3 weeks since my final Interview at big 4. Should I even be hopeful at this point?

Hi there,

Unlike MBB, Big 4 take quite some time to provide outcomes (in particular in the Middle East). So you cannot really infer much from the waiting time (although usually the more you wait, the less likely is the offer).

In any case, the truth is: you cannot do anything at this stage to change the outcome. Thinking whether you are “screwed” or not is going to have zero effect on whether you get the offer.

I agree with Cedric and Ian that a good strategy is to prepare a solid plan B. If you have not applied to the other companies, I would start to look for referrals there.

You can find more on that at the link below:

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

Best,

Francesco

I have to say that sadly there is nothing more you can do. So being anxious (while being normal) will not lead you anywhere unfortunately.

Sadly, it's hard to know whether or not it's a good thing. If the answer was already known, the HR would probably flat out tell you, you didn't make it rather than telling you there is no answer yet.

So I think, the best thing you can do is keep going with your interview process and try to start getting interviews with other companies (other Big 4, tier 1, tier 2, boutiques, the choice is extremely large).

And if you don't make it with EY, while being sad that's really not the end of the world. Life is a journey, join another cosultancy that you like and in 18months-2years if you still want to you can then apply again to EY.

Hi there,

I'm sorry you've had to wait so long - certainly understand your frustration here!

If there is no answer yet, yes you should be hopeful. They would have informed you if you were a flat-out no. That said, even if were day 1, you should always hope for the best but plan for the worst.

That also said, you didn't help yourself by emailing them 3 weeks in a row. Next time, please exercise a bit more patience! Think about it from their end - does you messaging them have any potential upside? No. Does it have potential downside (getting them annoyed, there being a type-o or negative-sounding sentence, etc)? Yes.

This is the absolute worst part of interviewing - having to wait for your results. The best thing you can do is to make a plan for any option B for yourself.

In terms of whether it is hopeless - hard to say but if they really wanted to reject you they would have done it by now. There is no benefit to keep you waiting. It is very likely they are waiting for all interviews to benchmark all candidates and select the ones they want to hire.

Best,

Udayan

Its not a reject/accept until you get one. So remain hopeful but dont bank on it too much & have other options going in parallel while you are waiting. There could be so many factors at play behind the scenes which you have no control/visibility over.

Sorry to hear that! While waiting - you can focus on any backup options you have. It will keep you busy, and also be helpful if you are rejected there. But never give up until you get an official result! Fingers crossed

Big4 are less structured than MBB so don't expect the same structure and timelines