Hi Ronnie Ann,
I recently applied for an out of town, entry-level position as I have been in the process of changing fields. The company’s large, and a recruiter emailed to set up a phone interview with me. She missed our scheduled interview, and I sent an email asking if she wanted to reschedule.
She wrote back and we finally had the phone interview several days later. It went well, and she told me that she would give my info to the hiring manager and be in touch soon to let me know about the next step. I sent a thank you email reiterating my interest in the job and letting her know that relocation was not an issue for me as I have close family in the city where the job is.
On the following business day the same recruiter sent me an email asking if I would be in that city at any time in the near future visiting my family, and if so she said that they would like to bring me in for an interview. Now, I’ve been flown to cities before for interviews, but since this is an entry-level job I understand that they may not be willing to fly in out of town candidates. So I sent her an e-mail saying I would be happy to fly myself for an in-person interview.
Well, the recruiter finally wrote back. And I have to say, I was quite surprised by what she wrote…
She told me that she would check with the rest of the team to see if they wanted me to fly in because they were in final rounds with another candidate and she wouldn’t want me to make all those arrangements if they were close to making an offer.
Why would she ask me in the first place then? Do you think she simply thought that I wouldn’t offer to get myself there? I really wanted this job. I haven’t heard back from her since she was going to check with her team, but at this point I think it’s fair to say that I probably won’t even get the opportunity to interview for the job.
Sophie
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Hi Sophie!
I can only speak from my own experience, but up until we make an offer, if we see a good candidate we actively pursue that possibility as well as the ones already in progress. This is not only important in case the new candidate is an even better match, but if the other one drops out for any reason, no smart recruiter leaves the company without a good alternative.
I know it doesn’t help you if you don’t even get a chance to fly in for the interview, but the fact that they were so interested in you says a lot about you. You can’t change the timing here, but, if you don’t get this job, keep your contacts warm and friendly from this point on! And if they do still want to meet with you…get your interview suit ready and shoes polished, they are still actively looking or open to future possibilities.
Rather than seeing this as a bad thing if it doesn’t work out, see it as a first step in a LONG interview process. 
You made a really good impression and, if you handle it right, you may very well be the person they think about when the next opening comes up.
Good luck, Sophie. Please let us know how it turns out.
Ronnie Ann
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Steve // Oct 10, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Ronnie & Sophie,
Ronnie, I think your answer is a good one, but I would also suggest that Sophie take one further step to position herself: call the recruiter back now, and ask to come in to see her the next time that Sophie is in town. Make that call now, while the recruiter still remembers the opening.
Then, next time you are in town, call the recruiter and set up a meeting. Your goal is to impress her with your ability and with your interest in the company. As part of that conversation, you should explicitly tell her that you would like to work for her company, and to please keep you in mind for future opportunities.
This way, you don’t just have to hope she remembers you (and can find your paperwork), but you have an active contact (whom you can call periodically to update on your career), and you learn more about the company.
Sometimes recent hires don’t work out, so this could also work out well for you in the short term.
Ronnie Ann // Oct 13, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Thanks Steven. You expanded nicely on my suggestion to “keep your contacts warm and friendly from this point on”.
I actually might wait a few weeks before making the call, letting them settle this one. Having been an internal recruiter, I’m pretty good at still remembering people a few weeks later.
I also remember wanting a few weeks not to be bothered at all by former candidates (and they do call), so I guess there really is no one-size-fits-all answer.
My compromise suggestion to Sophie might be a nice short note now saying she understands how these things work out sometimes, but very much would like to stop by next time she’s in town. And then just say she’ll call her when she knows she’ll be there and appreciates the consideration she was given. Not even asking if she may, but being very polite about it. I was once called “pleasantly aggressive”; this may be a nice time for that philosophy.
But each person has to choose the approach that fits them. Glad Steven you brought up the whole idea of follow-up. A former college mate of mine says when it comes to business “no is the beginning of yes.” And as you also said, Steven, you never know if this hire will work out.
Best of luck Sophie, whatever way you decide to keep those contacts warm!
Ronnie Ann
opit // Oct 16, 2008 at 10:57 am
Having options is not a problem for them - nor should it be a problem for you. By that I mean keep looking even while busy closing.
Sales is a numbers game where the more options the better - yet those which have been around a while are not ‘dead’, but perhaps your best shot.
Jobs do not happen to open up on your schedule. but those who have invested time in chasing down a particular lead are at an orientation/selection /credibility advantage.
Recruiters have to make a selection from available applicants. not idealized ones. The same way, you have to make a choice from available options.
But. Your first ‘real’ job is important in beginning to acquire marketable skills and your selection will be noted.
You noticed I referred to sales. That’s what you are about. A little reading on marketing techniques wouldn’t hurt ; though I think “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie is a timeless classic that translates well into a number of different applications.
Also - knowledge about what a target company does is a significant aid in selling the idea that they have been selected by you as a desirable place to work ; and that you have put some effort into chasing that idea.
I know that shortens the possibilities. Flexibility in adapting to changing conditions is a valuable trait too. Meantime you have to eat and shouldn’t begrudge the need to spend your time where it isn’t immediately rewarding.
Have you considered all the meanings in the word ‘career’ ?
Ronnie Ann // Oct 17, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Thanks for your thoughts, opit. You’re right that looking for a job is always about marketing ourselves the best we can.
Ronnie Ann