Lateral timeline during holidays

Based on the most helpful WSO content, delays in the lateral hiring process during the holiday season are quite common. Many firms experience a slowdown in decision-making due to key decision-makers being out on vacation or the general end-of-year lull. This is especially true for top BBs, where processes can already be lengthy and bureaucratic.

Here’s what you should consider:

1. Holiday Impact: The holiday season often causes delays in scheduling final rounds or providing feedback. Many hiring managers and HR personnel are out of office, and decisions are typically deferred until after the New Year.

2. Not Necessarily a Silent Reject: A lack of response doesn’t automatically mean rejection. It could simply be a matter of timing, especially if your last round was right before the holiday week. Silent rejections are more common when there’s no follow-up after weeks or months, but during the holidays, patience is key.

3. Next Steps:

   • Wait until the second or third week of January before following up again. By then, most teams will be back in full swing.
   • If you haven’t heard back by mid-January, send a polite follow-up email to HR or your recruiter to inquire about the status of your application.

4. Stay Proactive: While waiting, continue networking and exploring other opportunities. It’s always good to have multiple options in case this one doesn’t pan out.

In short, the holiday season likely caused the delay, so don’t lose hope just yet. Keep following up tactfully and stay prepared for when things pick up in January!

Sources: Waiting For Official Offer For Two Months Already, 2016 APD/ADC MBB Full Time Recruiting Updates, Recruitment Set Back To "Normal", What excuses do you guys use to take time off for interviews?, Navigating the Unemployment Terrain