I went through a final interview on Monday in which the hiring manager and her boss asked me if it sounded like a place I'd want to work.

56 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 4:35PM UTC

   You don't have an offer from this company. Reach out to both the recruiter and the hiring manager let them know that you have an offer for contract work but prefer them but will lose that option by tuesday. Let them know that your request for more information from them is not to pressure them but it is to ask if you are still in the mix. You may get a negative reply or a we are not ready to decide yet, then you have to decide what to do...

2. Kimberley Ferretti HammettMarch 20,2024 at 5:47PM UTC

   What is the timeline of the correspondence? If this is all within a week it sounds pretty normal and nothing to be alarming yourself over. You don't have an offer but you haven't been rejected either. Offers take approvals and a lot of internal work so it can take time. It's also Spring Break time which means an approval could be stuck waiting for a manager who is taking vacation time with family. I've seen it happen over and over. They may also have an obligation to carry out final interviews with all of the candidates before sending out an offer so if you were the first of 3 interviews that could create delays as well. You sent your thank you's and they responded that they would reach out. If a week goes or has gone by since they said that, reach out again and ask for an approximate timeline as you have other offers but this is your first choice.

   Meanwhile it's ok that you accepted the contract role. Double check the contract but there should be no penalty if you have to back out of it due to another offer. It's a contract role, they might not be super happy about it but they were only committing to you for a few months anyway, nothing major to have to walk away from that if you get this better opportunity. If you don't get this better opportunity, good for you for securing some work to get you through June while you continue to look for another even better, more long-term opportunity.

   Take a breath, you're doing fantastic. Many people are taking several months to even land a first interview and within 20 days you have gotten a contract offer and a final interview. Please take a moment to congratulate yourself on this alone! I know it is tough when you are waiting on the employers timeline but find a balance between tenacity and patience and understanding with them and add in some confidence that getting this far this quick means you have talent and you are going to be ok.

3. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 6:19PM UTC

   Thank you. I’m an anxious person so it’s nice to get a response that doesn’t make me feel ridiculous for worrying a bit. I also don’t like the idea of backing out of something I accepted so that caused some anxiousness as well. I don’t want to burn any bridges if I need to apply to that company again. Hope that makes sense.

4. Kimberley Ferretti HammettMarch 21,2024 at 12:48AM UTC

   Of course that makes sense! I do think people over-exaggerate how "bridge-burning" backing out of a role is though so take this from someone who has worked in HR for a decade now.. bridge-burning has WAY more to do with your delivery and professionalism than your rule-following. There is a professional way to let them know that you are grateful for the opportunity and have been happy working with them so far but another employer than you started contact with in your application process has gotten back to you and offered you more permanent employment which fits your goals and needs better than the short term role. Would some individuals still find that reason to write you off? Sure. But most will respect that and appreciate the open conversation over simply ghosting. And some may even ask if a permanent role would keep you on, especially if you've already showed good work. We are in a tough market right now and a lot of recruiters and managers understand that so it's not the deathwish others make it out to be if you handle it with grace. And if they don't respond with grace, that's on them and probably not an employer you need on your good side.

   Anywho, you're not ridiculous, just feeling the effects of anxiety and I'm glad you came to this site for insight. You're doing great.

5. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 6:14PM UTC

   Seems so odd you think you are no longer under consideration for the role. It's only been 72 hours?

   I guess you can take the contract job since you think you've been passed over.

6. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 8:18PM UTC

   You had the final interview Monday, March 18?

   If so, there is absolutely no reason to be concerned. Companies often take their time in making final decisions and notifying candidates.

   Check back with the recruiter every couple of weeks for a status update.

   With respect to your contract job: is there an actual written, signed contract? If so, you are legally obligated until the end of June, unless you can work out an early departure with the employer. If, on the other hand, you are using “contract job” as short-hand for “short term”, you can quit when you receive a full-time job.

   My advice is to keep looking for full-time work and to leave the contract job, if feasible, when you are offered a full-time job. Alternatively, you can try to negotiate a July start date for the full-time job.

7. AnonymousMarch 21,2024 at 1:55PM UTC

   Check the wording in your contract before signing Just as the company can let you go without notice and regardless of the length of the contract, you can usually quit at any time

8. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 10:23PM UTC

   Take a pause....give them a week at least. Your timing is not their timing. Just relax.

9. AnonymousMarch 21,2024 at 12:38PM UTC

   I had a recruiter tell me I’d hear back by Friday for 3 weeks in a row. I started at a different position yesterday. I was off 4 weeks and was too afraid to wait around anymore. As my parents have told me most of my life “everything falls in to place just give it time.” Hopefully.

10. AnonymousMarch 21,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

    It sounds like it's only been a few days since your final interview, so I'd wait at least a week before reaching out to the recruiter for status. If you do get this job you can always give notice at the contract job - happens all the time.

11. Maggie StoneMarch 21,2024 at 12:56PM UTC

    First, if you were laid off on the first and you already have contract work and a potential offer: congratulations.
    Second, don’t lose hope for the other job. Asap is vague and could mean by the end of the week or some other time in their minds. Or any number of things could have caused a delay. It doesn’t mean that you are out of the running.I would shoot them a polite email saying that you have a contract job in the works, but you really want to work for them. That may prompt an answer/decision.

12. Sarah BordersMarch 21,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

    This is a great idea. Remember the P in ASAP stands for “possible”, and as Maggie says, there are a number of things that could impact it.

    In early June 2005, I interviewed for a role as a paraprofessional with a public library system in Houston, knowing I was going to get a master’s in library science and pursue a career as a librarian. It couldn’t have gone better. At first, I heard nothing. Several weeks went by, and I got a call (the first of many) from the recruiter who was in my interview, asking me if I was still interested in the job. I said yes, and this went on for a while.

    In mid October, when I was officially offered the role, the recruiter apologized profusely, saying my offer (and subsequent start date and onboarding) had been delayed because after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, they had evacuees from the east—government and public library employees—who had come to Houston indefinitely and needed placement ASAP. It was an “all hands on deck” situation for HR, and even though my offer was written up in early August (government agencies notoriously move slower than corporate entities), they had to prioritize these other hires.

    From interview to offer, it took more than four months. I’m sure your delay won’t be that long, regardless of the outcome. Letting them know you have a time-sensitive contract opportunity, but this role is your top pick is a great way to reiterate your interest and prompt a response. Good luck and congrats on getting so far in the job search process in such short time. That is VERY impressive!

13. AnonymousMarch 21,2024 at 1:23PM UTC

    Some of the advice here is very misleading. Historically, recruitment is a process that can be drawn out. The communication can take some time to settle on a final salary and onboarding plan. Use this time to study how they conduct themselves during this stage as it’s a good barometer for how you will be treated as an employee. Also if your state is @at will” then that should be how your policy with them as well. You’re not bound by a contract or law to them anymore then they to you. Keep looking until you find a job and get hired. Period.

14. Sandy PochapinMarch 21,2024 at 5:03PM UTC

    Just keep in mind you can quit the contract position at any time if the full-time job comes through.

15. AnonymousMarch 21,2024 at 6:10PM UTC

    In one of the toughest job markets I've ever seen, I'd take the contract job and continue to network and look for a full time role. I've never seen anything like this. The 8 interviews, ghosting, or reposting of a job while interviewing. Hang in there, be strong, it's going to be a long time before this levels out and is a job seekers job market. But it will happen.

16. Myra CarterMarch 22,2024 at 12:14PM UTC

    The hiring managers could still be making their decision. You can send a follow up email a week after simply touching base to see if they require anything else from you. Success to you!

17. AnonymousMarch 22,2024 at 12:29PM UTC

    Call the recruiter - tell the recruiter that you really want that job and to keep marketing you. It can make a difference to put some pressure on the recruiter. Reminders of special skills you have for their selling you as a candidate

18. Damie WilsonMarch 22,2024 at 12:33PM UTC

    You might want to reach out and ask them stating your reasons. That way you don't burn a bridge with getting another contract job.

    Sometimes contract jobs extend past the date or they keep you if they like you.

    I'm sorry you didn't hear back. I don't know why employers do that and or never respond with a no

    I've been ignored, ghosted by employers and recruiters. Then they reach out and I block them.

19. AnonymousMarch 22,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

    I agree with the person who suggested sending a follow up email. You could inquire with the recruiter “Given how busy you probably are, I wanted to check in on your decision timeline for the [role name]”

20. ChrishoggMarch 22,2024 at 12:56PM UTC

    Congratulations on where you're at ... good for you.

    However, in order to avoid all this worry and hand-wringing the next time, and there will be a next time ...

    At the end of every interview, and every phone call, the last thing you say should (in my opinion) sounds like this:

    You: "Thank you for meeting (or talking) with me. I appreciate it. When may I expect to hear something back from you?"

    Them: "It usually takes about a week for these positions."

    You: "Great. If I haven't heard anything by then, may I get in touch to follow up?"

    Them: "Sure, that would be fine."

    And ta-da, problem solved. And you can do something else with your time other than worry.

    So you call on the appointed day, and are told "blah blah blah ... another delay ... blah blah blah."

    And you say, ""Thank you for the update. I appreciate it. When may I expect to hear something back from you?"

    Them: "It will probably be about a week for these positions."

    You: "Great. If I haven't heard anything by then, may I get in touch to follow up?"

    Them: "Sure, that would be fine."

    Then, in a week you ... well, you know, rinse and repeat.

21. AnonymousMarch 22,2024 at 1:29PM UTC

    Hope they get back to you soon.

    It's been a year and near to no interviews regardless of what I do.

22. Peter HickmanMarch 22,2024 at 2:19PM UTC

    I had a number of interviews for a role and was then asked to create a presentation for the final interview. When I hadn’t heard anything from them, I pinged their recruiter/HR and she replied “oh, sorry, your feedback email was in my drafts folder”.

23. JennMarch 22,2024 at 2:41PM UTC

    Asking if this sounds like a place you would want to work does not imply a job offer. They are assessing your fit. I wouldn't get too worked up at this point as there are many things going on behind the scenes for HR and Recruiters. Depending on the type of organization, these processes can be slow as there are many layers of red tape. Be kind and patient, but don't be afraid to follow up if you haven't heard anything by the middle of next week. Best of luck!

24. AnonymousMarch 22,2024 at 2:56PM UTC

    I would let you know the situation.

25. Dawn McDonnellMarch 22,2024 at 3:08PM UTC

    You never really know. Take the contract job to cover ur rear end. If the job becomes available with a start date great you will figure it out.

    OR if you have a set of conjones , with zero to lose call the head hunter with confidence telling him/her you have a contract job and would like to know if you have a start date with the company. If they cannot tell you then you have your answer, move on.com

26. misskelleypMarch 22,2024 at 4:54PM UTC

    Annoying the recruiter does NOT make you a person they want to hire. I'd politely follow up and ask for an update.

27. AnonymousMarch 22,2024 at 6:00PM UTC

    Let me get this right. You interviewed on Monday and you are expecting an offer by Friday morning? That’s quite a high expectation! Take the contract job so you have a job. Wait a while for the answer and I hope you get the job! Have patience! Good luck!

28. AnonymousMarch 22,2024 at 6:03PM UTC

    Yes, if several weeks go by without a word, I would assume they've gone with another candidate.

29. JenniferMarch 22,2024 at 6:16PM UTC

    My rec: contact the recruiter to let her know your predicament and that, if you accept this other role, you won't be available to start at the new company until the end of June. Your ideal company could come through if they know they risk losing you to another gig.

30. AnonymousMarch 23,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

    The adage, "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," applies here.

    Take the contract, which'll give you breathing room (a de-stressor) while you search for a full-time job.

    Imagine how you'll feel if the company doesn't come through with a job offer and you miss out on taking on the contract.

31. AnonymousMarch 23,2024 at 12:26PM UTC

    Accept the job that has been offered, and if you get an offer for the job you really want, give your notice and move on. It may sound harsh, but I was in a similar predicament and that was the advice I was given. Companies will always do what's best for the company and you have to do what's best for you. Don't feel guilty about looking out for your well being and your career.

32. Dawn CrossMarch 23,2024 at 1:29PM UTC

    Be patient. Give it at least another week and then follow up with a polite “thank you, did you have more questions, look forward to hearing from you” note.

33. Nicolle Joy WilfengerMarch 23,2024 at 1:48PM UTC

    I don't believe that means you are not being considered for that position. It sounds like a positive . You did everything right. Sometimes employers do take a few weeks to pull together an offer.

34. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertMarch 23,2024 at 1:59PM UTC

    I'm trying to understand your question. It seems like two days did not qualify as "as soon as possible" to you. But No, I would not think that meant you were no longer being considered--quite the opposite. What I would have recommended is letting them know you have an offer on the table and asking if they would be able to make a decision before Tuesday instead of accepting an offer that means you will be in the position of disappointing either a company or yourself if the long-term offer comes through.

    For now, I'd recommend doing the same, as you'd be better off knowing ASAP if you are going to let the other company down.

35. MandyMarch 23,2024 at 2:22PM UTC

    At one job, I had about a month between the final interview and the job offer and another month between the job offer and the start date. Keep in mind that people have leave scheduled, spring break is starting, and key people in the process might not be available. Take a breath, start your contract gig, and maybe wait a couple weeks before you contact the recruiter again.

36. Ginger PetrusMarch 23,2024 at 4:39PM UTC

    I completely understand your urgency.

    I was laid off 11/1 (along with my husband), and it sucks. I applied for no less than 450 jobs in my mania lol. Anyway, I went through a 4 round interview process with the company where I eventually received the offer. The whole process took 2 months, start-to-finish. After I had my final, I too thought I would hear back from them immediately because that was kind of how they led me to believe. But it took about another week.

    If there is anything I can tell you, please don’t give up. At the one-week point from your final interview, if you have not heard back, send the recruiter a follow-up. Unfortunately, HR hiring decisions, paperwork, sign-offs, etc. do take time. And while you are important, they are also doing other things besides hiring you. We all have to keep that in perspective. Plus, they may not even be at work.

    You WILL get through this. There IS another side. THIS TOO shall pass. I know from experience. Take a breath.

37. Jennifer Danielle McSherryMarch 24,2024 at 1:15PM UTC

    I am currently going through the same as I was laid off Jan 24th! Sent about 150 resumes so far. So many rejections and about 4 made through HR but then dead ended. It is awful. How long did it take before you actually found a position?

38. Ginger PetrusMarch 24,2024 at 6:12PM UTC

    Hi Jennifer! I was laid off 11/1 and started my new position 2/26. If you need any tips and tricks, please don’t hesitate to reach out. If there is anything I have learned, people who have been in this boat really know how to help and support each other. My LinkedIn is https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/gingerpetrus

39. AnonymousMarch 23,2024 at 5:53PM UTC

    Congrats for getting to the final stages. Hiring takes time. Especially now because it is performance and bonus season for most companies. HR gets pretty tied up around this time. You should reach out and let them know you received another offer. That may speed up the process if they still have interest.

40. AnonymousMarch 23,2024 at 11:56PM UTC

    I want to give an update: I was offered the job and start in 2 weeks (depends on all of the paperwork,etc). Thanks to everyone here for their kindness, advice, and support. Looking for a job is hard and the intensity can be amplified when you’re laid off and need a job sooner rather than later. Thanks again for being a great community and understanding the intense emotions one can have in an unfortunate situation.

41. AnonymousMarch 24,2024 at 1:21AM UTC

    God bless

42. SamMarch 24,2024 at 12:42PM UTC

    so glad you got the job!! Waiting, and not knowing, is the hardest part of looking for a new job.

43. Jennifer WehrendMarch 24,2024 at 2:14PM UTC

    Congratulations. I hope you love your new job.

44. Sarah BordersMarch 24,2024 at 6:02PM UTC

    Congratulations!

45. Ginger PetrusMarch 24,2024 at 6:08PM UTC

    Congratulations!!

46. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 25,2024 at 2:43AM UTC

    CONGRATULATIONS on your big new adventure!!!

47. AnonymousMarch 25,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

    Congratulations!!!

48. AnonymousMarch 25,2024 at 2:13PM UTC

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Best of luck with your new role!

49. G MicheleMarch 25,2024 at 9:50PM UTC

    Awesome news!!!

50. AnonymousMarch 25,2024 at 10:07PM UTC

    Congratulations!!!

51. MandyMarch 26,2024 at 6:08PM UTC

    Yeah you did! Congrats!

52. AnonymousMarch 24,2024 at 1:41AM UTC

    You'll do great!

53. AnonymousMarch 24,2024 at 2:03PM UTC

    Just because they asked you that question, you sent your "thank you letters" and the recruiter said she would get back to you asap.....does not mean that you have got the job. Reality check, they interviewed other people and unfortunately you are not in control of the decision to hire the person. You did your best! what you want doesn't mean that you should have.

54. YourMomMarch 25,2024 at 2:35AM UTC

    Damn who pissed in your cheerios this morning?

55. AnonymousMarch 25,2024 at 3:48PM UTC

    Reach out to the recruiter and the top two managers you interviewed with asking if they’ve made a decision as you have another offer on the table and express your deep interest in working for them.

56. Kimberly McMarch 27,2024 at 3:24PM UTC

    Congrats on landing the job! Yay you!