Ghosted after successful interviews

69 Comments

1. Erin BeemerSeptember 8,2022 at 12:44PM UTC

   Did you follow up with a phone call or email? If only email, I'd recommend trying to call directly and talk with HR or hiring manager. Emails are easier to ignore. Sorry this happened to you when you were so excited about it, definitely disappointing. Hopefully there was just a delay and your opportunity is still there. Good luck.

2. AnonymousSeptember 8,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

   Leave it alone. You don't need to waste your time with this. I hear you about the confusion/frustration about employers claiming "good people are hard to find" then making the hiring process so grueling, hazing candidates with multiple interviews or ghosting for days at a time, but this is nothing new. In a bad economy they feel the balls are in their courts so if you want or need the job badly enough, you wait until they're good and ready to further the process. If you try to contact (read "hound") them you'll look desperate and your e-mails, calls, etc. will be ignored, sent to voice mail, etc. Go with the process but always have other job search methods going, and just remember it's not you, some people are just jerks!

3. Mary0612September 11,2022 at 1:59PM UTC

   The economy is not bad. Hiring is strong! Fed just trying to f it up with increasing interest rates

4. AnonymousSeptember 8,2022 at 1:52PM UTC

   If it's been 2 weeks then I would accept the ghosting and move on.

   If it's less than 2 weeks then accept the team is a bit unfocused and perhaps are wrapping up other candidate interviews and you are still in the running.

   Either way let things fall where they may. Following up again will not get you any answers. You need to wait for them on their time table if they decide to respond.

5. AnonymousSeptember 8,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

   Apparently, this is happening a lot. As a candidate who has experienced the same and also heard it from others who are being ghosted after "wonderful" interviews, it gives me a lot of pause for a company that treats candidates this way. As the old saying goes, "believe them when they show you who they are." No matter how great their brand, there is no plausible excuse for basic courtesy in the recruiting and interviewing process. If this is how they treat people in the pipeline, imagine how you'll be treated as an employee. Pivot and trust that there is something much better out there for you.

6. AnonymousSeptember 8,2022 at 7:19PM UTC

   Absolutely- it's like hazing and it does make you wonder if working for them would be horrific if they're treating you like this now. It's one of the reasons I'm thinking of self-employment, i.e. starting a business so that I don't have to wait around for some firm to pick me, getting laid off, fired, etc.

7. Joanne RosenSeptember 8,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

   This is beyond frustrating! The whole world of recruiting and hiring needs to be revamped! Seriously, FOUR interviews? Come on, people! You can't hire someone in 2 interviews? If that's the case, you have an internal problem. (Also, probably a red flag about the job.)

   Sorry you are going through that. We discuss it a lot on LinkedIn. Most recruiter say they never do that. Maybe it's only the company HR?

   Cheers

   Joanne

8. AnonymousSeptember 8,2022 at 7:14PM UTC

   Unfortunately I think sometimes the recruiter ghosts because they can't "close the sale." The recruiter likes your resume, work experience, etc., but they get a negative response from their client at any stage of the process and are embarassed or upset that you "lied to them" and lose your #.

9. Lisa AndersonSeptember 9,2022 at 2:07AM UTC

   This is so disappointing to hear. To take you through 4 rounds of interviewing is unacceptable. This tells you a little about the company (HR is not organized), the hiring manager (can't make a decision), and the culture (if they can't respond as a common courtesy).

   Organizations say they want to hire great talent but treat candidates this way. You are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. If this is the way they are treating candidates, this is an organization you may not want to be a part of.

   The positive outlook on this is that you have some good experience practicing interviewing (4 times) so find the next exciting position and knock it out of the park!

10. AnonymousSeptember 9,2022 at 1:05PM UTC

    I feel like I could have written this very email! 4 rounds, great interviews and feedback from them. They even created a position based on my thoughts during the first interview, interviewed me for what would essentially be my dream job (3 rounds), and nothing. No response to my follow up email 2 weeks later and the job is still posted. So disappointing.

11. Stephanie LekowskiSeptember 11,2022 at 1:09PM UTC

    Feel the disappointment then move on. I've seen jobs (still) posted after I've interviewed or applied there and it used to make me silent scream but now I feel relieved that I've dodged a bullet. Apparently they have unrealistic expectations and overall no clue what they want :-(, in some cases for the salary they're offering.

12. TheodoraSeptember 9,2022 at 4:35PM UTC

    I’ve gone as far as going on LinkedIn to message HR reps at the company and I can see if the message was read or not. It’s extremely rude and frustrating. Best of luck

13. AnonymousSeptember 9,2022 at 6:09PM UTC

    Thank you everyone. It’s extremely frustrating and rude but it’s been almost 3 weeks w no response to my outreach. I may sidebar w the contact I randomly reached out to on LinkedIn initially who flagged my resume to HR, as a last resort check in. After that, moving on!

14. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 2:31PM UTC

    For my own mental health I’ve stopped doing follow up requests for information. I do as well as I can in the interview and then I move on. I don’t reach back out. If the company is interested, they will get in touch and make an offer. After spending so much time reaching out to recruiters and HR reps asking for updates to hear absolutely nothing back, I just skip the drama and keep applying for roles I am interested in with other organizations. When the fit is right, you’ll get that offer. Continuing to reach out when I would hear nothing back made me feel desperate and demoralized. Often they’ve made an offer to someone else and are going through the offer, drug testing, salary negotiation process with their first choice before cutting the other candidates loose in case something falls through and they have to move on to their next choice. I’ve just found assuming I didn’t get the role protects my mental health and keeps me focused on moving forward.

15. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 12:10PM UTC

    I haven’t worked in the corporate world in a while, but to me, 4 rounds of interviews is excessive. In the education profession they don’t usually have more than 2. And this is one where you have to be fingerprinted and you hold the safety of children in your hands every day. In the corporate world it’s not that serious! For them to ghost you after putting you through an interview process like that, frankly, I’d just cross them off the list.

16. Balanced372207September 10,2022 at 12:29PM UTC

    Yes. High drama in the corporate world. I worked in a state legislature, and didn't go through nearly the drama that I have had to go through working in private industry. Seriously. I remember being given $2 million dollars worth of checks to "hold" over the weekend until they could be personally delivered to the recipients on a Monday (when I worked in the legislature). But castigated because I was 25 cents "short" in a petty cash box (not in the legislature).

17. PaiviSeptember 10,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

    I would cross them off the list for sure!!!

18. Maryann DurstSeptember 10,2022 at 12:17PM UTC

    If this was a government position, whether federal, state, or local, it takes a very long time to hear back. I have some interviews from May that I just heard a response. It can be a frustrating process, but trust when the fit is right, you will be happier in the long term.

19. Jennifer FingerSeptember 10,2022 at 12:22PM UTC

    I agree with you that it's incredibly unprofessional and rude for employers to ghost job applicants, but sadly, your experience as well as similar experiences I have had are why I always advise to do one's best at every stage of the hiring process, but to assume that each stage of the interview process may be the last contact with the employer you may ever have for reasons you'll never know.

    IMO it just isn't a profitable use of one's time to try to interpret "signs" or find out what the status is of a stalled job application. If the employer is really interested in you coming to work for them, they will follow up with you, and if they're really worth working for, they won't "test" you by making you chase them for information about the status of your application (a truly obnoxious and unprofessional head game that some employers put their job candidates through).

20. Stephanie LekowskiSeptember 11,2022 at 1:02PM UTC

    You can follow up ONCE by phone to see where things are and/or follow up with an e-mail if you think anything was unclear, but yes, having to chase them is obnoxious and unprofessional. If you go on with the next thing in your life, they'll (or a much better firm) contact you re the next step or offer you the job.

21. Jennifer FingerSeptember 11,2022 at 6:20PM UTC

    My experience has been that if you feel the need to follow up at all, the decision has already been made and it's "no." Just move on.

22. Manisha ShedgeSeptember 10,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

    I experienced similar situation as well. They were about to pick up the document, but after a day they called to let me know they had put me on hold. In the event that any other openings arise, we will notify you. Now, I often worry whether I will receive an offer letter when I try to apply to any job.

23. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

    I agree with this poster. After 4 successful interviews, HR should have the decency to stay in touch.

    This however does not surprise me. I went through 7 successful interviews ( I’d let that sink in). There was a panel round, where each panelist interviewed me separately. All these in addition to other requirements such as a presentation etc. I was told I was a top candidate…. Well I still haven’t heard back

24. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    Interesting. I am doing a job search now, and am at interview number three with a company. The first two were screening interviews with HR.

25. AnonymousSeptember 19,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

    I've always wondered what the H in HR stands for, because I've come to realize there's nothing human about this process. I don't treat people this way, and it seems unfair that the hiring process falls to people who think it's ok. I've taken myself out of contention a few times and I do it by sending an email. How hard is that? And if you're in HR and you can't compose a message bland enough to avoid a lawsuit, something is wrong. Just my cynical thoughts.

26. mememe nmememeSeptember 10,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    Same here, I’ve put in numerous applications for not only jobs I am well qualified for, but also jobs I’m over qualified for and had great interviews with promise to call me back in 24 hours with start date, then Nothing!!!

    i understand it’s their job/company and they have the final decision, however they’ve waisted my time! The time that I could have been diligently searching and interviewing for other jobs!

    I had one instance where the general manager actually called me and offered me a higher position and his H.R. person called next day for formal introduction and stated will call you back tomorrow AND it’s now a week later!

27. Stephanie LekowskiSeptember 11,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

    I empathize re the wasting time factor, but unfortunately it's not helpful to you to think that way. I will say that I had one interview where the interviewer was honest enough to tell me that my experience was not exactly what I was looking for but will keep my resume on file. I think I would rather have an interviewer do that than string me along and tell me I'll be hearing from them by ------ and then radio silence. Keep going on interviews and looking for jobs with positive reviews and/or through a contact/reference if you can get one. Hope this helps!

28. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 12:57PM UTC

    You should have already moved on. There could be dozens of reasons why you won’t get the role that have nothing to do with you - budget cuts, indecisive decision makers, it may have never been a real REQ but just a fishing REQ to “see what’s out there”, someone key in the process is on vacation or February 31st hasn’t arrived yet. All of it is irrelevant.

    You can only control you. The best advice I can give is that after you complete what’s asked of you (interview, assessment, take home), assume you didn’t get the role and move on. Don’t even think about it. I wouldn’t even follow-up. If you are so inclined maybe send a brief thank you note but there is a strong argument not to do even that.

    Engaging in their interview process and being prepared are indicators of your interest. Too much ghosting happens these days but it is expected. You are only tormenting yourself agonizing over the unknown. Take control and assume status quo (do you have an offer from them? No.). Push forward and don’t dwell on negativity and uncertainty.

29. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 1:02PM UTC

    I’ve been job searching for months. I seldom get anything saying the job was given to someone else. I think ghosting is what they do now. I’m lucky to get a “thank you for your application”.

30. Megan PikaardSeptember 10,2022 at 1:19PM UTC

    This happened to me once several years ago and I still think about it. I had two interviews with a tech company for a data analyst position and after the second interview, I was asked to do some sample assignments for them to see how my analysis skills were. I completed the assignments within the time asked and submitted them. I waited a week before asking if I could answer any more questions. I heard nothing. I waited another couple of weeks before I went to the other person I interviewed with and heard nothing back. Finally after a month and a half, I emailed the person who invited me to interview (we met in my chiropractor's office and hit it off so she asked me to come interview - I didn't even answer an ad). I heard nothing. I was shocked and very upset at this seemingly childish behavior. No one ever contacted me from the company and I didn't go chasing after that. If they wanted me they would have reached out - and the way they were behaving showed me everything I needed to know about a company's culture. I'm still sad about it though. I was trying to break into tech at the time and it hard to get interviews anywhere with my past resume.

31. GirlBossanova934974September 10,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    I have been through these 4-6 interviews per position job interview processes and come to a simple conclusion. Please find out from the recruiter from the start how many interview stages you will be expected to go through. If the number is more than 3, just say no! Not interested. It never works out. The fact is that there are still many companies dealing with a wave of resignations. HR is overwhelmed with all the coming and going. ALSO HR does not time for managers who ponder and fool around and waste time. Managers are being tested as just as they get their organization set with the right staff, the next staff member runs out the door for whatever reason. All of this being said, if the organization has all this time to spend with 1 candidate, they simply have way too much time on their hands. I myself own a business and these days I have taken a calculated risk! I am paying out a lot of raises, some over 15% in a year. Keeps the turnover to a 0 and keeps the customers coming. It takes too long to get new employees up to speed. BUT if I couldn't make that decision, I would be stuck like the rest of them, with a gigantic revolving door of employees.

32. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

    It's not great that they haven't contacted you yet. I saw further down in the comments that you mentioned that it has been almost 3 weeks. Something to consider is that the kiddos just went back to school and we just had labor weekend ( I know a lot of folks that took at least a week off for that). This may have been true for HR and the hiring manager and they may not have had time to connect and discuss next steps.

    What industry/department is it in because if it's tech your recruiter may no longer be with the company as I'm hearing a few tech recruiters are getting laid off and the person that picked up the position that you were interviewing for may be trying to manage their new workload.

    Another thing that you may want to think about is that you mentioned that the interview was successful...who gave you that feedback? Did HR or the hiring manager give you that feedback and say that you were the top candidate and they were going to make you an offer or are you deeming the interview as being successful? I ask because it may not have gone as well as you think it did and they're just going through the rest of the candidates before they send you the "I'm sorry to inform you, blah, blah, blah" email about you not getting the position.

    You said that you followed up with HR and that was a great first step. Your next step is to take your mind off of this and focus on the things that you can control and that's killing it during your next set of interviews. Fingers crossed that by the time that they do follow up you have multiple offers that you have to consider and you're back on Fairygodboss asking us advice on how to handle that. ?

    Good luck!

33. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 1:50PM UTC

    The same thing happened to me last year. Multiple companies, multiple job interviews with each of the companies saying you will hear from us with next steps. Checking references, everything. Then nothing. My prior company went through a merger and there was a lot no one knew about, if I had to guess once they got to the employment verification with the company that got merged that’s when things changed. They won’t admit it but the hr dept there had the deciding factor as to who stayed and who left. It would not surprise me if they were saying something which they shouldn’t have. However no one will never know. If you are running into this a lot remember it’s not what you know but who you know and ask friends about available positions. Ghosting has become the norm in most relationships now so why shouldn’t it bleed into the professional world.

34. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

    I can totally relate!
    I have also experienced this. The only way I could dust myself off and move on to the next was to tell myself I gained interviewing experience. Even the company I work for now took 4 months to hire me - after a year and a half of similar experience to what you’ve shared. The only way I made it through that process without throwing in the towel was to not think I had the job until my very first day. The reason I say that is because there was still over a month from the offer to the start date and weeks in between with zero contact. Sometimes, we just won’t get a reason for ghosting..by potential employers or people in general. Hang in there and use your energy to move on. I will say this tho, the best job for me was ultimately the one I ended up getting ..sometimes, those doors closing is just making way for what’s meant for you! The job I finally landed was far better than any I had applied and interviewed for when I was looking! Take care!

35. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMESeptember 10,2022 at 2:18PM UTC

    At the end of your interviewing process, did the company indicate when they would be making a decision? In addition, was this a current or a future job posting?

36. Vanessa ZellingSeptember 10,2022 at 2:19PM UTC

    This just happened to me too and it was a role that a recruiter reached out to me for! I was part of the Shopify layoff almost 8 weeks ago and didn’t get the other 3 positions that I was in final roles for. I reached out to this one a couple times with no response after that said they’d make their decision last Friday.

37. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 2:33PM UTC

    I will tell you that as a hiring manager I'm not allowed to reach to out to let someone know they didn't get the position. That is HR's responsibility. Perhaps they are just overwhelmed. Perhaps they're not doing a great job at communicating. Either way it's frustrating for us all and I wish people would just do the right thing.

38. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 2:55PM UTC

    I had the exact same thing happen when I interviewed at a university earlier this year. My last interview was with the dean who oversees the program. She advised that I would be receiving an offer. I never received an offer.

    I never received a decision about my application. I contacted everyone who I spoke to regarding the position. I was either told that the search committee would follow up or just never received a response. I called and emailed. I never heard a peep from anyone. I expected more from a university.

    Here’s the kicker. I interviewed with a different department at the same university and had the exact same thing happen again. I was told an offer would come - and then… crickets. It’s incredibly unprofessional. It takes a few seconds to compose an email to update a candidate. And being a university I’m positive they have templates they just cut and paste.

    I worked in the same university system through my undergrad and grad years and it seemed they were sticklers for professionalism. I guess that sentiment has since diminished. It’s incredibly disappointing. But I’ve leaned my lesson.

    Funny how the same university system is asking me as an alumni to donate. I’ll donate feedback.

39. JSeptember 12,2022 at 2:54PM UTC

    Maybe they lost the funding for the position.

40. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 3:26PM UTC

    This has been happening to me all summer. 2 to 3 interviews then nothing. No response to follow up. It’s the norm now I guess? Just like ghosting a date. They’re not in person so they can act any kind of way.

41. BethBSeptember 10,2022 at 3:40PM UTC

    They may be holding you in reserve in case the first choice doesn’t wrk out. Good luck

42. M TSeptember 10,2022 at 3:51PM UTC

    This keeps happening to me as well. I even had one of them that I had 2 interviews with call me recently and acted like this was our first conversation. When I said that I had interviewed for this position 2 months ago and never heard back, she acted shocked.

43. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 4:03PM UTC

    As the only person in HR at my current organization, I am super overwhelmed with work. Right now I’m filling 6 different positions alongside my other work I’m required to do. Annual notice stuff have deadlines coming up, open enrollment, law changes to update within the company, etc. Then there are the staff already at the organization I am responding to, who are my priority. They have high burnout so I’m working on creating outlets for them, and implementing staff retention things. I do my best to respond to people but sometimes it gets missed. HR has a lot on their plate (if there is HR). You can say it doesn’t take long to respond, but it can add up and I’ve found my entire day will be gone just from responding to applicants who have emailed, especially if we don’t have a decision yet.

    I’ve also been on the other side where I was ghosted after having great interviews, and no response. I learned to do my follow-up and to expect an answer if or when they had time. Then continue to apply and interview until I had an actual offer in hand. It wasn’t fun, and it could get depressing. It was the best way I figured out how not to get attached to a job possibility.

44. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 5:02PM UTC

    I had one recruit successfully finish her first 2 virtual interviews, when she showed up for her in office interview she brought her kids to it! That is a definite deal-breaker!

45. Melissa VerdoniSeptember 12,2022 at 1:34PM UTC

    why a deal breaker ?? with covid its getting harder to find care for your kids. i agree it's not fun , inteeviews can be so stressful that having my kids there would only be an extra stress,, i wouldn't do it for fun. i would have talked about it with the person.... maybe she had a really good reason . alot of classes or stuff shit down when they have covid cases... and even then its rude to ghost, just send an e mail......

46. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 5:39PM UTC

    "Companies trying to find good employees who want to come to the office" is already in the past ... many firms now have hiring slowdowns or freezes or are even rescinding offers. If you haven't followed up with your recruiter now could be a good time to reach out, but keep in mind your recruiter may no longer be with their firm (either burned out and quit or got laid off), or may still be there but be super busy and may not be able to get back to you at the timetable you're looking for. Generally speaking, I'd put this position on the backburner and keep looking. If they reach out to you to continue, then that's great. Good luck with your job search.

47. Nadine BonnerSeptember 10,2022 at 5:39PM UTC

    Two years ago I also went through four interviews and a test for a faith-based nonprofit.
    There was no HR department. No recruiter. I met with the Executive Director and board members. They were all pastors and religious leaders. After the fourth interview— crickets. I wrote follow-up letters. Nothing. Two months later I saw they had promoted someone from inside. I have no problem with that but why not send me an email to let me know? My only satisfaction is, since they are all faith leaders, they will eventually answer to a Higher Authority for their rudeness

48. Mary0612September 11,2022 at 1:29PM UTC

    lol, higher authority, that’s hilarious

49. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 5:57PM UTC

    Is it also possible that companies are a) looking for information and using this long process to receive it from candidates? b) afraid to respond to candidates with a no for fear of discriminatory lawsuits?

50. Shelby CSeptember 10,2022 at 6:22PM UTC

    As former HR this can happen for a number of reasons outside our control; however, there is no reason to ghost a candidate. Some of the opposition I've faced is:

    1) They never intended to hire an external person and already had an internal handpicked, but they're legally bound to post it.

    2) It simply came down to numbers and there isn't enough money to pay you what you deserve, so they don't want to lowball or insult you.

    3) Someone higher up has already chosen another candidate and made them go through all the trouble to then tell them to hire their buddy. I had this happen (the first time) in 1997 after we had spent over 65k on a search we internally did flying candidates in and visiting them in person. Then, the boss says to pick ____. Thank goodness she was one of our top three out of over 125 I reviewed and ten we met with.

    4) They might be flakes. Or, so understaffed they're dropping the ball.

    I crave feedback and closure. I understand how you feel. It is so frustrating!

    I always called people personally to tell them they hadn't been selected when they made it through the interview process for that reason. I also see it as a potential growth opportunity for both sides. They could tell me what they thought we did well and could improve upon.

    I would send an email to HR and the manager you met with if it's been over two weeks and say something to the following:

    I wanted to express my gratitude for the time you took out of your day to meet with me. I would still like to be considered for any future positions at XYZ Widget Company. I am constantly seeking to learn and grow. Is there any feedback that you could give me that you believe could assist me to present myself as a better candidate during the interview process? Thank you in advance for your time and feedback.

51. SANDRA MICHELSENSeptember 10,2022 at 6:47PM UTC

    I’ve experienced this at LEAST 1/2 dozen times post pandemic and am convinced this is the new normal and it’s disgusting. I’ve experienced this unprofessional behavior both from recruiters from so-called prestigious firms and by employers where I was certain I’d gotten the job.

52. JYJSeptember 10,2022 at 9:54PM UTC

    There is NO EXCUSE FOR GHOSTING CANDIDATES. Unfortunately, most of us have experienced it after investing time to research and then interview with an organization. I've always considered that I dodged a bullet. If they treat you this way now, imagine working there!

53. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 10:03PM UTC

    I have been ghosted more than not ghosted during my job search. I have to say, getting that rejection email is like a gut punch every time I get one, but being left to wonder is so much worse. I'm sorry that happened, it is terrible.

54. AnonymousSeptember 11,2022 at 12:28AM UTC

    I agree. There is no reason for a company to ghost you.

    With that said, a lot of companies have to interview outside candidates, even though they may already have decided to promote from within. These organizations will use the process as a fishing expedition for future candidates.

    I would send a thank you letter and let them know that you understand there may have been a better candidate, but would like to be considered for future opportunities, if you truly think this organization is the one for you.

    From the outside looking in, I would move on knowing this has been a learning situation. Ask yourself if you really want to work for an organization that has bad communication practices, such as you have experienced. Now move forward.

55. Stephanie LekowskiSeptember 16,2022 at 12:57AM UTC

    Sounds good :-)! Maybe the thank you letters will instill healthy guilt (if there is such a thing ;-) ) in would be employers to follow up with candidates. For every candidate that takes out their frustration on a HR person or worse accuses of discrimination, there is a candidate who will thank them for their professionalism and honesty! Be brave and do the right thing, all you potential employers out there- follow up with good news or bad.

56. AnonymousSeptember 11,2022 at 3:31AM UTC

    I have been ghosted by a Recruiter! Imagine that! Wow, it is so unnerving. He then had the audacity to call me 6 months later and DENY it! Oh, the nerve of these people! I am so sorry you had to go through that. I was angry but am better off without that agency. They obviously have no couth. I would just keep looking and move on. You can't change people, you can only change the way you feel about them.

57. Stephanie LekowskiSeptember 16,2022 at 12:52AM UTC

    Absolutely :-) We can only control what we do.

58. AnonymousSeptember 11,2022 at 1:08PM UTC

    At my company, managers will interview candidates 3-6 months before they hire. It actually took me 5 months from the interview to get my offer letter but I love my job and during the waiting period I learned all I could about the position.

59. Mary0612September 11,2022 at 1:32PM UTC

    Also, willingness to go back to the office does not qualify as good employee. This is different times! From what I see, global companies especially prefer candidates who are willing to work remotely. Keeping seats warm in expensive rented offices is not necessarily a plus.

60. Delores JacksonSeptember 11,2022 at 3:26PM UTC

    This is happening a lot to good and prospective job applicants. Then they wonder why they cannot find people to work. Employers need to stop lying about not being able to find good help, because they are the problem!

61. AnonymousSeptember 11,2022 at 6:52PM UTC

    The best piece of advice I have received during my job hunt is to NOT become emotionally invested in ANY position until your FIRST day of work.
    Prior to your first day of work, you WILL be ghosted! You WILL be gaslit! And yes, even companies as reputable as Meta have recently extended offers that they had to resend before the person's first day of work. Read LinkedIn. We have to protect our emotional well-being during these very taxing and demoralizing job searches. It would be great if companies and their recruiting teams had the humanity that they want for themselves, but far too often we just don't see that anymore. Candidates are treated like chattel. Do NOT stop interviewing at other places until your first day of work! On the positive side, take all of the interview and experience as prep for the one that LANDS!

62. Kristie WhiteSeptember 12,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    This is bad behavior, but unfortunately all too common. The labor shortage has created recruitment that is based on the number of transactions not the quality of the recruitment. If the candidate is eliminated for ANY reason, they move on rather than take the time to respond. A second reason may be a rejection that is subjective. HR is so often counseled to say nothing that could lead to reprisals or litigation. And people’s communication skills are so uneven, if volumes are high or recruitment is outsourced- the rule may be no further communication. If you were still viable as a candidate, I don’t think every source would be ghosting you. Also, Don’t take it personally though I know it is hard not to. In this market, employers are not nurturing candidates.

63. VonnieSeptember 13,2022 at 5:06PM UTC

    im not gunna lie this happened before but they pulled my resume and called didnt even set an interview as of yet. so i was super excited plus its a company we all know . Why did i put myself back on that ladies calendar bc i had a few questions. She cancelled but then gave me a reason of filling the positon but dang i didnt even get to interview so was it internal or yall met w a better match but atleast say something. Especially as a company that we all walk into atleast once a week or one of its associates.

64. AnonymousSeptember 15,2022 at 12:38PM UTC

    I’m a hiring manager and don’t notify candidates about my decision. I notify HR. Unfortunately, I may forget to let them know to notify candidate. It’s so busy since we’re understaffed that it makes it harder to find people. It’s a viscous cycle. Good luck to you. Hope you find your dream job.

65. AnonymousSeptember 19,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

    You shouldn't have to notify HR to notify the candidate. That's their job, to finish out the process.

66. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertSeptember 15,2022 at 3:12PM UTC

    I'm sorry this happened to you. Professional manners are going out the window. Some employers may be afraid to reject people, because the responses that come back can be nasty. It's not a decent excuse, but you wanted explanations. For example, when I've rejected people, I've given them the courtesy of a real explanation, since I thought it was something they could fix for the next time. Some of them called me a bitch whom they would not want to work for, which really upset me, since I was trying to help. I now have an ego-saving email template for rejections, so this doesn't happen, but it took me a while to perfect it.

    Also, as an interview coach, I can tell you that job searchers tend to overestimate their interviewing skills. A lot of people will come to us saying their resume isn't working because they don't get offers when they interview! No, you don't get offers if you don't interview the best. It doesn't mean you wouldn't be the best person for the job; it just means they liked, trusted, or had more confidence in someone else. Or maybe they had to hire the boss's nephew; who knows?

    I've put all of my best wisdom on interviewing in the video here: https://www.yeswriting.com/interview-coaching/ I hope it helps.

67. Stephanie LekowskiSeptember 16,2022 at 12:41AM UTC

    Great advice :-)! Very sorry to hear that you were called a bitch for being honest. I also agree that the resume is not the be-all end-all of the hiring process, it's how you "show up" in the interview. I will say that as a job candidate/applicant, I am very impressed when a firm tells me that I have not been picked for a job but is very polite about it. I would apply again in the future if another position becomes available.

68. Gretchen OlsenSeptember 19,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

    I would like to add my own experience here, since I went through a similar situation.

    After the interview process, I got no response or details about the position.

    Turns out, that while they wanted to offer me the job, there was a hiring freeze put into place. And, they were unable to fill the position for a period of time.

    I was finally offered the position, after about a 6 week delay..

    So, since the markets have been crazy lately, it could be a similar situation.

    i hope this helps, and good luck ,

69. Nova SmithOctober 28,2022 at 9:19AM UTC

    HR probably gave the position to someone they knew. Not uncommon.