Career Questions and Answers
How long should you wait to hear from a potential employer?
Asked by Elliot H
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.
Asked by Elliot H
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.
A:
Best Answer:
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.
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.
A:
Did you get the contact (email or tel of your interviewer. It would be a good time to give them a courtesy call to enquire on the outcome of your interview. Never hurts to show your prospective employer that you are hungry & eager to work for them.
Answered by Maddie
Answered by Maddie
A:
Call them now. Moer than a couple of days is plenty. Show that you are ambitious,.
Answered by Johnny
Answered by Johnny
A:
don't wait. call.
Answered by Rich M
Answered by Rich M
A:
I would wait a week at the most - unless the HR or Hiring Manager is on vacation, then call the first day back.
If you're really interested, call and ask for a manager or supervisor or HR. If it's a big corp, ask for the HR phone number. Call and check on your application. It's how I got my job!
Answered by Silly Girl
Answered by Silly Girl
A:
Get back to them if you want the job. What have you to loose? If anything, you are showing enthuisia... that your'e keen.
Answered by Mash
Answered by Mash
A:
You can send them a follow up letter, thanking them for their interest. Also ask them if you could meet with them for a possible interview.
you may want to check out MONSTER.COM they have some draft letters there.
Good Luck to you!!
Answered by Michele R
Answered by Michele R
A:
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
Answered by etnam90
Answered by etnam90
A:
I wait for a week then ring and show interest - just dont be pushy
Answered by j_w_wales
Answered by j_w_wales
A:
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.
Answered by gennaro c
Answered by gennaro c
A:
I would contact them to show that you are still interested in the position. However, in the mean time I would seek other employment.
Answered by kutwana f
Answered by kutwana f
A:
You should send them a letter thanking for the interview so you will be in there minds so they may reply. Don't give up
Answered by Robert C
Answered by Robert C
A:
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.
Answered by Ranjer
Answered by Ranjer
A:
call them then move on if they are still not sure
Answered by osageavenger
Answered by osageavenger
A:
I just got a call about a job I applied for a year ago. (gov't). Some employers drag their heels. Call them, but don't hold your breath and don't put off any actual offers you get from other employers.
Answered by sunshine_today
Answered by sunshine_today
A:
2 weeks.
Answered by mx3baby
Answered by mx3baby
A:
You might ask once a while so they know you are very interested in the position. I would keep looking though.
Answered by Fantasy Girl
Answered by Fantasy Girl
A:
Man, don't wait. ALWAYS call them and check. bother them. Make them know you want to work ^_^
Answered by Wade S
Answered by Wade S
A:
A week or two.
If no reply, contact them about it.
Answered by Jeffrey S
Answered by Jeffrey S
A:
at least a month
Answered by JeremyBro25
Answered by JeremyBro25
A:
2 weeks.
Answered by AJ
Answered by AJ
A:
give up its not worth it
go for another job youll probley like it better
Answered by lilsna13
Answered by lilsna13
A:
i would call them and see whats up it could'nt hurt. If you have other offers you can't just hold out for that one particular job. I would call them and then find out whats going on and if they dont return your call them i would move on to one of the other offers
Answered by lilhuggerz83
Answered by lilhuggerz83
A:
No less than one week, but most certainly no more than two. You need to work on YOUR TIMETABLE, not on theirs.
Very few employers have the decency to call, e-mail or send a simple card to a prospective employer who hasn't been selected. So it is up to you to find out where you stand and move on from there.
Answered by imagineworldwide
Answered by imagineworldwide
A:
contact them now.....i'd say about a week is long enough on something like that.
Answered by punklawgrad
Answered by punklawgrad
A:
wait two days, then call them, because you have to show them you want the job, and you are serious about it.
Answered by jongoinsdc
Answered by jongoinsdc
A:
not long
Answered by parka
Answered by parka
A:
one week
Answered by spelz83
Answered by spelz83
A:
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.
Answered by puzlemethys
Answered by puzlemethys
A:
1-3 weeks
Answered by Tyrus
Answered by Tyrus
A:
Elliot,
You might have waited too long
already.
Call them ASAP!
Good luck!
Answered by vim
Answered by vim
A:
I would call them back sometime next week. P.S. Don't ever "wait" to hear from a potential employer. You should always be in the hot pursuit of another potential employer. Good luck!!
Answered by Stephanie
Answered by Stephanie
A:
Well they can't keep you waiting becuase you might pass up and offer that you really like just for something you may or may not get an interview in other words just look for what is better in the long run.
Answered by Fatima A
Answered by Fatima A
A:
I would prob. give them a call after 48 hrs...and carry on with your other opportunities....If they are the ones that messed up, they can contact you in the near future.... i wouldn't suspect that they would expect you to be sitting there waiting for them either...'carry on'...and best of luck!
Answered by pea.cole
Answered by pea.cole
A:
It's probably a little late now, I usually do not wait more than two days to remind them I'm available.
Answered by quikzip7
Answered by quikzip7
A:
you should never wait
get out there and ask another person for a job
or
go and find a new way for the first employer to want you
nobody pays you to wait politely.
respect your time more.
I am an employer. I am interested in only those who are offended if I dont call back with a yes or no
Answered by Damian D
Answered by Damian D
A:
2 weeks.
Answered by Elizabeth R
Answered by Elizabeth R
A:
Send them a follow up weekly.
Answered by helixburger
Answered by helixburger
A:
According to Friday magazine of the Gulf News, the author of the recruiting columns claims to wait for more than a week to 2 weeks maximum. After which the candidate in between has to ring once to know the status and after 2 weeks to give yet another call and get to know the seriousness of the company applied to.
Answered by KAPTAIN M
Answered by KAPTAIN M
A:
Different companies have different procedures and formalities in their Personnel - HRD Dept and certain rules that are to be followed as per Govt guidelines. In view of this there may be a delay in informing you but in any case it should not exceeds 30 days.In the circumstances if this period is over and no contacts have been established between with you then you are very much make sure yourself that company is not interested in you.Good LUCK To you.
Answered by shri
Answered by shri
A:
GIVE A CALL BACK ....QUESTION IF THE POSITION IS STILL OPEN......ASK IF YOU ARE BEING CONSIDERED BECAUSE YOU WANT TO PROCEED WITH APPLICATIONS ELSEWHERE.....IF YOU ARE NOT.....
Answered by flowerspirit2000
Answered by flowerspirit2000
A:
MY rule of thumb is 3 days...and then if they dont say to not call- I give them till MOnday of the next week...Mondays are always the GOOD day..
Answered by ceaceagogo
Answered by ceaceagogo
A:
ok well this is what I do, I call them everyday, This shows them that you are interested in the job, I have gotten every job this way. Good Luck
Answered by Rondi
Answered by Rondi
A:
I would not wait over a week, then i would call them and ask if they have made a decision yet. This way it reminds them you are still there and that you are interested in the position.
Answered by roncarolhillsstupid
Answered by roncarolhillsstupid
A:
Give them a courtesy call to see what's going on. At least you're showing them that you're interested in working for them. If you don't hear anything by next week after you call, then it's time to go on to other potential employers. Good luck, dear!
Answered by SHERITA H
Answered by SHERITA H
A:
i you have not heard back from them by now you need to contact them.
Answered by jen the generator
Answered by jen the generator
A:
contact them weekly for one month, more if they encourage you to do so; two months if you really want the job badly. Also, salary is to be considered. One month of searching for every 10 thousand dollars annually. If the ad says immediate hire, two weeks tops.
Answered by dertedfive
Answered by dertedfive
A:
Time's out, move on with your other offers.
Answered by Danny B
Answered by Danny B
A:
I would not wait longer than 3 days. If you're really interested in the job the sooner you answer the better it will be for you.
Answered by Chuck
Answered by Chuck
A:
After a week you can pretty much hang it up, but in the meantime while you are waiting you need to be networking with other potential employers. No one has to hire you but if you put the footwork in someone will!
Answered by synchronicity915
Answered by synchronicity915
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