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Long response time from PwC

Hello,

I finished all my interviews with PwC middle east a month ago. I followed up by email twice with HR, and they said they'll get back to me asap. I feel like it is taking forever, with no clear direction. Should I call HR to get more details? Or contact one of my interviewers? Please advise. Thank you.

8 Answers
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Top answer
Anonymous
on Feb 20, 2021

Hey, 

Thats okay, BIG4 have been taking a bit long to get back these past 2-3 months based on my experience coaching many candidates these past few months. Its anywhere from 2-4 weeks at least. I suggest be patient & relax. Dont fret too much as am sure you gave your best in the interviews. Let things happen.

Nudge them (HR and you main interviewer) in 2 weeks if you dont hear anything back. Otherwise kick up some urgency if you have another offer. Use that to leverage. Otherwise best is to sit tight :).

Fingers crossed for you.

18
Ian
Coach
on Feb 20, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I hope you didn't follow up twice in a short period of time? Ideally you should wait about 2 weeks between reach-outs.

For your next one, I highly recommend just giving them a ring!

Gaurav
Coach
on Feb 22, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

It's pretty common that it takes that long for them to reply. Reach out again - and why not trying with the interviewer? 

Calling might be more efficient, that's for sure. 

Cheers, GB

Anonymous B
on Feb 20, 2021

 Been in the same position with you regarding PwC Middle East. Keep sending weekly emails to the HR asking for updates. In fact, try give them a call. From all my experiences I've been through, PwC Middle East has the WORSE HR system. 

11
Dennis
Coach
on Apr 10, 2024
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

before offer decisions are communicated after the final round, they have to be aligned between HR and the interviewers in the process. This can sometimes take time for various reasons. A few common ones are listed below for a general overview:

  • internal scheduling conflicts between HR and the interviewers, especially when partners need to be involved
  • the firm is still conducting more final round interviews with other candidates and they might want to wait for that to play out to look at the full candidate picture before extending final offers
  • offers have been extended to “first choice” candidates and the firm is trying to keep “backup” candidates on hold until they know who accepted and who declined their first batch of offers
  • holidays or year-end shutdown delay the decision-making and communication process
  • there is uncertainty internally around budget and the exact headcount they can actually hire so they are trying to buy time

I know that this is unsettling and every candidate wants to have clarity on the status sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, you'll always have to wait for the official word. It is legitimate, though, to politely follow up for an update after not hearing back for two weeks. If you have a competing offer already, you should of course follow up before you run the risk of that expiring.

However, it is best to just assume a rejection and continue with the recruiting efforts with other firms until you have a written offer in your hands. That way you at least won't lose time.

Best of luck

Florian
Coach
on Feb 22, 2021
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,
In general, I always recommend calling people instead of emailing (more personal, more efficient, you will get a better answer).

I have heard from several candidates now that ME offices of different firms take a while to reply these days...

  • Wait a bit more (2 weeks), then call again
  • If you have a cross offer and need to decide, call them right away and explain your situation

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,
Florian

Clara
Coach
on Feb 22, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

It´s unusual tbh. 

They have to give you an answer, hence, don´t hesitate to contact HR. 

If they don´t respond, I would totally kindly follow up with the interviewers. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Raj
Coach
on Feb 21, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

This is normal, and I'd recommend you find a contact within the consulting team (not HR) who you can reach out to. Find alumni or find your interviewers on LinkedIn. They'll have better answers for you than going to HR

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