Timeframe of hearing back after final interview

Hello!

Congrats on the interviews, particularly in the ME, where most processes have been stopped. 

Usually they would come back within next week -only time to sit everyone together and defrief-. 

However, it could be -it´s happening-, that they tell you they need a bit more clarity on their project´s pipeline in order to make a decision. If this is the case, we are talking about weeks. 

Best of luck to u!

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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.

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

Hi there,

For a manager role, it could get a bit longer than consultant or more junior roles. Because usually for senior roles they need to get more internal alignment, and for some companies, internal approval needed at a regional level for the Headcount. Given COVID I would imagine the process would be more lengthy and stringent as well.

Good luck,

Emily

Hi there,

Normally 1-2 weeks for them to get back to you - be patient until the 2 week mark.

Please be prepared for them to potentially delay the start date  (if accepted) once they do reach out to you.

Keep us posted!

By the way, if anyone is interested in trying out cases that deal with other impacts of COVID-19, check out these two cases:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/brain-teaser/beginner/coronavirus-times-194

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/chinese-chess-191

Dear A,

Kearney is pretty famous for its long interview process. So this might take 3-4 weeks to get back to you. 

Wish you good luck,
and fingers crossed to get an offer

André

Hi Anonymous,

Usually the decision is made within a couple of days. I don't have any insights specifically in Kearney Middle East, but I'd assume it is the same as for McKinsey.

Altogether recruiting was coming close to a full stop in the region, so it's definitely a very positive sign that you went through the process.

However, I heard about many severly distorted timelines, so there is no need to get worried immediately - in many cases, this also depends on clarity of projects from the firm's side in this turbulent times and thus HR demand .. and currently we still have very low visibility on that.

Just one aspect you can consider doing differently is instead of just emailing, try to catch HR on the phone and ask your questions. Apart from the synchronous communication media giving you a faster respone, you can also try to hear between the lines to get a more complete picture.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Hi there,

I hope by now you already have an answer. Usually Tier 1 and 2 companies extend offers within few days, however:

1) In the Middle East some companies are extremely slow in terms of providing results. I am not sure about Kearny, but Strategy& is notorious for that

2) The COVID may lead to delays in the decision, in particular given your position is a manager one.

Best,

Francesco

Hi, 

I remember when I got my Consultant offer @BCG, it tooks week to get the official offer. Sometimes, there is just one signature missing and it can take time, and even more due ot COVID crisis

Best