Comments on: Still Waiting for My Next Job Interview. Are They Stringing Me Along?

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:09:44 +0000

Hi again, Ben!

First, let me say how sorry I am to read about this. Hope you’re doing much better now.

Many of us have things happen that require time away. Luckily yours was not all at once – that helps since you don’t need to account for it on a resume. Unless the new employer specifically asks you or your references, there’s no need for this to even be an issue. (Unless there’s more I need to understand.) I sure wouldn’t bring it up unless pressed! Hopefully you have enough solid references that they will help you sidestep this issue which shouldn’t be an issue at all in my book.

But if you are asked…be direct and sincere with them. Just generally explain as much as you’re comfortable with (without giving details), and then as quickly as possible direct the conversation to how you minimized impact on your job and why now is different. Real and sincere is best – but keep it short and positive. If they have no room for such stuff, you’d hate working there anyway.

All the best, Ben!

~ Ronnie Ann

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:33:50 +0000

Ps the 6 weeks wasn’t taken in one go!

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:33:03 +0000

Hi Ronnie Ann

I’m worried about the absence I had in my old job and how this will affect my search for a new job. I had a considerable amount of time off in 2009 due to stress and anxiety caused by a relationship breakdown and having to sell our house and split up our belongings etc. I had in total six weeks off over a 12 month period.
I regret taking the time off but felt it was necessary taking into account the way I was feeling at the time. Do you think this will affect my chances for a new career?

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:20:09 +0000

I look forward to it, {{Ben}}.

~ R

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:17:29 +0000

Thanks Ronnie Ann, and cyber hugs are certainly allowed!! I’ll let you know how the next chapter goes…

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:14:38 +0000

Awwww Ben! I’m so sorry. Wish I could give you a hug. Are cyber-hugs allowed?

Smart plan. Absolutely acknowledge the anger – any of us would feel it – and then channel it to work for you.

Most companies really do try their best and only string along the good ones because they don’t want to lose them. While that seems unfair, it’s also a compliment of sorts – I guess. That’s why it always pays to keep the search at full force until you have the final offer in your hands.

Thanks for letting us know. I wish you all the luck finding the RIGHT job, Ben! Please feel free to keep coming back her if it helps with that sanity thing.

~ Ronnie Ann

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:07:20 +0000

Unfortunately it was a no but I’m gonna use the anger I’m feeling towards the company to power my search for a better job. To string me along for nearly 3 months is just not on but i guess it’s their loss at the end of the day! Thanks for all your support, it was much appreciated and kept me sane xx

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:00:56 +0000

Oh Ben! This is very very cool news. Wish I had more things to cross!

Best of luck, Ben. Gee…I feel like I’m waiting with you. Hard not to get caught up in the excitement. PLEASE let us know!!!

~ Ronnie Ann

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:12:35 +0000

Well i’ve just come back from the interview and all went well I think. The Operations Director did most of the talking however and talked about the good and challenging elements of the job. Just waiting to hear back now, he said about one or two days.

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:30:41 +0000

Hi Ben!

Thanks for letting us know. Fingers and all else crossed that all will go as planned. You certainly have shown all of us that waiting can pay off…hopefully with an offer!

Best of luck, Ben. I am so rooting for you!! (I’m sure we all are.)

~ Ronnie Ann