How long should you wait to hear from a potential employer?

Question

I applied to Mckinsey's for a business analyst position, as a graduate, that I really liked about a month ago. I was then sent a reply asking why I left my previous employer to study towards an MSc this year on the 19th of July which I replied to the next day.

So its now the 28th and I've not heard back, how long do I wait before I try to get in touch with them? Like the job but I've got other offers and can't keep them waiting too long! I don't even know if I'll be invited to interview yet.

Answer 1

By all means call McKinsey and tell them you need to know if they're interested because you have other offers but you should assume they don't want to see you.

Unfortunately a lot of companies never issue rejections to unsuccessful candidates. They work on the basis that the guy they do hire might not work out, which would force them to look at the other applicants again. If they never formally reject you they don't have to admit you're the second choice if they're forced to talk to you again. It's a pretty nasty way of operating, but it happens a lot.

Alternatively, McKinsey might just be slow at processing applications. Bottom line is that if you have an offer on the table for a job you like and think you'd be good at you should grab it and forget about McKinsey.

Answer 2

The best thing to do in a situation like this would have been to send a "Thank you for your time and if there is any other info you need..." letter..it would have been better to do it the day after but you still could do it. However if it has been this long and you've heard nothing it is probably safe to move on. If you really want that job then show some initiative and call the company back speak to the interviewer or HR and ask if the postion has been filled yet or if the interviews are still going on. I would not turn down other offers that sound promising waiting for this one . Besides unless you sign a contract you are not forced to stay at any postion you take and could always resign if the job you want is offered to you.

Answer 3

In your situation you need to let them know that you've gotten other offers but that their positon may be the best fit for you and therefore you want to talk to them asap. They will appreciate the urgency and get moving ... this may mean a quick reject or more likely a quick interview and fast paced highering process because of the competetive situation. You may need to let the firm(s) that have made you offers that you need more time to decide and will they grant you more time? If they say yes, you're in good shape. If they say no you may want to go ahead and take the new job knowing that you may quit it within a few weeks. Some people will this is bad form but it goes on a lot. You are actually in a great position because it forces employers to realize who you are and makes them take pause to think about you. Mindshare is a big part of career growth. Look out for number 1 in this -- you've got some leverage - use it! After you're hired it will be difficult to negotiate raises, benefits, perks, time off, etc. but right now you are in the drivers seat ... get something out of it. Empoyers no longer expect people to stay with one company their whole lives so behavior that once might have been viewed as undedicated now is common place. It is how to continue to move up in your career. I am a manger at a large company and I've hired a lot of people over the years. My Dad, a former executive at a large company used to say - "jobs are like girlfriends ... if you have one, opportunities for another seem to come up al the time. If you don't have one it seems impossible to get one." The analogy works for job offers as well .... Be assertive and aggressive - it will impress empoyers ... stop wondering if you should call - just call. Be oportunistic - its how people advance. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Don't wait long. There is a lot less danger of turning off an employer by checking back too quick than there is of an employer saying, "Well, she/he must not be very interested because they never did check back." Remember that employers need employees as much as employees need employers. And, for the length of time that the potential employer has you on hold, hold on to your job search. No matter how good a potential job seems, let me tell you from experience: very seldom does your whole life and career depend on that one job. It depends on YOU, your unique talents, skills, and motivation. If you have the right stuff, and play your cards right, you are going to the top. The people who go the whole road from early career to success are the ones who ALWAYS weigh their best options, ALWAYS take moderate risks when the odds seem good, and NEVER NEVER NEVER let somebody else's butt occupy the driver's seat! They're the boss 'til 5 or whenever, they decide who to hire and so on, but you're really the man or woman in control of your choices, your options, your outcome, and your bosses, people-skilled or not,don't look out after you, not because they're jackasses, but because that's your job. You rock, you're in demand, you're needed badly by several bosses and at least one of them is going to be your door to a great future,. so never stand at the door with your hat in your hand and wait TOO LONG for an answer! Like the begging posture of the Yellowstone bear, this is a classic loser position.

Answer 5

Companies sometime do the hurry up and wait trick when it come to hiring candidates. The fact that they asked you a question is a sign of interest on their part. You will find if they are interested in hiring you they will want you to start as soon as possible. Always give notice to your present employer as a courtesy before leaving, it will show your prospective employer that you are considerate and professional. If you have a solid offer from someone else "take it" if you are not working. The other company may never call you and then you will be out of a job.

Answer 6

In my experience these types never let you know if they've NOT selected you for interview, which is very irritating. You would expect to hear in 7-14 days.

If you've got a contact give them a chase, but even if they offer you an interview it could take 6 weeks to go through the process and not get a job. But don't waste time on them, go with the genuine offers you have now.

If you want to know what thes places are like to work in check out vault.com. You have to pay for full info but this is an important decision. If you do look remember most people hate their job/employer and like a moan so read between the lines.

Good Luck

Answer 7

It can take as long as 6 weeks before a potential employer contacts you after the interview. Did you send a hand-written thank you note to the interviewer, or at least follow up with e-mail? 11 days is not sufficient time for hiring managers and human resources departments to go through all resumes and interviewees and make a decision. Contact the company; tenacity in these situations is often rewarded.

Answer 8

Unfortunately a lot of companies never issue rejections to unsuccessful candidates. They work on the basis that the guy they do hire might not work out, which would force them to look at the other applicants again. If they never formally reject you they don't have to admit you're the second choice if they're forced to talk to you again. It's a pretty nasty way of operating, but it happens a lot.

Alternatively, McKinsey might just be slow at processing applications. Bottom line is that if you have an offer on the table for a job you like and think you'd be good at you should grab it and forget about McKinsey.

Answer 9

Generally, it's okay to ask (at any point in the process): When should candidates expect a decision on this position? If you're fairly sure they received your response to their most recent question, contact them again as soon as you can. If possible, stop by in person - this way, you'll be sure they get the message, and you can inquire as to what point their at in their application/interview process. Considering you have other options competing for your attention, it's more than polite to Mckinsey's to give them up to 2 weeks to give you their answer. That way, even if they say yes, you've been more than fair and can walk away from it with poise.
Good luck, and I hope it all works out for you.

Answer 10

In today's busy world, and with good job oppertunities being scarce, I personally would call the potential employer at least two or three times a week until I either get the job, or they tell me that it has been filled. It may be benificial to go to the place where you put in your application at least twice a week as well, and insist on speaking to the manager or the person in charge of hireing, This tells them that you are serious about geting hired.