Sorry for the delay…both from me and from them!

I have to admit I don’t have a good guess for what’s going on. As you say, the economy may be a factor, or, as you are starting to expect, it simply could be a reflection of the way the company operates, or at least HR. But there are lots of good companies with inefficient processes (keeps folks like me employed) that may still provide a great opportunity for you.

You’re smart to think twice about contacting HR directly, since your main contact is local. In this case, for the sake of your own relationship building, wait a few more days and then call your local contact just to get a feel for how things are going and if this is an offer you can count on so you can stop looking elsewhere. Just remember these things do take time and in a large company there may be 5 or more people who need to sign off, all with their own piles of things calling for their attention.

Good luck getting your answer soon or at least having the patience to wait it out until you do. It really sounds hopeful, but if you are at all unsure this one is for real, get back to looking again. It can’t hurt and, as I always say, you never know what fate might find for you.

Ronnie Ann

The phone conference with HR a week and a half ago went well, it felt upbeat and positive. It did not result in an offer. Previous to my meeting with HR, I had received a call from the local office manager stating that this talk would contain an offer of employment. Based on that call I completely changed my class schedule in order to accommodate a full work week. I dropped four classes and picked up a Saturday class in order to maintain my standing with school. My intent is to finish up my degree online.

However, I was informed during the meeting (#5) that this call was yet another step in the interview progression. Afterwards, I emailed my referrals to HR and it is my understanding that they were not called till the following Thursday. I had not heard from anyone in either the local office or the New York headquarters regarding my status and yesterday called the local office manager to ask if she had any information. She said she had not heard anything and promised to drop an inquiry to HR.

As you can imagine I have reached a frustration level that is now affecting my vision of this company. I have given myself a good talking to and realize the economy may be a factor, though I know for certain that they need to fill this position. At this point my self-esteem is tanking and I’m ready to move on.

Would it be appropriate for me to call HR directly if they do not contact me by tomorrow? Would this action be considered pushy, seeing that I spoke to the local office manager recently? What would be a suitable time frame?

Thank you very much for making yourself available as a sounding board. Your forum has been a great help.

Best of luck in your new job. You earned it.

Ronnie Ann

I wrote notes to both the VP and office manager with an honest assessment of my performance during the third interview. I did not hear back from the VP, but the office manager contacted me two weeks later with a request for a fourth interview with the head of sales. She was pleasant and understanding and could not have been nicer. This meeting was held yesterday and today I received a call from HR requesting a phone conference on Friday to discuss an offer. YEA!

Your advice was right on the money, nothing gained nothing lost.

But since you had done really well up to that point, I would take a chance and write the VP, letting her know exactly what happened. And I’d copy the Office Manager so she also sees your note. Stress your strength and your commitment to doing the best job for them possible. Make the note as positive and forward-looking as possible…and then say you hope she will give you the chance to show her just how much you have to offer the company.

If you aren’t out of the running yet, then this will just reaffirm your strength and desire for the position. And if they decided to take a pass, then this might just do the trick. Nothing lost and maybe…just maybe…you’ll get a call.

That doesn’t mean you just sit and wait. Keep the job hunt momentum going. But a note like this is worth a shot.

Good luck. Please let us know what happens.

Ronnie Ann

That morning I didn’t feel great, but felt canceling was not an option. I arrived on time for my appointment, but was kept waiting for a half hour. During the wait a headache developed and by the time I was ushered in to the conference room I was a nervous wreck.

When the VP asked me about previous clients, I froze. For a few minutes I experienced the worst mind blip. I simply went blank. She must have thought I was an idiot. I have followed up with a thank you note, but she has not contacted me. I’m devastated. The worst part is that I would have been great in the position, having eighteen successful years experience in the field. Any suggestions for fixing this mess, or should I just forget about it and move on?

Ronnie Ann

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll let everyone know if I ever hear from them again.

Ronnie Ann