HR: "Still interviewing other candidates . . . what are your thoughts?"

Recently I completed two rounds of interviews for a position I'm very excited about, whereby I met the whole team. I received several replies to my thank you notes, each indicating I'd hear back very shortly.

After more than a week of radio silence, I followed-up with one of the senior bankers running the process, who tells me she'll get HR to accelerate a response, as they know I'm engaged in other processes.

HR contacts me a few days later with a friendly e-mail. Message is essentially: "We're still interviewing candidates and may not be able to fit your timeframe for a decision . . . what are your thoughts?"

Normally, I'd take the first part of the answer as a pretty clear ding. But, the second part vexes me, as I was prompted for some sort of response.

How would you interpret? How would you respond, if at all?

5 Comments
 

Your acceptable but not ideal, if they find no one better than you're their guy. Ask them for a timeframe when you can expect an answer

 
"SA-123456"

Your acceptable but not ideal, if they find no one better than you're their guy. Ask them for a timeframe when you can expect an answer

"TechBanking"

The above poster is likely right. I'd respond with something along the lines of "While I am considering several opportunities, your group is my top choice. Any guidance on when you might be able to make a decision would be appreciated."

Thanks. Isn't it odd though that HR asked for my "thoughts" on the timeline? The whole progression of the process has been odd, actually. After initial interviews with a couple of senior bankers, I was immediately asked to come in for second round interviews to meet the whole team, including the group head. Group head laid out next steps and said I should expect to hear back very shortly. Thought it was going well.

 

Qui dolores alias dolores omnis. Quos tempora a nesciunt sint est facilis voluptatibus. Quo cumque vero iure perferendis explicabo autem. Quo voluptatem deserunt totam quia voluptas quia aliquam. Inventore quas neque sapiente repellendus quo saepe est. Expedita sed quos aut iste dicta excepturi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”