Follow up after the timeline the recruiter provided; if none was given, a polite check-in after several business days is reasonable.

Consulting interview feedback often needs multiple interviewers and recruiting coordination. Silence alone does not tell you the outcome. Repeated messages can distract without accelerating the decision.

If the recruiter said you'd hear by Friday and it's now midweek the following week, one concise email is appropriate. Mention an external deadline only if it is genuine.

Thank the interviewer, ask whether there is an updated timeline, and continue other applications until you have an offer. A measured approach to handling recruiter silence and follow-up is better than repeated messages without new information.

It's rough when one firm is silent and your other offer has an expiry date. I included the deadline in my follow-up.

I think one polite email after the date they gave is fair. Beyond that I'd wait.