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Pause in hiring

Hi, 

 

I just got an email from a firm saying that they are on a pause for new hires and to check back in September. What's the best course of action to take between now and then? I had one round that went well, and they said I'd move forward, only to be hit with a pause. 

 

I am not sure how to navigate a pause and try to pick it up again in two months without it being awkward/ ghosted. Thanks. 

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Top answer
Rami
Coach
on Jul 20, 2022
Ex-BCG | 100+ coachings & interviews @ BCG | I will teach you the core skills needed to ace your fit & case interviews

Hi Eric, that's unfortunate to hear especially given the good news about the first round. It's important to acknowledge that companies may be pausing hiring due to several reasons which may include budget issues, company restructuring, economic uncertainty, etc. The best approach at this stage is to: 

1. be respectful and understanding about their current situation, and express your continued interest to join them once things resolve

2. reach back proactively in September - always helpful to add a calendar reminder

3. continue hiring elsewhere - if you get a separate job offer, it can potentially pressure them to fast-track your recruitment process in September, and will also give you an edge during offer negotiation 

It's understandable to feel frustrated and disappointed but always remember that, despite these uncertain times, you were still determined to be a viable candidate - otherwise, they could have simply rejected you already.

Hope this helps!

Rami

Ian
Coach
edited on Jul 20, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi Eric,

There's only 1 course of action here - wait and message again in two months.

There is nothing “awkward” about it! Simply message them again in early/mid September (not Sept 1), and see if they have an update.

In the meantime, continue casing at a slow and steady pace (by the way, breaks are just fine!)

Here's some reading to improve your casing: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

And some reading to improve your behavioral: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

Deleted user
on Jul 21, 2022

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about this, I know the wait must be frustrating. But it's great to know that you are going to be moved forward! This is nothing to do with you as a candidate, they are likely just dealing with a large backlog of applicants. There is nothing awkward about the situation. My advice would be:

1. Be proactive in reaching back out in September. It's great that they've given you a clear timeline on this, so make sure you check up on it yourself once the right time has come. Call or email the recruiter in early September to check up on the situation.

2. Continue recruiting with other firms in the meantime. There's no reason to put all your eggs in one basket, and who knows what the situation will look like hiring-wise come September.

11
Deleted user
on Jul 21, 2022

Sorry to hear this. There could be so many things beyond your control leading to this. No point fretting, let it go.

Check back with them in Sept but continue to recruit elsewhere. Dont rely too much on them.

All the best.

9
Clara
Coach
on Jul 21, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Sorry to hear about this, I am sure there are sadly going to be more posts like this one in the near future here…

you can´t do anything atm, apart from checking back in Sept. However, it can be beyond September, so do interview with others at the same time. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Moritz
Coach
on Jul 21, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

I get your frustration but you’re actually in a good position for recruiting with this firm (ignoring any personal circumstances outside of this process).

You cleared the last round and were given a timeline to continue. Why would it be awkward to follow the timeline/process as they laid it out? You’re not being ghosted and they have your name high up in the schedule for September.

Just don’r drop the ball with your preparation and reach out again when the time comes! Best of luck!

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