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Is a “check in” meeting during hiring ever used to make a job offer or let the candidate down?

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Is a “check in” meeting during hiring ever used to make a job offer or let the candidate down?

I’ve had 6 interviews over almost 3 months for a role in a growing company ( niche field), my references have all been checked and were, “ glowing, which is not a surprise” per the hiring manager. The benefit package and base salary range+ commission potential have been discussed. I thought check in mtgs were done part way through to gauge interest, etc. Could it be used for making an offer? Or should I expect to be dragged along some more. Multiple roles are being filled for this growing company at once, and they are interrelated, but seriously, WTH? Is it ever used to let the candidate down? I don’t have any reference for this. Any hiring experts care to weigh in?

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  1. Nancy Cincotta

    I don’t have any insight to share, but I just wanted to say I’m sorry you’re going through this. I know a recruiter who says this type of thing is a sign of the future.

  2. Anonymous

    Yes sometimes it is a chance to regroup.

  3. Anonymous

    Sounds grueling actually. But you’ve committed this much time so see it through to the end. You may decide it’s not for you. So intrusive though and checking your references and NOT giving you an offer when everything checked out. Really inconsiderate in my opinion

  4. Anonymous

    I wish I knew, but the only time I ever had a "group discharge" was a "cattle call" type of interview, where all the interviewees were in the same room from the beginning, and individuals went back for interviews with a hiring manager. Some were told to stay, and the rest were told to leave. If it is a case of quickly growing and changing direction, they may want to announce new/different responsibilities for some of the positions and want you to see if something else strikes your attention. It is hard to even speculate without knowing more.

  5. Anonymous

    If I'm understanding you correctly, you are asking if check-in meetings are part of the hiring process? Yes, sometimes and only if the recruiter or your HR contact wants to be sure you are still in the loop. I'm a former recruiter. If the process is taking a long time and the recruiter or your contact wanted to keep you warm you would think they would check in, however, if they are swamped with candidates, and in this hiring climate, many people are being ghosted. There seems to be red flags here. Were you made a formal offer? If not, and they are checking references, it could be an offer may soon arrive. Otherwise, I would keep your options open. And if they are hiring for multiple positions, it could be they are so tied up with all the positions, interviews, reference checking, etc. that it's taking more time. However, to answer your question, if you were my candidate, and this was taking forever, I would definitely keep in touch so you know the process is taking a while. That is what is called "keeping you warm". And engaged. But again, it's up to you if you want to wait around. I'd keep dating other companies and if the timing works and you get an offer, great!

  6. Anonymous

    I would definitely say to actively continue looking for another role. Check in meetings are usually keep it warm meetings, as others have said. A couple of things may be happening. Because this is a new company, they may still be defining the role and requirements may be evolving. They may also be interviewing other candidates. You should continue doing the same in terms of interviewing at other places. Of course, it could just be that they are slow and a bit unorganized. But either way, don't put all your expectations in this one role. Good luck!

  7. Anonymous

    A "check in" meeting? This is what they called it? My guess is it may be to "keep the candidate warm" meaning, they may not be ready for offer yet, but don't want to lose you.

  8. Anonymous

    There's no ROI on a Check In meeting for this, and I know it's frustrating.

  9. Anonymous

    It can be but I don't think it's a sure thing. I had a check-in meeting after a final interview and I received an offer. In this market, candidates are ghosted so I would take it as a sign you did well and they wanted to follow up with you either way.

  10. Anonymous

    UPDATE from the OP: well, their competitor just announced a few hours ago that they are purchasing the company I’m interviewing with. That explains a lot. I knew it was going to happen, given the industry and this org’s stage of development. I just didn’t think it would happen so quickly. Now I know why my last ( 6th) interview was over 3 weeks ago with glowing references and no offer. It all makes sense now.

  11. Anonymous

    Hopefully they will re-engage once things have settled down. Good luck.

  12. April Line

    I was gonna comment that sounds like a lot of red flags. I am glad there's a cause, but still so frustrating! Sending you good vibes.

  13. Maggie Stone

    I’m sorry

  14. Anonymous

    GET OTHER THINGS GOING. They're stringing you along waiting for another candidate to give them okay and could be holding you on ice in case that doesn't work out.

    If you want the job a lot , and it doesn't get in the way of forward activity on other opportunities, Yes, do go to that check in meeting and see what they have to say. Maybe bring a little write-up, mini-proposal, spreadsheet on what you might do the first three months on the job. ( If you deem it worth your while and you haven't already done that). Be prepared to discuss other opportunities in the organization since it 'is a growing company.'

  15. Anonymous

    Can you make it just a phone call or face time? A check in was always “are they still interested ?” or maintain a connection until we are able to hire in my company. I don’t think you need to meet in person for that.

  16. Kara

    Unfortunately, in my company at least, that has always meant to tell the candidate "they are moving in a different direction or going with another candidate." Hope that's not the case in your situation

  17. Erica Nicholas

    My company uses this when they really want and need the person but the req hasn't been approved yet by the CFO.

  18. Anonymous

    This 100%

    to let someone down they don’t usually do an actually meeting. They just send an email

  19. Anonymous

    Likely to keep you warm and see if you have other offers

  20. Anonymous

    Some companies use a group hiring process and that can take a month or so. It's unnerving, but it happens.

  21. Marcia Smith

    Personally, I believe that you should still keep looking and other options open. You don't actually have the job until you start working for them - and even then, you could be let go. I've heard WAY TOO MANY STORIES about people accepting a job offer - for it to only be rescinded. AND I've heard of people starting work, only to be let go days later because of a major layoff or the company just changed its mind about the decision.

    Protect yourself and do what is best for you. Keep your hopes up and stay positive while also looking for other opportunities.

    You got this!

  22. Anonymous

    Perhaps sending a thank you email to the person with whom you last interviewed with while simultaneously requesting for a status on your application? It appears hiring entities tend to drag offers on and on as a practice rather than the exception. I hope that you hear something soon.

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