freeze (of course this is not advertised). All I really want to know is whether BCG would now be recruiting for 2021 or if they are still recruiting for 2020 at the office I've applied to. Is this a reasonable question to ask HR/ recruiting? Would it be ok to call them to ask? How does one get in touch with them- there is no specific telephone number for them so do I just call the London office and ask to be connected to the recruitment team?

Not sure what the etiquette is in these circumstances so thought I would ask!

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Anonymous updated the answer on May 12, 2020

Hey there,

How long has it been since you submit CV?

The CV screening process can be a bit long. What usually happens is that HR would wait til the CV pipeline to come to a certain number (typically in a few hundreds or even more), then pass all the CVs in a batch to the recruiting team for screening. The recruiting team would do the screening (this can take 1-2 weeks depending on the schedule) then feedback to HR. HR would then either start scheduling the interviews for those who pass the screening (again this could take sometime to get interviewer's schedule) or send rejections to those who don't pass (this could be a lower priority for HR).

I am not sure at this moment whether the speed of the pipeline building has been affected. There is a lot more uncertainties now. I am not sure HR would take the call on CV status, but if you can find a connection in the office, better ask the connection to check with HR. You could get an answer faster.

Best,

Emily

(edited)

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Anonymous A on May 12, 2020

Hi Emily, thank you so much for your detailed reply. It's been about 5 weeks. I'm keen to know whether they are hiring for the following year now as this will effect my current job planning until then. Can I call to ask them this or is that ill advised?

Anonymous on May 12, 2020

That's a fair question to ask. No harm trying.

Ian
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replied on May 12, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

For future reference, if you get to the interview stage and haven't heard back about results within a week or 2, you should reach out to HR!

In this situation, I can tell you they won't have any visibility on 2021 specifically.

In terms of the CV screening, was this through a referral or a cold application? If it's a cold application, there's not much you can do, but you should email HR/Recruiting anyway. Additionally, in the future, you definitely want to network before applying so that you have a contact point in the firm!

Good luck, and be patient with the CV screenign phase....it can take months!

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Clara
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replied on May 12, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

You are very welcome!

First of all, usually CV screening takes time. There are hundreds of applications, and only the screening -that needs to be done by someone, in this case, Recruiting, that is a part of MBB´s HR-, takes plenty of time.

Secondly, sometimes there are "windows" for applications -which means that, even if they harvest CVs all year long, they only review and interview candidates certain months every year. This is the case for some offices (e.g., McK London for BA positions) but not in all of them.

Finally, regarding what to do with the COVID mess. I woudl totally reach out -either mail or call, try them both- to HR and ask. They will totally undestand, and if so, what you are showing is commitment.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Francesco
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replied on May 13, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

it is totally fine to call HR given you mentioned it’s 5 weeks you applied.

When I applied to OW, I didn’t get a reply after 4 weeks, I called HR and she scheduled the interview on the spot (it actually sounded like she never saw the CV before).

Worst case, they will clarify they won’t hire this year or decrease the time to send a rejection, but reaching out to the recruiting team is totally fine and won’t affect negatively your application.

I agree with Ian that for the following applications it would be useful to have a referral, in terms of that you can find more at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

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Anonymous A on May 13, 2020

Hi Francesco- I posted this question. Just want to say so grateful to you for your always detailed and helpful replies. Many thanks!

Francesco on May 13, 2020

My pleasure ;)

Anonymous replied on May 13, 2020

Dear A,


I would definitely recommend you to reach over to them. Ideally, via e-mail. If you don't know the e-mail, just call the office and ask for e-mail address where you can post your question.

Good luck,

If you need any further help or advice, feel free to reach out.

Best,
André

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Gaurav
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replied on Nov 26, 2020
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & Recruiter

Hi there,

The best way is to reach out HR and discuss your current situation.

You can call the London office and ask about the email of HR team.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

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