Enough is enough and I'd appreciate any tips regarding how to mentally move forward from on-going interview processes when companies aren't in a hurry to hire?

13 Comments

1. Cyndi RosenblattAugust 16,2022 at 5:20AM UTC

   My first job in my current company: applied in September, interviewed in October, offer in December, started in January. Depends on so many factors. Don't stop applying for other jobs, I wouldn't recommend continuing to follow up unless they asked you to, but don't write it off until they update the applicant system.

2. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 3:00PM UTC

   Thank you, Cyndi. With so many jobs being cancelled, it's hard to give up on a position that might be an opportunity. It would be the highest level of my career and affords staying in my area instead of having to look elsewhere. It's difficult because I'm not working right now so I need a job. A lot of positions are having so many rounds that while I have savings, having to factor how long is difficult. Were they telling you throughout the process that it would be that long or were you constantly waiting to hear? If there was more communications, that would make things easier. At this point, I think I need to move on and if something happens down the road, that would be wonderful but otherwise, I need to focus on getting a job!

3. Cyndi RosenblattAugust 16,2022 at 6:48PM UTC

   They were not keeping in touch. I had given up on the job by the time they called to offer it to me. I just this moment considered the possibility they'd offered it to someone else who didn't accept the offer (which would take longer), but I still think that's unlikely. Basically when people are already overwhelmed, sometimes they are so busy in the weeds that they put off the extra work a new hire requires. It's a circular situation - the workload isn't going to improve until you hire and train the new staff, but the thought of even MORE effort feels like too much. Definitely was the case with that initial position.

   To add to it, I kept applying for other jobs until I got an offer. I'd been in the new role for about 3 months when I got a call asking me to interview for another company. So about 5 months after the initial application. I didn't choose to pursue it, but it was comforting to know I still had options.

4. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 5:20AM UTC

   If the organization is unavailable or UNWILLING to move forward then why should YOU wait?

   You have invested enough - move on to other opportunities. If they come around in the future, reconsider your options in the future.

5. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 2:57PM UTC

   I've waited as the one job in particular would be a career position. After each round, I've become more invested in the process. I'm having trouble distancing myself from the process when ever time I feel it's over, the company creates another interview. If I didn't care so much about the opportunity, it would be easier to move on...

6. Joshua CorderoAugust 16,2022 at 12:50PM UTC

   The best cure is to focus on another opportunity.

7. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 2:55PM UTC

   Thank you and that's what I'm trying to do. When I've moved on, then I hear about another round so it draws me back in again. I think it's time to focus on jobs that have a start date!

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 17,2022 at 6:47AM UTC

   I'm sorry that you're having a hard time.

   I am prepared and enthusiastic for every interview. I send a thank you email. And then I move on to applying for the next position. I do not get too invested in the process until they tell me they want to make me an offer. Once I have a written offer letter in my hand, then I get excited.

   This mindset also helps with not ignoring red flags. Oftentimes when folks get too excited about a position or too invested, they'll ignore important issues.

   These days, a job search is a marathon - not a sprint. You have to pace yourself and be in it for the long haul. Try to get as much information as you can regarding timelines so you can set your expectations realistically but sh*t happens. If you need to take a break, do it.

   You don't "move forward from on-going interview processes" - you move through the process.

   Please let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!

9. AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

   I appreciate your advice and I'm mentally psyching myself up for every interview or request for a conversation. I make sure to do my research, what I can offer the company and I'm trying to now as you suggested move through the process rather than forward. That's a more constructive way to approach job searching. I've spent so much time and energy hoping to hear back from interviews that I'm now turning my attention to continuing to search until receiving an offer. I've gotten so close and I've been ghosted or the position has been cancelled.

   You're right, I haven't been paying attention to the signs. Due to being unexpectedly unemployed, I've been so focused on getting a job that I forget it needs to be the right job as well. If not, a few months later and I'll be searching again. I appreciate the positivity and encouraging advice!

10. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 17,2022 at 7:48PM UTC

    Please let me know if I can help. Good luck!

11. IntentionGirl136408August 17,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

    I would agree with other posters that the process can take a LONG time. Don't sit around waiting for a response from one interview, keep moving on other applications.

12. AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 6:04PM UTC

    Thank you and I'm making new connections and applying for positions every day. Pitching myself, going after companies that are hiring and developing contacts at companies where I want to work. I'm frustrated but trying to use that energy to fuel my search.

13. AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 6:48PM UTC

    It's like staying in a bad relationship because you have invested too much time.

    I hear ya on this struggle. It's exhausting.