This is almost the year-end and the beginning of a new year. I potentially could have my interview scheduled so soon, and everything could be wrapped up by the end of this year assuming things go on smoothly, or I would have my next rounds extended into Dec and Jan next year.
What is a typical hiring timeline for experienced hires? Do folks have better chances of getting in if they landed in a time period where there's more headcount planned? If so, when is the best time for the interview?
Hi there,
1) What is a typical hiring timeline for experienced hires?
Usually experienced hires are hired all year round. The scheduled timeline of the interviews depends on several factors, from the availability of the interviewers to the urgency to cover a certain position.
2) Do folks have better chances of getting in if they landed in a time period where there's more headcount planned? If so, when is the best time for the interview?
In theory yes, simply due to demand and supply. During COVID I helped a candidate who was told he passed the interview for a specific MBB office but didn’t get hired there as the office had a hiring freeze (he was offered the option to move to a different office). You still need to reach a minimum bar in any case though.
It is very difficult to recommend the best time to apply for experienced hires as it depends on the internal dynamics of the firm and office. Normally just an insider will know that.
Best,
Francesco
Experienced hires don't have a fixed cycle like official campus recruiting. If you were invited to interview, it is likely that the headcount is already budgeted for.
If you are interviewing for a specific industry, then the slots are even less ‘cyclical’ than a generalist experienced hire.
In the event of too much supply (i.e. too many offers or candidates who have passed the bar vs business needs), some firms have been known to delay the start date of the candidates (e.g. 6-9 months later).
In short - the best time is when you are ready for the interview. Don't rush it if you don't feel you are ready - I have interviewed too many experienced hire candidates who have the potential but failed to make the cut due to insufficient preparation.
There is no set timeline for experienced hires in general consulting roles as it is outside of the academic recruitment process.
I have seen the process move relatively quickly and slowly for McKinsey and it is largely driven by how ready you are (and of course partner availability to interview). The good thing about experienced hire recruitment is that you always have the flexibility to push it out a few weeks if needed.
The roles that tend to be time bound are roles where a particular expertise is required, so a specialist track or an associate position in say the PE team because there they are often hiring to fulfill an immediate client need.
Hope this helps,
Udayan
Hi there,
Quite simply you should apply when you are ready. If you are ready now, then you should interview now (instead of burning out). If you are not ready, then give yourself the adequate time to prepare for January. It's really that simple!
Hi there,
I am also an experienced hire and I can confirm the timelines are long, particularly if you are off-organized-wave recruit. The delay is usually given that all people that interviewed you must submit their feedback and this can take long as everyone's agenda is extremely packed. So count with delays, but a delay doesn't mean anything bad, it is just an organizational thing. Still, I would strongly recommend reaching out to HR and asking for an update and a new timeline.
During my recruiting, I had another offer and I couldn't delay more (my recruiting process with BCG took 4 months and I was chasing them!) hence I pressed BCG to give me feedback by a certain time and despite that, it was hard for them, they stick to that (I got my offer).
Good luck
Lucie
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