Offer pending or Ghosted?

Anonymous

August 17,2023 at 3:49PM UTC

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Offer pending or Ghosted?

I recently interviewed with a company - one phone interview, one in person where they brought me in from out of town to meet and talk to around 6 different individuals and have lunch. Next day, they asked for my references, which I provided. They started calling them immediately. One reference wasn’t returning their call so I promptly provided a new one 2 days ago.

I had to leave my previous role of 9 years due to a verbally abusive manager and age discrimination case which settled before litigation. Clearly I can’t use my previous boss as a reference so I used another individual who I’d considered a mentor and definitely knew my work ethic and work product far better than my manager.

Anyway, it’s been 2 days since my last communication with this company and I would’ve expected an offer by now given how quickly they acted on references, paid for my trip out of town, etc. Could the fact that my manager wasn’t a reference be a deal breaker?

Am I expecting too much too soon or does it seem like they’ve gone radio silent all of a sudden? Really thought everything was very positive until now and wondering if the references had anything to do with it? I have absolutely zero reason to believe any of the 3 I provided would say anything negative.

Thoughts? Is anxiety over this getting the upper hand here?

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AnonymousAugust 17,2023 at 3:53PM UTC
Did they say you'd have an offer within 48 hours? If not, don't panic yet. I am right now dealing with several people starting over the next month, several more offers in various stages, and my talent specialist currently under the weather. So I'm getting behind.
AnonymousAugust 17,2023 at 4:00PM UTC
No, they didn’t really give a timeline - I just assumed they were in a rush because of how quickly they acted on the references after that interview.
AnonymousAugust 18,2023 at 12:17PM UTC
Did they also do a background check? This sometimes takes a couple of weeks to return, so don't panic. It is also common to not want current employers to be references, as many people looking don't want their current employer to know it.
AnonymousAugust 17,2023 at 4:44PM UTC
I just had a short conversation with a critical person in another department, who usually responds within a few hours. Turns out she didn't see the email I sent yesterday because she's only working halftime as she's home sick with covid.
AnonymousAugust 17,2023 at 4:46PM UTC
I definitely think you're on track. With getting everything in writing and spelled out, it takes time. I would not worry in tge least.
Take a breath. References are usually just the icing on the cake. They met you and loved what you brought to the table.
AnonymousAugust 17,2023 at 5:31PM UTC
In the future, please remember that you should only give the HR number for employment checks, no supervisor, etc. Technically, that's the HR rule to prevent ex-managers, employees from saying anything that could be a liability to the company. If you don't know the HR number, call and get it, from HR only, not the operator, or person who answers the phone.
AnonymousAugust 17,2023 at 5:57PM UTC
Thank you for that, I was curious how to handle as this employer specifically spelled out that they wanted 3 references - including teammates and a mentor or supervisor, Last 2 jobs I’ve had never asked for references so I haven’t dealt with this in 15+ years,
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 18,2023 at 5:53AM UTC
This is an individual company policy. Some companies don't allow their employees to give references. They only allow employment verifications.
Some have no formal policy and employees are allowed to give references.
Some companies don't ask for references because they only do employment verifications.
This is on a case by case basis. If a company asks for references and you refuse to provide them - which technically is your right - you can expect for an offer to not be forthcoming.
AnonymousAugust 18,2023 at 12:14PM UTC
I have a couple of former supervisors that I use as references and two or three personal references, some of which have been co-workers and instructors.
AnonymousAugust 18,2023 at 4:01PM UTC
It’s very frustrating because the same companies that will only allow HR to give references, and for verification only, still expect candidates to give them references who will say more. It’s very hypocritical.
AnonymousAugust 20,2023 at 1:42PM UTC
Yes! My former employer was like that too! They delayed hiring me because they we’re waiting for one of my references.
AnonymousAugust 17,2023 at 7:52PM UTC
Al we are allowed to do is verify employment and can answer yes or no if we would re-hire the individual. I think for a personal reference we can also confirm the position. THAT IS ALL, so your advice is spot on.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 18,2023 at 5:54AM UTC
That may be the HR rule at your company but that is not the rule at all companies.
Lisa MarieAugust 20,2023 at 12:57PM UTC
Please note that references are not the same as employment verification.
HR provides verifications while professional colleagues provides references.
There is a difference, and job applicants actually do need to clarify which one an employer is really asking for, because many people use the word "references" incorrectly..
misskelleypAugust 18,2023 at 4:07PM UTC
Give yourself a minute. It sometimes takes a company time to get the offer together. Give them a week and then maybe politely inquire if they had any further questions they needed answers to. References have been checked (and you did the right thing, former coworkers and managers are good references because they are no longer bound by company policy). So try to not let the anxiety get the better of you. In these situations I just repeat to myself "Que Sera, Sera" - if it's meant to be, it will be. (I know, it's still hard when you really want the job!). Good luck.
AnonymousAugust 18,2023 at 5:14PM UTC
Legally, all they provide is confirmation that you worked there.
AnonymousAugust 19,2023 at 2:34PM UTC
Yes, but they can ask if she would be hired back...
AnonymousAugust 19,2023 at 4:40PM UTC
Everyone thinks it's illegal to provide a negative reference. It is not. You can say anything about a reference as long as it's true and non-discriminatory. Will most employers provide information beyond dates and position and whether they would rehire? No. Why? They don't want the money and time wasted fighting a lawsuit from an ex-employee who is misinformed. They would probably win such a lawsuit as long as they didn't lie, but why bother? It's easier just to provide the basics.
AnonymousAugust 19,2023 at 8:22PM UTC
This a complete misconception that so many people believe! There is no law that says you cannot give a detailed reference. Many companies don’t as a matter of policy, but as long as your employer can support the information they provide , it is perfectly legal. Additionally, it is perfectly legal to state that you would not rehire a former employee and decline to provide further details.
Erica MitchellAugust 18,2023 at 8:33PM UTC
I would give them more time. It's always nerve-wracking when you have to wait. Be patient. Wait about 7 days after they last contacted you and then send a follow-up email.
AnonymousAugust 19,2023 at 1:21PM UTC
7 days is too long. She needs to let it go.
Lisa MarieAugust 20,2023 at 12:44PM UTC
I agree that waiting 7 days will be too long, but there's nothing for her to "let go" yet. It has only been two days since last contact (not 7 days)
Focused721350August 19,2023 at 3:21PM UTC
Good Morning,
You need to chill a bit. It's only been a couple of days and I'm sure they have other apps they're checking out. PATIENCE! I'm sure that they will let you know very soon. THINK POSITIVE!!!!
Good Luck and God Bless, Ms. T ;)
Angelica Alvarez-IbarraAugust 19,2023 at 3:54PM UTC
In the same boat job hunting so totally understand the anxiety of waiting! But I agree with past comments, I think waiting a week is a good time frame. They could be weighing the reference checks between multiple candidates and/or getting an offer approved for the 1st choice candidate, which could be you OR possibly someone else.
AnonymousAugust 19,2023 at 5:53PM UTC
Too early to worry about it
AnonymousAugust 19,2023 at 6:20PM UTC
i wouldn’t worry at this time because it’s only been 2 weeks. You can send them a follow-up email if they don’t reply back within a week or so.
Otherwise, all you can do is apply to other firms in the meantime.
Rosa GoesAugust 19,2023 at 9:22PM UTC
I wouldn't stress if it's been 2 days. But if 2 weeks like other posters mentioned, then follow up once more and if no response, then move on.
AnonymousAugust 20,2023 at 1:26AM UTC
Relax — it’s only been 2 days and it’s summer vacation time— but continue your employment search until you have an offer in hand.
If you haven’t already done so, you can email the hiring manager at this company to express your appreciation for the on-site interviews and your enthusiasm for joining this team.
If you haven’t heard from this employer by Labor Day, send a Checking In email to HR or your company contact to inquire about the status of your application. And if it turns out that you are ghosted, it wasn’t the place for you.
As to not having a reference from your direct manager: I don’t see this as a problem. Colleagues, clients and other executives with whom you’ve worked are all appropriate references.
AnonymousAugust 20,2023 at 1:34PM UTC
Sadly, sometimes the reference isn't saying anything bad, but just isn't "enthusiastic enough" during the conversation about you.I know a great candidate who had impressive references, but his direct manager was just not a great talker, even in his day to day, he was very shy and wasn't a communicative personality, but was direct manager of candidate.. this guy sank the candidates chances without even trying. In the end it was the reason why they didn't get the job. They learned the hard way not to use that person as a reference.
AnonymousAugust 20,2023 at 3:16PM UTC
While going through my interview process, five days had passed. I reached out (phone call). "Hi, I just wanted to touch base and see if there were any other questions that I could answer and ask if I was still a candidate for the position?" I was happy to learn that I was their top choice and that they were in the process of creating an offer letter. Unfortunately at that time the hiring manager was out of town and I was told that he would be in contact once he returned. Do not be intimidated, reach out. Be professional about it. You never know, it might be the deciding factor if another is being considered with you. That call could show your ability to follow through and get you the position. Best of luck!
Farah BajwaAugust 23,2023 at 5:44PM UTC
Its so easy to want to overthink the situation :) I think in most cases its understood why candidates hesitate to provide manager contact info - it may rock the boat.
Since COVID, its sort of become the norm for companies to take forever to get back to candidates. Two days is really nothing in my experience - I just spoke with a recruiter to told me to ping her if i didn't hear back from her in two weeks.
I would suggest if a week goes by, its justified for you to reach out and ask for an update. Good luck and trust that whatever the outcome it is the best for you!
Jenn EtheridgeAugust 23,2023 at 7:54PM UTC
Like others have said, 2 days is nothing. I would wait at least a week. You'd be surprised how long it can take to get an offer letter approved before it can go to a candidate. I had one once that took almost a week for them to pull it together -- luckily I knew my hiring manager and she was able to give me a heads up. But nicely checking in and continuing to express your interest, after a week, is totally reasonable.