Trying to make sense of this situation and would appreciate your help!

19 Comments

1. Zeecil KimmelNovember 11,2024 at 4:25PM UTC

   The same thing happened to me, and after about a month, I saw the job I interviewed for reposted. Unfortunately, until you have a signed offer letter and a start date, it is all nice words. I hope you have better luck than I did but do not sit around waiting.

2. AnonymousNovember 11,2024 at 6:39PM UTC

   I'm sorry to hear as the ghosting hurts more than not getting the job. We spend so much time preparing for the interviews and false hope is devastating. I would rather hear, you'll be contacted if we're interested in moving forward. Wishing you all the best and good luck in your search!

3. AnonymousNovember 11,2024 at 5:37PM UTC

   There is no telling, really it's anyone's game at this point. I would advise (being a former recruiter and one who still hires) to follow up right after your interviews, not 2 weeks afterwards. Then follow up from there every 2 weeks. Try again and in the subject line put your name/Follow up.

   Thank you again for your time in interviewing me on day of the week, and the date. I'd like to reiterate my strong interest in moving forward to the next stage of the interviewing process.
   Your kind reply is appreciated, sign your name. But do keep your options open and continue applying. Sending good vibes for good news soon.

4. AnonymousNovember 11,2024 at 6:37PM UTC

   OP: I sent a thank you note after the interview and then followed up a week later. I knew I was ahead in the process as they were still conducting HR interviews and I already met with the hiring manager. The lack of response is in my mind telling but it's frustrating as they gave every indication during the interviews that I was 'perfect' for the role. Ghosting is real and not only at Halloween. I appreciated your advice and have continued to apply for roles even when hoping for good news.

5. AnonymousNovember 11,2024 at 7:15PM UTC

   Sounds like the date went really well, both parties seemed interested in seeing each other again, yet we wait for the guy to call us to tell us he is interested. Think of it like that and keep swiping right. Then the right thing will come along when you're least expecting it. I know it would bother me a lot too if someone showed a lot of interest and then they ghosted me. I don't understand why so much of this is going around. I'm in higher ed working with employers who hire students but the ghosting isn't coming from our partners as we are a go between so I think it's other companies and there are no patterns. I think it's poor business hiring practices.

6. AnonymousNovember 11,2024 at 8:52PM UTC

   I would keep them on the back burner. Remember their timing is not your timing so things get delayed, put on hold and strategies get changed. They might just not have an answer and no time to follow-up. So don't write them off until you get word they went in another direction.

7. AnonymousNovember 11,2024 at 10:11PM UTC

   It took me three months to get a decision from a company after I got a similar response after an interview. The job was for a non-profit executive position, and I never got a good reason for the delay, but perhaps it was funding and budget. I inquired every couple of weeks at first and then followed up monthly. They eventually went with an internal candidate, and I would have had to move from the East Coast to the West Coast, so that may have had something to do with it.

8. AnonymousNovember 12,2024 at 1:12PM UTC

   Don't give up, just start applying elsewhere to get your mind off things. Sometimes the hiring process gets put on pause because of the needs of the business (which is why they are there in the first place). You may still get an offer, but if you get busy applying elsewhere, it will help put you in a better frame of mind should they contact you - it will be a pleasant surprise instead of "why did it take you so long?"

9. GirlBossanova934974November 12,2024 at 1:25PM UTC

   Send up a quick follow-up email and keep applying for other positions. Many companies these days are sloppy in getting back with candidates. HR has been slashed to the bone in many places and by the time, HR, Finance, and the Hiring Manager get off the dime, it can take weeks.

10. Tina MorenoNovember 12,2024 at 2:17PM UTC

    It’s totally understandable to feel frustrated in this situation—especially after such a positive experience with both the HR team and the hiring manager. It sounds like you made a great impression, and their encouragement made it seem like the role was yours. But sometimes, delays in hiring happen for reasons that have nothing to do with you or your qualifications. Budgets can be under review, priorities within the team might shift unexpectedly, or there might be other internal factors slowing down the process.

    Since your profile hasn’t been closed out, there’s still a chance they’re considering candidates or waiting on final approvals. However, if you haven’t heard back after following up, one more quick, polite message to see if they have any updates might be worthwhile—just to feel like you’ve done all you can on your end.

    Most importantly, remember this silence isn’t a reflection on you personally. Sometimes the hiring process just doesn’t match the level of respect and communication you bring to it. Keep your focus forward, knowing you have a lot to offer, and that the right opportunity will come along. You’ve shown resilience, and that will only strengthen your search for a role that truly values your skills and commitment.

11. AnonymousNovember 12,2024 at 5:22PM UTC

    OP: Thank you all and I appreciated your advice. I'm continuing to push forward with other opportunities while keeping this job on the back burner. I remain hopeful but need a job so while I recognize that the timelines do not align, my bank account states that I need a paycheck sooner than later. I have an interview this week for a part time communication position and having money coming in would ease the stress while searching!

12. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 2:17PM UTC

    saying a prayer for you today- so you can at least grab that part time job. I'm in the same boat right now. $500 in the checking account helps, every little bit!

13. AnonymousNovember 13,2024 at 4:40PM UTC

    Send another follow up and set it so you can see "read receipts" in that email let them know that your interest is still strong and that you have references ready to share if they would like to check your references. Send the email to HR and the HM together. Also let them know that if you are no longer being considered that you hope they will close the loop with you sooner than later as you are in an active search and other potential employers are in consideration whose timelines may escalate but they do remain your first choice. If you still here nothing put it in the back of your mind and keep looking.

14. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

    I really understand how frustrating job hunting/interviewing can be. Ghosting happens and it now seems it is part of the recruitment process for many recruiters both internal and recruitment agencies. Keep looking and applying, Interviewers will say good things to create a good atmosphere. You followed up and still they were silent. Best to move on, learn from the issue. Don't blame yourself

15. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 1:53PM UTC

    I find it happens more often than not. Either you get a quick auto reply “thank you for your interest but” or you get moved along & interview like you did, are a near perfect match but no contact or offer. It’s odd but I think it comes down to the fact there are so many good candidates looking & you just possibly got edged out but they like you & don’t want to cross you off incase there is anything else you may be a fit for.

16. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 2:15PM UTC

    I'm sorry. but you are spending energy on things you cannot control. I know it feels lik you "clicked" with these people, and no doubt you did. :) But, they don't know you personally and they will take their time letting you know if you're "in" or "out". you are in a position of waiting. do NOT take this personally. I'm old enough to witness and say "it's not like that anymore"- getting hired anywhere these days is a cumbersome process- it's not like in 1995 when they "cared" and you could get a fairly quick yay or nay. Also, we are at year's end-- many employers are shoving hiring decisions off until at least January due to year end budget decisions, the recent election, etc... Just send a formal follow up/thank you- and let it go. Repeat emailing/calling won't work in your favor. Trust your strength and KNOW that the right company, right time, etc- a job will come thru. Sometimes, when you go thru this sort of process, you will get a glimpse of the "reality" of the employer (I've had this happen several times) and by the time they offer me a job (or not)- I really don't want to work for them anymore! Things like this tend to sift out, for good or for bad....I know you're feeling anxious and disappointed, but do NOT sink into this too much- these emotions will come thru on interviews as being "needy" rather than self confident. I've said all of this as an older woman, and in a spirit of encouragement! XO

17. Vanessa LontocNovember 14,2024 at 4:15PM UTC

    Yes, it can be frustrating to go through this experience, especially when you feel you've made a strong connection. Unfortunately, sometimes the hiring process can be unpredictable and impersonal. While it's disappointing, try not to take it personally. Remember, your worth isn't determined by a single job opportunity. Keep your head up and continue your job search. You'll find the right opportunity that values your skills and talents.

18. AnonymousNovember 15,2024 at 2:20AM UTC

    Yeah, definitely move on. The world is full of jerks, leading you on wasn't right.

19. AnonymousNovember 16,2024 at 5:07PM UTC

    After good interviews, I always manage my expectations this way: "It clicked. I've got my chances. Unless there's someone else they like better, or unless just one person didn't like me." You can never really know before signing an offer, if not even starting to work in rare cases.