You know the drill. You get the interview. You ace the interview. In fact, it was the best job interview you ever had! You head home dreaming of the offer for the new job you’re pretty sure you just landed. And then…you wait. And you wait. And you wait some more until you just want to scream! And then maybe you do scream. And rant a little. And even think of all the things you’d like to do to that stupid company you once thought was so perfect for you.
But before you decide the company is made up of former Guantanamo guards trained to torture you in some sick waiting game, take a deep breath and let me take you behind closed doors. It’s time you learn more about the mysterious steps of the interview hiring process – what goes on inside the secret rooms – and why you aren’t getting any feedback from the company even though you send e-mails and call them hoping for even the tiniest clue.
Hard as it is to believe, sometimes there are good reasons – really! – why a company’s interview hiring process steps take so long – and why all too often you have to wait forever (or so it seems) before you hear back from an employer after a job interview.
So what does go on behind the scenes after an interview?
I was recently asked to guest post on the Pongo Resume Blog, and decided this would be a great topic since I get sooooooooooo many e-mails and comments about how painful the waiting game can be. I once even wrote a post begging Human Resources people to be more considerate. But sadly, for many reasons, the torture continues and you’re still waiting.
I hope by telling you about what goes on behind the scenes after the interview, you might be able to relax just a little more knowing one week, two weeks, even three weeks or more of waiting can be perfectly normal.
Possible reasons you’re still waiting after the interview:
Here’s an excerpt from my guest post:
- Sometimes HR controls all communication and that means people you write to are advised not to respond to individual candidates. Why? It could be a mandate from legal to prevent any miscommunication. (A poorly worded response from the company could be construed as an offer when none exists yet.) Or it could simply be HR wanting to call all the shots. It happens.
- Someone critical to the process (aka SCTTP) may be sick or called away. Why not work around the person? They could, but sometimes the company prefers to wait for the sake of continuity — even if that means you wait too.
- Our SCTTP may suddenly have been put on a top-priority project that’s taking all their time. Even if they said they want to hire quickly, the hiring process can get put on the back burner. I’ve seen this many times.
- Our SCTTP has been fired or quit and must be replaced first.
- The department is going through a reorganization — again.
- The job is being rethought and possibly needs to wait for HR to approve a reclassification. Why? Sometimes they find a specific candidate (maybe you) whose skills are even more suited to their needs than their original concept. Or they find two people they like and decide to split the job into two different positions.
- Hiring may require numerous people who did not interview you to sign off on various steps of the process. Meanwhile, you wait.
- Sometimes it simply takes weeks to find room on everyone’s calendar for the next round of interviews.
So if you’re stuck in the waiting game, try not to get caught up worrying about things you can’t control…like all the stuff behind closed doors. Instead know you’ve done your best (that’s all anyone can do), make sure you’ve sent a great thank you note and, after a couple weeks have passed, follow up with a polite e-mail and/or phone call saying you’re still interested and would love to know your status. You might even ask if they need anything else from you.
Other than that, you just wait. As long as it takes. I once waited four months and I was their top candidate!
Meanwhile, do what you can to keep yourself busy and diverted so you aren’t obsessing about the wait. Also…keep looking! Not only does the action help you stay sane, but you may actually wind up finding an even better job in the process.
Good luck finding the right job for you.
Ronnie Ann
Some other posts you may find helpful
12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview
I Got the Post-Interview Temporary OCD Blues
How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well
I Messed Up My Job Interview. What Can I Do?
Hi,
So here’s my story I got interviewed at the beginning of March with a promising opportunity. We kept in contact every 4 to 5 days because the company is new and they are relocating and doing all these new paper works. The company is originally from London so the benefits and compensation sounds great. However, once the guy told me on April that he is going to make an offer to me the next day, he never respond so I called him and emailed him but he never responded. So, I texted him and he replied to me that he is no longer with the company. I was so mad because I kept waiting for this position. I don’t know why people make you have all this expectation when at the end they are just going to turn you down.
Now, I’m depending on this other job that I was interviewed on March too. We had lunch and he really like me and he is very interested in the skills and experience I had. We kept in contact every 2 weeks and recently every 3 to 5 days. Once he told me that he is going to have all the paper for me to sign up he told me at the last minute that he had an emergency and can’t show up. So, I kept emailing him every 2 to 3 days for the last 2 weeks and I just texted him an hour ago and no response. So, I guess this one is worst than the other guy. He couldn’t make up a lie to turn me down.
I feel very tire and frustrated that people play with you like that.
LN,
How frustrating. I hope something will turn up. If you can get in touch with others from the either company, it may help you stay top of mind in the mind of others who are hiring — and you could still ultimately get an offer.
That said, pay attention to the kind of company that you’d like to work for…and how they make you feel. Sounds like you haven’t found quite the right dynamic yet, so it may be a good idea to keep looking for additional opportunities — even if one of these comes through.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Thank you very much Chandlee,
I think I’m getting use to it. The thing is that both of them are the CEO’s of the company and they make all decisions for the hiring. So, I cannot do anything about it. However, I am not giving up hope and I’ll accept this low paying job if they want to hire me, which I believe I got it. I just need to wait for them to call me back next week.
Thanks again, this is a really helpful site. I didn’t look up for advises or anything in the last 5 months. I wanted somewhere to vent and luckily I found a lot of people who are in the same situation that I am.
Hi,
There’s been some new development in my job search, which was supposed to be all good news, but then my situation got even more complicated.
Basically, I’m looking to move to a different country, and I’ve been looking for a job for almost six months now while asking my current employer, which has massive global operations, to transfer me to the country. I’m finally getting close to getting an offer from Company A, but then a position opened up at my current company. I’m a little under-qualified for that internal job, but I nevertheless applied and had a rather casual chat with the hiring manager who didn’t rule me out, yet didn’t promise anything.
The thing is my current employer pays way above the industry standard, so I’m hoping to stay there. I’ve been getting good reviews from my bosses, and they’re supportive of me, but it’s just been difficult to find a position in the country I’m trying to go to because most jobs there require skill sets I don’t have. So I really want to get that internal job, but I’m afraid I won’t get it and will be left without any options, if I turn down the offer from Company A with hopes to get that internal job.
Is there any good way to use the offer from Company A to push my employer? I have pretty good relationships with some of senior people but my employer is known to not take threats well, so I’m afraid it’ll backfire on me.
Or, what can happen if I accept the offer and later turn it down if I get the internal job?
Hi Warren,
Wow! That’s complicated. The key thing that I am seeing here is that you have not been offered the job from Company A yet. Wait until that happens and see what the offer is. See how you like the culture and the people at Company A, and ask to meet with them again if you think you’d like working there and money isn’t the ultimate determinant for you in terms of what you want.
Then — my personal perspective — is to find out how long you can have to accept the offer from Company A if you get it. Once you have the offer in hand, ask for an update from your current company on the status of the position — and let them know you have another opportunity to work in the country you’d like to move to — but would prefer to stay with your current company. Tell them that you aim to make a decision by ___ deadline, and then let them know that you don’t expect your own decision process to speed up their hiring timeline/transfer process.
This way you aren’t threatening, but you are being assertive. Make sense?
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thanks Chandlee.
So, how bad an idea is it to accept the offer and retract it later when something better comes up?
Warren,
I’ve heard of very few situations where it’s a good idea to actually accept an offer and retract it later. Always better to delay giving the company a final decision.
Good luck to you.
Best,
Chandlee
Hey guys so I have been invited for an in person interview at the property. My interview lineup includes three different sit downs with Department heads that I will work with. It about 2 hrs in total. I am set to also meet with the hiring manager again. Excited and a ittle nervous at the same time.
Amya,
Good luck. Check out the interviewing resources on Job-Hunt.org: http://www.job-hunt.org/job_interviews/job-interviewing.shtml
All the Best,
Chandlee
Great article and discussion! I have an interview tomorrow that I am thrilled about. My main concern is taking time off my current job to interview with other employers. As the HR Manager, I’ve often have been advised to term employees that we suspect are actively seeking other employment. This makes me nervous. Since interview opportunities are typically last minute, I can’t schedule a day off in advance. I am taking my chances however, in order to find better employment opportunities.
To add what the author noted, we have several chains of command that the hiring process must go through. It isn’t uncommon for us to contact an employee a couple of weeks after their interview. I think its common courtesy for the employer to notify the candidate even if they did not get selected. Also, receiving a Thank You note from the interviewee goes a long way with me.
I wish everyone the best of luck in your job search. Don’t get discouraged. The job that’s best suited for you is out there. Thanks again for the great read =)
Thanks! I got a verbal offer today and have been invited to start pre-hire paper work. They said an official offer would be another week.
Amya,
That’s terrific — congratulation. We’re doing a blog post featuring advice from HIRED members of the Work Coach Cafe community. If you’d like to be featured, let me know and I will send you the information.
All the Best,
Chandlee
So, my question is regarding a promotional interview. I have been told by my store manager, my direct manager, and assistant manager, that I pretty much don’t have to “cross my fingers” and I am first on the list…anyway, I had my final 3rd interview today…This interview was with a current overseeing manager who is not a district manager, but playing the part until there is a permanent DM. Anyway, I had a really positive interview with him, the interview lasted about an hour and then, towards the end of the interview he says: “I can see that you have a lot of fire and energy and see the opportunities that come your way, even if you don’t get this one (as in the opportunity) , you have such a positive outlook to maybe be able to get those that come your way in the future and I think you’d be a good asset to that store and the district.” Now TO ME, this sounds like I didn’t get it. Saying that “if I don’t get this opportunity” sounds negative to me. However, my management team at my store pretty much, in so many words, told me I have the job…I don’t know what to think…any advice? And, any advice if I DONT get it…I think it would make the management team look like asses…
Thanks!
Lawren,
Hiring is competitive tricky and often has NOTHING to do with you. If you don’t get the opportunity there are hundreds of reasons for that: Perhaps someone else has a skill that you don’t have, perhaps the position changed to be a better fit for that, perhaps the overseeing manager knows that the company will actually be laying off employees instead of growing…
It’s easy to linger on any small tip employers say in an interview and to think that you did not get the job because of it. Try not to think of a blue elephant instead. (Now are you seeing blue elephants?)
What you can do at this juncture — is to make sure that you send a follow-up thank you to all of your interviewers…And if you don’t get it, don’t think it “makes the management team look like —– because you’re not privy to the internal conversation and don’t know what’s going on inside the company. For example, sometimes employers transfer employees between departments when one position is eliminated so that the other person does not have to leave their job.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I just finished my final interview last Friday. It was a group interview and I thought it went well and I saw some good reactions from them. Senior manager, told me I would hear back from them by next Monday.
So I emailed interviewers as to follow up and senior manager replied me saying she would get back to me soon. I want to believe getting a response from follow up email immediately is a good sign.
That will calm me down a little.
Hopefully they won’t wait till the last day and let me know. It’s an internship position and I have to know very soon because of my personal travel plan and all kinds of problem being an international student and having complicated immigration issues that need to be taken care of once I get the offer.
Day by day I am going crazier… its hard to stay sane.
Johny,
Sounds like you’ve reason to be optimistic, but as an international student you should make sure to continue to explore other internship opportunities with different employers — until you get that offer.
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee
I’ve been working at a non-profit organization as a temp for 7 months. The manager has told me over the months that I’ve done a great job.
The company opened a permanent position which is what I’ve been doing the whole time there. I applied and had to wait for the job listing to close, which was May 4th. I was told to apply for it and I did. I was interviewed and tested on Tues. May 29th. I was told that I would be treated no differently than anyone else. I was then told that the decision would be made Friday, June 1st. Before leaving for the day that Friday, I asked the manager if I would know anything before I went home and her reply was that all the paperwork hadn’t been signed. She told me this with a smile on her face. Today is the 7th and they still haven’t told me anything. I’m wondering, what kind of paperwork this could be? Is this normal, or if they found someone else in the application process they want them to hire? Why can’t they just give me a heads up or a heads down?
Oh Grace,
Be patient. I once waited three weeks for the paperwork to go through on a job — it did, and I was hired.
I know it’s really hard, but there’s a lot on the back-end of the hiring process that job applicants don’t typically see. Hiring someone full-time is much more complicated than hiring someone part-time, especially if the job comes with benefits. It’s much more of a commitment for the company and one that requires budgeting, planning, and structure — after all, they don’t want to hire for a full-time job only to discover that there’s no need for the job in three months.
Hang in there and good luck! In the interim, feel free to look at other opportunities outside of the organization. Having more options feels good — and is often a good way to go in the process.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thank you Chandlee for your response and I hope you’re right. It is hard to be patient. I’m looking for other jobs but they are not that easy to find in my field….the employers are very specific about the kind of experience they require. Also, I’m over 55.
I will keep you posted.
Grace,
Keep up the faith! If you are over 55 and live in the U.S., check out unemployment resources from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). They provide solid advice and employment resources. If you live elsewhere, seek out similar organizations and resources. You are not the only person ever to go through this process and it is quite possible that you will be able to find work. Good luck!
All the Best,
Chandlee
I know I really ought to be patient but it is hard!! Had a final
Interview on Wednesday and was told decision would be made by Friday as they needed someone to start ASAP……kept looking at my inbox and expecting a call all day but nada! They also know I have another offer that I need to make a decision on
They were very prompt in all their previous correspondence with me, so I’m quite worried that I haven’t heard anything from them today…hr did say they would let me know the outcome by today positive or not so why did I not hear back from them today??
Arrrggghhhh!!!! My whole weekend will be spent taking the interview apart and wishing I’d done or said things differently….
Vivian,
Hiring decisions and candidate notifications almost always take longer — and don’t forget that there are multiple candidates involved. Having a decision doesn’t mean they are ready to make an offer!
If you don’t hear from them by Tuesday, follow up again and let them know your hard deadline to accept the other offer or not — while making it clear that you are most interested in THEIR position. Let them know that you also don’t expect them to speed up their hiring process because of your own timeline. (If they can — and they want you — they may be able to move forward.)
In the interim, do not ruminate. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. These things always take time. Good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
After reading your post, I do feel a little better. It’s been over two months since I first interviewed with this particular company. I’ve since had four more interviews which included a lunch meeting with senior staff. I sent thank you notes to each and every person who interviewed me after each interview, including HR – almost 15 thank you notes total! I waited patiently. Two weeks after our lunch, I received an email asking me one more question and letting me know that HR would follow up with next steps. This is a new position to the company, so I do understand that paperwork has to be generated and completed on their end before a person can be hired.
I waited a few more weeks then emailed to check on the status. HR let me know that key decision makers were out of the office at different times on vacation and they are very sorry for the delay but greatly appreciate my patience. I can understand, it was the week before and after Memorial Day, which are great weeks to take vacations! So I waited …
Another week has went by and no emails or phone calls. I am losing faith. I don’t want to keep emailing them and calling them but I really want (and need!) this job. There aren’t a lot of opportunities in my town in my particular field right now. I guess I am concerned that – with the time that has passed – they may be losing that excitement they seemed to have had when they last interviewed me. I have since interviewed for other jobs and have liked two other opportunities a lot. We’ll see what happens. I am really trying to stay positive; however, my unemployment is running out, my savings is dwindling and I am a tad bit stressed. I have a family to support – as I am sure everyone here does – so I’m sure many of you can empathize.
I am just not used to this new interview process! Years ago when I interviewed for my last two jobs, it was a simple one interview for each company and a “when can you start?”. Boy, how times have changed. Each job interview I have had recently has been at least two or three interviews per company. One place kept me there for four hours! Is everyone experiencing this?
Kimberly,
The hiring process certainly has gotten longer for many companies — when economic times are tight, it’s harder to make a transition. Many people are filling this gap through consulting or temporary work. If you haven’t worked as a consultant in the past, it may be a useful strategy as you wait to hear back. Many people find work to make ends meet while they are in transition this way.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hello,
I’m a newly graduate and still unaware of these thing.
I applied on a Chinese owned company, I passed the test and so I think with the interview last May 19,2012.
The interviewer says that I’m hired but can’t let me start because the office will have their Feng Shui Consultation and will reorganize the office, she also tells me things that I’ll be doing when I enter the company. She said that they’ll call me this June and probably will start my job, since it’s my first time I grew impatient waiting for the call though I know that the month has just started. With my situation I am clueless if I’m hired or not, should I wait for their call till the end of the month before applying for other company?
Hi Mimi,
You should always keep your options open and apply for other opportunities — until you have received and accepted an official offer letter, you have not been hired.
I recommend following up with the company now — let them know you are ready and able to get started as soon as possible.
Good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I have been reading through your post and all the subsequent comments and feel a little positive based on others’ questions as well.
I have been through 2 rounds with one of the Big 4 firms in London and the 2 round of interview was deemed as the final round. The interviewer was a senior manager in the firm, and at the end of a very very positive interview, he categorically told me that he would love me to join his team, and that internal processes would take some time, and that I would need to wait. This interview was 2 weeks ago, and I have still not heard back anything from HR. I have called them and emailed them, but they too said that they have no feedback.
I am really tired of this waiting as I have a final round scheduled next week with another company, and would have loved to know the results before I took that interview.
Can you please provide your feedback on situations like this: when the final interviewer has given you the sign off in the interview itself, but there is absolutely no communication since then? Thanks.
Hi Devlina,
It so often takes such a long time for offers to get through HR and search committees.
Hold tight — and if you get the offer from the other company — don’t accept it UNTIL you’ve had a chance to tell the employer you want about the other offer (and see what they say). This can speed up the process, letting them know you have another interview isn’t as effective because it isn’t an offer!
Good luck!
Chandlee
Hi Ronnie,
I recently went through the usual interviewing process at a company that I am very interested in. I had to take a 2 and 1/2 hour aptitude test. After making the cut, I went through a screening phone interview with HR, and then a 1 hour long phone interview with the director of the department that I would be working with. Then, I came in on-site to take another 1 hour version of the aptitude test, and then met with 4 different people, culminating with a wrap-up interview with the director again. When I asked about next steps, the director told me that HR would be in contact with me next week since it was a Friday afternoon. This past Monday, I sent out the requisite “thank you” emails to those interviewers who offered contact information, and asked their junior HR recruiter in regards to next steps (whether I made the cut or not).
I received no response, which was odd because all their HR people had been very quick (within a few hours) in responding to my emails beforehand. What’s more, I noticed that they reposted 2 of their 6 positions–including the position that I interviewed for–on their career website JUST two days after my interview .
Because today is exactly one week since the on-site interview and I haven’t received any word, I emailed the senior head HR recruiter. She is apparently out-of-office on vacation since yesterday and returning next week.
From your experience, Is it safe to say I’m out of the running? I really want this job, and invested so much time in the process…
Hi Jay,
Wow, that’s a lot to think about. It’s not unusual for communication to go “dark” between your final interview and the offer stage. Inside the organization, there is typically a healthy amount of paperwork and signatures that must be tackled before an offer can be extended — and all employees involved with the hiring process are generally instructed NOT to follow up with the candidate to avoid any challenges if they decide not to make an offer or not. In the summer, offers frequently take longer because so many people take vacation.
In the future, I would advise you never to ask casually “if I made the cut” to anyone on the staff, especially not to a recruiter. Whether you did or didn’t, there is almost always a hiring protocol to be followed when offers are extended, and — in my opinion — it’s always better to go with the traditional — “thanks, I remain interested in the position and I look forward to hearing from you soon.” I think you’ve followed up enough at this juncture, though I don’t think you should feel uncomfortable with that.
Jobs are sometimes reposted for small reasons — if so much as a word changes in the job description or the company decides to hire two people — so I would not read too much into it.
My advice is to sit tight and continue applying to other positions in the interim. Always good to have as many options as possible.
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee (on behalf of Ronnie Ann)
Hi Chandlee,
Thanks so much for your reply. I have yet to receive any word, but noticed on the career website that 14 new positions had been added, renewed, and/or removed today. In fact, one of the two positions relisted last week has been removed, except – of course – the position for which I interviewed…
Seeing as how the job description has changed and that they are only looking for one person to fill the position, I think it’s safe to say my future does not lie at this company.
The senior HR recruiter returns tomorrow, so I guess I should expect to receive my rejection email by the week’s end (if they are kind enough to send me one).
Once again, thanks Chandlee!
Jay,
It’s quite possible that none of this has anything to do with you — and that you may even still get the offer. In many companies, the right hand knows not what the left hand is doing. Keep us posted, and good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I thought I’d update you. I am 90% sure that they passed me; they just did not have the courtesy of sending me a rejection email… Besides the renewed job listings online, I noticed that their job offer/hiring process is very quick. (Thank you, glassdoor!)
In any case, thanks for your time.
\I hope I find a new job soon!
Hi Jay,
Sorry to hear your news — the best way to tell if the job has been filled is if the position has disappeared from the list of available positions on the company’s website.
You could always confirm that they’ve passed on your application through HR.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I did as you suggested, sending a third email and finally received this email two hours later. I am officially rejected!
———-
Dear Jay,
Thank you for completing your application for Company A’s XXXX position. We appreciate your interest in Company A and your participation in our candidate process.
As promised, I am following up with you on your candidate status.
The Recruiting Team carefully reviewed your full candidate profile. At this time, we will not be moving forward with you as a candidate for the XXXX role. Certainly, we’d be happy to reach out to you if anything changes on our end, but in the short term please accept our sincere thanks.”
—-
Hi Jay,
Sorry to hear that. Keep your chin up and keep looking — you’ve got all the persistent qualities that make someone a good employee!
Best,
Chandlee
Hi there,
This is an awesome post and is indeed very helpful. I am in desperate need of advice and have been going crazy this past weekend.
I applied to two jobs and received an offer from company 1. Before I received the official contract from company 1, I had an amazing interview with another company (let’s call it company 2) that I really liked. I even did a test with them that went well.
On the same day that I received the official letter of offer from company 1, I received a request for an interview with the HR lady of company 2. At the interview, everything sounded very positive and it seemed like I had the job though the lady didn’t say it explicitly. She talked about a start date and then went on to salary. She looked at my stated salary and asked if company 1 was meeting my expectations. I told her it was close although it was a 300 dollar difference! She said she needed to get management approval for the salary.
After that, she took me to meet my potential boss who had interviewed me during round 1 and he offered me the job which I accepted. He said he would get HR to start the paper work.
So here are my questions:
1. Would company 2 reject me since I asked for a high salary and they think I am receiving an offer close to that amount from company 1? Or would they tell me if it’s not possible and ask me if I would accept a lower offer?
2. Since my potential boss offered me the job verbally, does it mean I 90% have the job?
3. The HR lady said she would expedite the process since I have to sign the papers with company 1 a few days before she could get back to me. But I met her on a Thursday and she would be on leave for the first half of the week so she said probably in a week’s time she would get back to me. Is the fact that the process was not expedited a bad sign?
4. Lastly, do you think company 2 is going to make me an offer? It’s only been 3 days but I’m going nuts.
Thanks for your help
.
Janet,
This is tricky: I recommend you try to extend the deadline with Company 1 by another few days. I would not disclose the other offer just yet, and I would remain positive in your interactions with them — and let them know when you will be able to communicate with them.
I’d let your potential boss at Company 2 know of the dilemma — and of your deadline for giving Company 1 a decision.
Personally, I’d recommend letting the $300 difference in salary go. It’s not a significant amount over a year if it is an annual salary — and if not needing special approval for that salary will speed the process along, let it drop. It shows that you are a team player — and how much you really want to work for Company 2 if that is your choice.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
Thank you for your advice. I managed to get an extension from company 1. So that’s good for now. As for company 2, they know of my dilemma and are said they would try and speed things up. The thing is the HR person from company 2 is on leave until Wednesday and can only give me an answer by the end of the week. So I can’t get in touch with her till then. The salary difference is 300 per month so that’s 3600 annually I guess. I don’t mind lowering my expectations since I really do want to work with them.
My main concern is whether I’m actually going to get an Offical offer from company 2. Based on what I’ve told you, what do you think? Thanks
Janet,
I wish I had a crystal ball, but I don’t — so have no way of knowing whether you will get the offer from Company 2. Now that you provide the additional information, it makes sense to me why you are asking for more of a salary. If they offer less to you, or say that they can’t do it — perhaps you should meet in the middle?
Good luck and keep us posted, it speaks well for Company 1 that they are willing to give you the extra time.
All the Best,
Chandlee
So I have been unemployed quite awhile due to an illness in my family and I have really been hungry to get back in the job market! In Feb I met a company at my school’s (I am an 09 alum) career fair. I made a really positive impression on them but at the time there were only looking for engineers and software people. I actually have a bio degree and a background in sales. They even sent me a follow up email telling me what a pleasure it was meeting someone like me and that they would keep me in mind if something that I would be a good fit in came up.
Long story short, the company called me about three weeks ago and said that there was a position that they have in mind for me. The next day I had a very positive 20 minute phone interview with the VP and we scheduled an interview for the next week. The VP told me that I typically wouldn’t be someone they were interested in based on my resume but everyone at the career fair had amazing response for me.
My interview was five an a half hours long, with four different portions! They even took me to lunch. I felt like the entire interview was great except there was one lady (a paralegal) that asked me a lot of questions specific to the job that kind of were beyond me. Besides that, everything was very positive. They said they want someone by the beginning of July and I haven’t heard anything back. I really need the job. I noticed that they haven’t advertised this job on the website so I even thought I may be there guy already but now I am worried because it has been about 2 weeks! Please someone give me some input!!
Hi Andrew,
At this point, I think you should follow-up, reiterate your interest, and inquire as to whether the position has been filled. If not, let them know that you are willing to provide any additional information at their request.
In the interim, continue to apply for other positions as you see them as well…Never hurts to have as many options as possible.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
Looking for a little advice regarding my current situation….
I had an onsite interview with a company last week, and was told that I could expect a hiring decision within 5 business days. I received a call from the recruiter, and she said that the team was inclined to offer, but already had another candidate(s) scheduled for this week. A decision won’t be made until next week, two weeks after my onsite loop! Is there anything I can do to stay relevant and fresh in the team’s mind? I don’t want my positive impression to fade!
Thanks for you feedback!
Hi Chris,
Make sure you send a thank you note — if you’ve already done that, you should be all set. You should also stay tuned to news mentions and press releases issued by the organization. If anything relevant comes up, you can always follow up with that information — and say congratulations…and reiterate your interest. Otherwise, I think you’re good. That you know that they are interested in hiring you is a very good sign.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I am looking for some advice on the following situation. I had a 3rd round senior executive interview three weeks ago with a company which I felt went very well and received positive signs towards the end of the interview. I was told I would hear back within a week on the decision. When I didnt hear back after more than a week I got in touch with HR and was informed I would receive feedback the following week. By late last week I received an email from HR apologizing for the delay and that there are some internal conversations happening due which they are not able to come back with a decision, but hoped to get back to me in a couple of days. Now nearly a week later I havent heard back on a decision. Please advise as to what this might mean. As I’mlooking to relocate to another country, I am hoping for the best but don’t quite know what to make of it. Thanks.
Hi KNI,
As tough as it may sound, I really would advise you to stand by for a few more days and see what happens. It sounds like there are internal issues inside the company — this is very common and likely has nothing to do with you. Keep me posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi there, I’m wondering if you can shed a little light.
A week and a half ago, i was brought into a company for an interview and it went well. In fact, they called the next day and offered the job. We went through some salary negotiations and when it was all finally agree upon I was told the HR manager just had to get the director to sign off.
The next day, I receive an email stating that at this time I have to wait for an official offer because supervision is not soldified yet (in the therapist world, supervision is imperative to proper organizational functioning). I was understanding but sent an email stating I was a little confused and wanted to make sure the offer still stood. I received an email back stating that once supervision was found I would get an official offer.
Fast forward one week. I receive a phone call yesterday with an official offer. “Supervision has been found and we are sending you the contract in the mail. We will need you to do some preliminary id checking, etc. It will all be in the packet we send you” Wonderful, I look forward to following through and working with you and your team.
24 hours pass and at 4:15pm I receive a call from the program director (of whom I have not met with yet) and he states, “COngratulations, the director has asked that yu come in for a final interview.” I explain to him very nicely that I am happy to come in and meet with him and whomever else on the team but I am a bit confused. The official offer went out yesterday, now suddenly I have to interview again..? He explains that things can be confusing when working with the director, but i need to come in one more time and meet with him.. I agree and make an appointment for early next week.
This potential employer has now TWICE offered me a job and then called back the next day explaining that there is more to the process and that an official offer is not being sent. What is going on?!!? I am losing my patience and feel as though the rug is being pulled from my feet every time. Is this an organization I want to work for? Is this a mistake on HR’s part? I am so lost here… help..
Best,
Brian
Brian,
Behind the scenes, there are a lot of things employers need to get done to hire. When I was a recruiter, these things included: identifying a supervisor, office space/desk, getting a computer, etc.
They’ve indicated that they’d like to hire you. Unfortunately, you need to come in and follow their processes to hire — and this is how they work. You need to show patience during this process. I don’t recommend asking, “do I have an offer or do I not?” I recently spoke with a job seeker who had her offer rescinded this way.
Consider the situation from their perspective: If they hire you, they are paying you for your work and efforts. It’s a serious commitment from all sides and you also want to make sure that you like them — and feel good about the team and supervisor you will be working with.
Too often — interviewing is like speed dating. Ever notice how short marriages are after a whirlwind, fast courtship? I recommend being patient and following through with the process. If you can’t do this, it may be a sign that this isn’t the optimal environment for you. Based on the process you are seeing, I’d estimate that this organization may well be looking for employees who stay in their jobs (or with the organization), is that a bad thing?
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Chandlee,
Thank you for your response. I am going to respectfully disagree with you. This is a case of an organization rout with problems. I have been lead to believe that the job was mine TWICE. There is something wrong in their offices, and I had this sense from the first day I walked in. I am stepping away from this precarious opportunity. A night of sleep makes all the difference.
If an organization can’t get their HR to function in a respectful manner to outside candidates, I can’t imagine what the atmosphere is like within company walls.
Brian,
It’s all your call. And if your intuition tells you step away, then you should do that.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Well , after 2 months I finally got a good paid internship with a company who is training me for an admin overseer position over the whole region, and here is MY two cents to us job seekers about HR after having interview with a over dozen companies.
Don’t get discouraged , it’s not YOU. It’s THEM (the companies). It is VERY hard to get your foot in the door anywhere anymore because of the economy , so companies have their pick of talent and can basically make their applicants put up with nonsense they come up with that would’ve been unheard of a decade ago.
When I told a family friend who is a retired HR director from what was a huge banking company in the Southeast about the trouble I have been having, she couldn’t believe that HR have become so robotic and impersonal towards potential employees. In the past she told me, it was only common courtesy for HR to contact interviewees afterward to let them know either way. Heh.. you know the ONLY people who had the manners to contact me after an interview? Companies that DIDN’T have an HR department. Now, I know there are unspoken rules apparently, and that alot of stuff goes on behind the scenes. But if you (anyone in HR) are THAT uncomfortable calling or emailing people and letting them know results either way even if it is bad news, perhaps you shouldn’t be in a position that is mainly dealing with PEOPLE.
Also, I know some company policies apparently have made it where you can’t contact people for litigation purposes, (although I have never heard of applicants suing companies because of this) but it seems kind of redundant if the position isn’t even a managerial position and is basically an entry lvl position.
So to all my fellow job applicants my advice is to keep on keeping on. It is VERY rough, especially with company policies that have seemed to change to make us applicants basically into a disposable commodity with no feelings or relevence.. You just have to be diligent , keep applying/interviewing and NEVER get your hopes up about ANY job until you get a definate answer regarding it. Follow up but don’t be stalker-eque. If you haven’t heard from them either way after two attempts to fish information out move on to the next job application/interview. This will save you unnessary stress. No corporation is worth your sanity.
Jessica,
Thank you for sharing your perspective and encouragement with other users of this site.
Good luck to you in your new job!
All the Best,
Chandlee
Well my interview was held on May 23rd and lasted about 2 hours long. I think it went very well. In the end the Sr. HR manager who conducted the interview told me that her boss was on vacation and that she would get back with me for a follow up in 2 weeks. Well the 2 weeks past and I could not take the waiting game anymore so I emailed the person who interviewd me and asked to know if the position had been filled, or if they needed additional information that i was still interested in the position. She responded a day later stating that the position has not been filled yet and that she appreciates my continue interest in employment with them and that she should get back to me by the next week. That week is coming to an end now (06-22-2012) with no contact from her all week long. Should i just call it quits and move on or can there be other issues here? Please can someone shed some light on this for me. Thank you.
Kris,
Give it another week. Be patient, the hiring process can sometimes take a long time. That’s just the way it is.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Chandlee,
Thanks for the advice, I will wait one more week and hope for the best meanwhile I already submitted two more applications somewhere else. But I’m still hoping I get a response fromt the first job I really think it’s a good fit for my degree. Thank you once again for understanding.
So I just graduated from university and the first job I applied for I got an email 3 weeks later to do a phone screen. The phone screen went well, I think, and the hr rep I spoke with said that she will email the hiring manager so he can do a phone interview with me before they decide to do an on campus interview. Everything sounded great and when she asked me how soon I could start I told her I just needed two weeks to give my current work place and I could move ASAP. The hiring manager was supposed to contact me 2 weeks ago and so last Wednesday I emailed the hr rep and let her know that I’m still interested, but haven’t heard from the hiring manager. She email back immediately and said they were still in the initial interview phase and she would have more info soon.
Sorry to ramble, I am just so nervous that they have moved on and I’m new to the whole corporate interview process. Is this normal? Should I do another follow and email, if so then when? Btw, this website has been such a great resource, thanks!