Work Coach Cafe

In most cases the answer is a resounding “yes”.  If they re-post the job, odds are it’s time to kiss it good-bye!

But there are also exceptions to the rule, which I’ll discuss later on. Unfortunately, the letter I got from a reader asking me that very question probably isn’t one of them. Here’s her story…

Hello Ronnie Ann!

I’m actually crying right at this very moment only because I can’t seem to understand why people who do job interviews can be so calloused.

Company X called me twice for two phone interviews. Things seem to have gone well as they invited me to visit them out of state. After a series of interview with several individuals, I left and was told that they’ll “let me know if there’s any further interest” which were the exact words. Few minutes after I got to my hotel, I did get a call and was asked to return and I did. I met with more people.

Everything seemed very positive.  I was confident and had positive energy. The job closely parallels what I have on my resume at about 95%. I sent individual thank you notes to each and every individual who interviewed me.

Out of the 10 people that interviewed me, 2 people mentioned negative things about the future boss for the job. However, it wasn’t something I engaged myself in. When I met with the “future boss”, although I felt good about the interview and answered all of his questions, I didn’t feel as connected with him as I did with the others but I remained positive.

One week passed, silence…. yesterday was 2 weeks of silence so I sent my short follow-up email to the Director of HR that basically reiterates that I’m still very interested and inquiring if I’m still in the running and where they’re at in their hiring process. Given that Monday is typically a very busy day for most people, I thought perhaps they need a couple days.

Fast forward…. this morning I got online and I found that same job re-posted by a recruiting firm. Is it safe to say that I’m out and should be moving on? I was really hoping that they at least reply back even if I lost the job so I can send them a thank you letter for considering me for the job and make way for professional connection.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks,
J

PS: Just simply typing this out gave me some relief…. I’m glad I
found your site! Thank you.

Hi J!

I’m so sorry you’re going through all this. Glad telling the story helped. It’s a good idea not to hold in all that interview waiting game frustration! Sounds like you did the right things and even understand if this job doesn’t come through, there’s still an opportunity to keep in touch with the company for future openings.  Smart.

Unfortunately, there is no 100% sure way to interpret the re-posting.  A job re-posting can sometimes simply be contractual (meaning the company paid ahead of time for a certain number of listings) or, as is more often the case, it can indeed be a sign of something less positive. In your case, the fact that it was posted by the recruiter may very well point toward the less positive outcome.

Then again, recruiters sometimes re-post an ad just to be safe, maybe having heard some doubts but not knowing for sure whether or not you’ll get the job. Or the company may simply be keeping its options open to see what new resumes come in.  Companies do that sometimes, while keeping the best candidates on hold – and in the dark. So J…you could still be in the running – but there’s also a good chance they decided to pass.

So what should you do?

Keep Looking for a Job Even While Waiting to Hear Back

No matter what the correct interpretation of the re-posted job may be, don’t stop looking! One of the most important things you can do during an interview process is to keep the momentum going. Not only does it help keep the fear monkeys away, but you may wind up getting a better job as a result.

If you do get the job (and it’s still possible), I wish you all the best. But if you don’t…it may not be such a bad thing after all. Messages like people talking negatively about your potential future boss in an actual interview and the lack of connection in your interview with him/her can mean a LOT. Again, I hope you do get it and it turns out to be great. But if not, you may have lucked out!

I wish you whichever outcome is best for you, J.  And please don’t cry.  If this job isn’t the one, it could be because the right one is on its way – even if it takes a while to find you. On that thought, you may find this May 11, 2009 comment from Joe comforting:

Days Off Are Much Better When You Have a Job

Good luck!

Ronnie Ann

How would you feel if you saw the job you want posted again? Have you ever seen a job posted again and still gotten it? Did you ever lose out on a job and then get a great one anyway?

New Flash! I just got an update from J.  Well…she didn’t get the job. But she tells me she feels ok and is ready to get back out there and find the right job for her. Meanwhile she made sure to let the company know she appreciated the chance to interview and is still interested should anything else come up. Perfect.

Interesting twist…turns out they fired the HR Director and that was one of the reasons she was kept hanging for so long.  Add that to the endless list of reasons in the oh-so-frustrating waiting game! 

Some posts you might 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

After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?

What the Heck Goes on Behind the Scenes After a Job Interview?