Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Response time HR

Hello everyone,

I've received reapplication offers from two MBB companies for this year and expressed my interest via email. However, I've been waiting for a response for over three weeks. Is it appropriate to send a follow-up email, or is this response time considered normal?

8
700+
12
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Alberto
Coach
on Dec 10, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | MBB Coach | 95% success rate | +13 yrs in consulting | +2,000 real interviews in 3 firms

Hi there,

Response delays from recruiting are normal during the end of the year as they are under the water.

In any case, 3 weeks is more than enough to do a follow up with both firms to check next steps.

You can also check how the recruiting process works from an internal MBB perspective here: 

MBB Hiring Hacks - Behind the Curtain Secrets

Best,

Alberto

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

on Dec 06, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi!

Great to hear you're reapplying. 

Three weeks is not problematic, unless they communicated a deadline by which they should've answered. 

If I were you though, I would reach out with an email latest end of next week. Hopefully, you reach them before the holidays. 

Also, make sure that you apply to other firms as well. Do try to diversify as much as you can. Sharing a resource with the sort of principles you should have in mind when putting together an application:


Good luck!
Cristian

Moritz
Coach
on Dec 14, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

First of all, this is good news!

Is it appropriate to send a follow-up email, or is this response time considered normal?

These two things are not mutually exclusive. From my point of view, the (non-)response time is still reasonable, but there's nothing preventing you from writing a friendly follow-up email after three weeks.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Moritz

_______________________________________________________
>> Need a specialized McKinsey coach & mentor? 
     See my full profile 
>> Need real McKinsey cases?
     Zero Carbon Mine (hard)
     Car Convenience (Intermediate + brand new)

on Dec 07, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I've been waiting for a response for over three weeks. Is it appropriate to send a follow-up email?

After 3 weeks it is fine to follow up with HR.

Good luck!

Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Dec 06, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

After 3 weeks it's appropriate to send a follow-up.

Better yet, reach out to the person who referred you to see if they can see if there's an update (always good to have that person on the inside nudge the recruiting team)

on Dec 06, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Hi there, what was your question to them? Why do you not just apply again? They will see in internal systems stat you are a reapplicant. Best of luck! Freddy

Anonymous
on Dec 06, 2023
Hi Frederic, thank you for your message. I asked them about the re-application process since the previous recruiter told me that they might use a different process (since I already passed the online tests). I wanted to make sure that I didn’t got an auto-ban from the process since I previously applied in the same year.
Anonymous A
on Dec 06, 2023
And last time I got a referral, so I asked a question to ask whether my referral still got his bonus if I got accepted this time around.
on Dec 06, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Ok thanks for the clarification, fair question and 3 weeks too long of a wait. I'd try to call and if no success go ahead with normal application.
Dennis
Coach
on Dec 06, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi,

if it was a question you really need their feedback on, then it is appropriate to follow up. Three weeks is a long time to not hear back and at this point your inquiry likely got overlooked. 

Best

Pedro
Coach
on Dec 06, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

While waiting 3 weeks is within the normal range, it is also perfectly acceptable that you reach out to them and ask about current status.

Similar Questions
Consulting
HR asked me for a call after McK round 1 interviews
on Oct 30, 2024
Global
6
1.0k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
59
6 Answers
1.0k Views
+3
Consulting
How long does it usually take for PwC Middle East to respond after a final interview?
on Feb 01, 2025
Global
4
1.5k
Top answer by
Dennis
Coach
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
39
4 Answers
1.5k Views
+1
Consulting
McKinsey C&I Analyst Final Round Interview
on Dec 26, 2024
Global
6
600+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
19
6 Answers
600+ Views
+3
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.