Feeling so confused after what I felt was the best final interview I've ever had without any response.

Anonymous

November 4,2022 at 10:32PM UTC

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Feeling so confused after what I felt was the best final interview I've ever had without any response. I received all the positive signs that the interview went well including going 45 minutes longer than scheduled, I met with additional team members, the conversation turned casual after discussing what we could accomplish together to advance the company and being told that I was what they were looking for in a candidate.

While premature, I mentally started preparing myself for the offer and after weeks of radio silence, I know realistically that too much time has passed without any response. I'm not sure what else I could have done? I'm so tired of interviewing and giving my all to the process without the desired outcome! Sorry for venting but while I know I'm not going to get every job, the ghosting hurts the most! Is it that hard to simply send a generic or automated email that the position was filled? That allows applicants to mentally move forward. Five interviews in and that doesn't even warrant a response.

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AnonymousNovember 5,2022 at 1:09AM UTC
I think it's very normal to expect a response but honestly companies are so skittish right now. While they don't want a great candidate to slip through their fingers, they also don't want to extend an offer only to rescind it due to the uncertainty of the economy and market flux. Companies are rethinking everything and considering layoffs now.
Trust your gut and understand ur wasn't you. I'm hoping they keep you in mind when things ease up.
AnonymousNovember 6,2022 at 2:12PM UTC
Sometimes hiring is put on hold. Have you reached out to the hiring manager? Email expressing your continued interest. Hopefully they will respond directly to you and give you info on what’s going on.
Sharon GrehanNovember 7,2022 at 6:59PM UTC
Reach out to the recruiter and the hiring manager expressing your continued enthusiasm for the job. Don't assume it's been filled unless the requisition has been taken down. There are many reasons for delays and while I agree that proactive communication is the ideal for candidates, don't give up and show your continued interest, maybe with once a week check ins. If you don't get the role, ask for feedback on the skill sets you lack so it's something tangible you can work on
Sheila PhieldsNovember 9,2022 at 1:30PM UTC
I had the EXACT same experience several months ago. When I followed up with HR, there was no record of my existence. I was crushed at first, but I soon realized that the universe has other plans for me. Hang in there.
susie hensonNovember 9,2022 at 1:30PM UTC
I understand your frustration. I’m going through the same thing and trying so hard to be patient.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 1:33PM UTC
I am going through a similar situation. I have interviewed at a company that started back in Aug. I am still interviewing. Each interview went well( I believe) .what I've done was reach out to the main contact and ask what is the next step and if there is anything else they need from me to move forward I've also expressed my enthusiasm. Each time he's been responsive and but it in the. That they are taking longer than expected but still the conversation is happening. It's frustrating still but I recommend that. Reach out and ask what else they need from you to move forward... And see what reply your get.
Michele CoffillNovember 9,2022 at 1:34PM UTC
I'm sorry. The same thing happened to me. Three interviews later, including one with the college president, I heard absolutely nothing for three weeks. I sent two emails to the woman who would have been my supervisor. Then, one day on Indeed I see a posting for this institution, but one level down (not director that I applied for, but a job with no supervision). I asked my friend who worked there, and was told they pivoted to this lesser role, thinking it was what they needed. It hurt, but good riddance to them, and I was glad I learned what was going on. Good luck!
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netNovember 9,2022 at 1:35PM UTC
I do not understand why companies do this. I had this actually happen yesterday--candidate was given a tour and introduced to the employees. Not going to be hired because of "red flag questions" such as what is the PTO and other questions "that made the office manager uneasy." If i had to guess, i would say it may have been in the personal conversation. Reach out to either the recruter if there is one or the interviewer and write how much you would love to have this opportunity but so that you can manage your job search, can you please be updated as to where they are in their decision making process and are you a viable candidate. If you do not get a response, you don't want to work there. It's rude.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 2:12PM UTC
It's unfortunate that a simple question around the PTO policy is seen as a red flag.
Applicants want to be able to weigh their options when job hunting. For example, I'd rather have two weeks of paid leave with flexibility in scheduling than have three weeks of paid leave with the requirement that I work a full 12 months before I can use any of my accrued days.
No one wants to work for an employer that makes you feel like it's a hassle to use your PTO. That speaks volumes about the culture.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netNovember 9,2022 at 6:53PM UTC
Since I am the recruiter, she should have not asked that question on the first and only interview. It begs that she is more interested in when she doesn't have to be there than being there. Typically, candidates do not ask that question or benefits questions on a first interview. I would have been happy to have found that out for her. This is why people do not get jobs--they ask the wrong questions on a first interview especially where there is a recruiter involved. I have staffed this practice for over 25 years and never had it asked on the interview. It is interesting to me that you already jumped on the offensive that no one wants to work for a company that makes you feel like its a hassle to use your PTO yadayadayda rather than thinking this through on appropriate questions that are not benefit related especially when you can easily find out from the recruiter about benefit questions if there is a mutual interest. And then people wonder why they do not get an offer...
Nadine BonnerNovember 9,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
I've posted this before, but I am still feeling the sting so I will share it again. I had four interviews with a faith-based nonprofit. There was no recruiter, no HR person -- just direct interviews with the executive director, the board members and senior staff. I wrote thank you notes after every round and after the fourth round -- crickets. During the interviews, everyone was warm and friendly, like a family. But after the final one, no one responded to any outreach. Two months later, I decided to check out their website and learned they had promoted someone within. A person who had interviewed me. That is certainly their prerogative, but these were all supposed to be people of faith -- pastors and ministers. I would have expected a higher level of courtesy. The moral is, no one cares about job candidates. The Pope probably ghosts them. Simple courtesy is dead. It's not you -- it's them. Just move on. It is a painful process but you have to trust that you will find the right match. Eventually i did. You will, too.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 1:59PM UTC
Why on earth would you expect people of faith to be anything better than anyone else? Time and time again they and their organizations have shown themselves to be some of the worst people on the planet. Religion, especially the preachy ones who like to tell everyone else how wrong they are, are the epitome of all things selfish and self-centered.
And for all of you about to come at me... piss off. I'm watching my country fall apart because of all those 'good people' who think they have the right to force their beliefs on me and everyone else. I used to be tolerant, used to be fine with 'whatever your personal beliefs' made you happy. Not anymore. Get your religion out of my laws and off my body then you can come tell me what good people you are.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 2:32PM UTC
I tend to agree…tired of the “good people” bemoaning the loss of the morals and values “we used to have back in the good old days” and then turning around and judging everybody who isn’t the exact same race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc…it’s pushed me to take Hamilton’s position (I’m obsessed with the musical): “I’d rather be divisive than indecisive; drop the niceties”
D BNovember 9,2022 at 2:39PM UTC
EXACTLY.
D BNovember 9,2022 at 2:38PM UTC
Sad but true. Religious doesn’t make people just, honest, caring nor anything else,
They all put their pants on just like you and I.
IntentionGirl300650November 9,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
Simple courtesy is dying, but not dead! My current company sends warm wishes and genuine compliments praising the strengths of candidates who aren’t selected. It feels so good to be on this team now! You’re right we both dodged bullets with our prior poor treatment :)
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 3:01PM UTC
Hypocrisy in “people of faith”?!
Gasp! Shock! Awe… not really.
Joking aside, Truly the first red flag was when you used the phrase “like a family” nothing should motivate a job seeker to run faster or further than that phrase
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 1:47PM UTC
Every situation is different. My experience in the past as a hiring manager at a Fortune 500 corporation was frustrating from the inside. After interviewing candidates, more than one of my postings was put on hold or cancelled. Corporate policy did not allow me to reach out to candidates to give them an update. HR was understaffed and too busy to bother with closed postings. I hated leaving people hanging, as I’ve been in the situation as a candidate, but my hands were tied and I wasn’t going to risk my job for candidates that I barely knew.
IntentionGirl300650November 9,2022 at 2:21PM UTC
This is a great point! I was a supervisor for a while at a large tech company and the way they treated hiring and firing of their contracted employees especially was absolutely inhumane. It’s all about liability avoidance. I actually stepped down from the management position due to the emotional strain!
D BNovember 9,2022 at 2:35PM UTC
Corporate policy was NOT to contact if a job is closed?
Sounds like a company not to work for also.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 10:02PM UTC
It definitely wasn’t a great place to be for so many reasons.
IntentionGirl300650November 9,2022 at 1:57PM UTC
Wow I know the feeling! I recently made it to the top two candidates and did an extra round of interviews. I had done projects, spent hours (literally) on interviews, and felt like I had a great chance (at least 50%!)
Then…. Nothing. Silence. Finally after two weeks I saw the other candidate’s photo and bio go up on the team page with the other five team members, and there was my answer. I waited another two weeks to see if they’d send ANYTHING, but no. I wrote a pretty curt email sharing what I thought about their professional ghosting and never heard back. It was a bitter pill but I realized I don’t want to work for a company that would leave people hanging that way.
D BNovember 9,2022 at 2:33PM UTC
Though we are the job hunters it certainly does not mean we deserve disrespect.
I have more self respect for myself and will refuse any offers from
companies that operate as such.
Totally unprofessional.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 2:03PM UTC
I am experiencing the same. I have never had this much of a challenge to find a job. It is a weird time for sure.
Nancy Kutz CornetteNovember 9,2022 at 2:08PM UTC
An appropriate inquiry would be to call HR or the hiring manager and say that” It’s been a while since my interview and I would like to check on the status of my candidacy.” Emails are just too easy to ignore.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 2:15PM UTC
This is probably not the right thing to do but I always end the interview saying “I am really excited about this role, and I know the hiring process takes time.
Is there someone I should follow up with or should I just sit tight and wait for your call?” Like said I am probably wrong to do this but figure they either liked me or they did not and showing that I am excited about the job and willing to be proactive in the hiring process is not going to make or break me. Just a thought
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 2:16PM UTC
This recently happened to me too.
I was three interviews in at a large corporate company and a referral candidate from a high ranking employee of 18 years. The interviews went seamless! They asked great questions, I asked great questions and met with multiple people. During the last interview they told me "they were so excited about this opportunity" and that I could "expect a call either late in the afternoon or the next day".
Nothing. Weeks went by. I sent two follow up emails expressing my interest in the position. Crickets. My friend that referred me was irate. She was so upset at the disrespect to the both of us for not closing the process professionally that she consulted the president of the company. That's when I finally got an email stating they decided to "take another route". Which honestly made my stomach turn.
My advice would be to hang in there. It's so hard not to get emotionally invested when you make it so far, but it's important to keep a level head and continue to pursue and review other opportunities no matter how far you are in the process. Don't put all your eggs in one basket!
I'm currently entering the fourth interview stage at a new company who has been so communicate throughout the whole process that it makes me want to work for their company even more.
Look at it this way: the opportunities you have had to interview so intensely and far along in the process are excellent learning experiences that you can take throughout your job hunting journey! The fact that you've made it so far speaks volumes about you. Hold on to that throughout your search.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 2:27PM UTC
In my experience, companies may have various reasons for this happening like budget alignment, changing role requirements (sometimes the more people they interview, the more they figure out what they want in the role), meeting diversity/equity requirements through the interview process, internal processes like if a panel interviewer has a difference of opinion, and so on, and so on. What is not ok is for them to string you along while they "search" for other candidates or are holding out to see if someone else accepts the offer first. Someone from the HR/People team should be in contact to let you know where they are in the process if you are a viable candidate - if not, follow up with them consistently. However, the rule of thumb is what you experience during the interview process is what you'll experience once hired at the company. So if communication or respect is lacking, it's likely that way throughout all company areas.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 2:55PM UTC
I wish we could collectively move past the idea that “diversity requirements” are costing good people jobs.
I literally listened to a white male friend rail against diversity requirements as the reason he can’t get a job… please stop it.
Individual hires aren’t generally held up to a chart “this hire needs to be non-white to meet our quota”. But at the top level “hey guys, only 5% of our staff is in a minority category, we may have a blind spot in our recruiting process to fix”
by all means, FGB’ers… tell me about the time you sat in a meeting where execs rejected the most qualified candidate for not being diverse and chose someone less competent for it…. Do I live in a fantasy?
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 3:56PM UTC
Being a white male, AND being over 40 are a death sentence. Just ask my husband who was applying internally for a position he was well qualified for and a POC (woman) very junior, with a barely any experience was hired to 'tick a box'.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 6:01PM UTC
It is not just young women, but young inexperienced men are also getting leadership roles they are totally unqualified for and make decisions that effect people's live. Just why?!
D BNovember 9,2022 at 2:28PM UTC
Apparently this is getting to be the norm. I interviewed on 9/23 then again beginning of October, to get another phone call and told I would hear from HR and nothing.
even if they offer now I will refuse any offer no matter how good.
I refuse to work for a company that cannot make up their mind in a professional way.
Danielle CooperNovember 9,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
Ouch this is never fun.
A lot of companies are going through significant financial shifts right now. I have a friend who had 3 offers in hand that were rescinded before he could even pick one.
It’s crazy times, right now and everyone is doing their best. The hiring manager could be internally fighting a hiring freeze or something similar. I can guarantee it is not personal and no one is probably happy with your process.
I would not follow up too often because you don’t want to seem like you don’t have other options…..and I would continue to interview with other companies to remind yourself that other opportunities are out there and to potentially give yourself leverage when they do come back with an offer.
hope this helps
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 9:33PM UTC
“It’s crazy times, right now and everyone is doing their best.”
—- This sort of ghosting has been going on for a long time. It is rude and there is no excuse!
RachelNovember 9,2022 at 2:53PM UTC
I was ghosted once and it pissed me off. I had a great relationship with my soon to be boss. He texted me to see how the management exam went etc etc. Then nothing... not one word from him in text or email. I was so confused as to how a company could do that. I didn't care at that point for the job so I went to linked in and messaged the president. I wanted to let him know how it was very unprofessional to just stop communication.
He went on to apologize and said he's sorry the communication failed. Basically they said I wouldn't like it there because it didn't have the growth opportunity I was looking for. I basically just think I priced myself out. But I'm happy I didn't get the job anyway. I didn't want to work for a company like that.
But I took that as a learning experience. At the most recent job interview (for the job I currently have), I asked HR who and when I would be hearing from someone. I straight up told him I didn't want to left hanging if I didn't get the job. I said "out of respect for me, please let me know if I did not get the job".
Christine Brush, MSW, MBANovember 9,2022 at 3:10PM UTC
It took me six months from receiving a tentative offer at the VA, onboarding background checks and numerous requests for copies of my resume and transcripts (which I submitted numerous times) before I was given a final offer. I didn't hear back for a long time so I finally gave up, accepted a state government job, and on my first week at the new job I received a call from the VA giving me a start date (which I had to negotiate due to the job being in another state). I also received two other job offers at the same time, for positions I interviewed for months previous. Government and private sector seem to be unable to recover post Covid, and there is a lot of uncertainty. Just keep interviewing, don't think that you ever have a job until you are entering the door for your first day.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 4:37PM UTC
I had an experience where they loved me as a candidate only to come back and say they dont have a project at this time for me and that they dont want to hire without any projects in pipeline.. then why go through multiple rounds of interview and take valuable time from both parties..
Shelby CNovember 9,2022 at 5:31PM UTC
I am so sorry. I used to work in HR. I do not understand or excuse this behavior.
RichNovember 9,2022 at 6:48PM UTC
At BJM, we teach that one of your questions when they ask for them, is always, "When should I expect to follow-up with you, and how?" Normally they'll give you an email address to use and a time-frame, say, "Two weeks." Then spend those two weeks working to get another job offer, while avoiding being concerned about that interview.
Your goal is always to have two job offers at once. That way you have negotiating leverage which you cannot fake. After all, what would you do if they decline to meet an imaginary other offer? You can't admit you were bluffing. They won't hire you.
Meanwhile, you also have to pass the final five checks. If you get "ghosted" after late-stage interviews, flunking one of the five is usually the cause. They are 1) Drug Screen 2) Reference Checks, 3) Background Check, 4) Credit Check and 5) Social Media check. If you are aware of a potential issue with one, when you interview with the HR Rep they will ask you, "Do you have anything else you need to tell us?" That's a prompt for you to bring up and address whatever it is that they will find. HR is supposed to keep it private, unless it is very relevant to the position.
If they don't ask the question, but you do need to tell them something, bring it up. It often happens. I found out that there was someone with my name living in my city who had a violent criminal history. I made a point of telling the HR rep before I got my last job, and he appreciated it, and I got the job. He told me how the cops came to arrest his mother for bail jumping, only to immediately realize that this frail 72 year old woman was not the 30 year old woman that they were looking for. It turned out that 30 year old had pretended to be his mother when she was arrested and released on bail. The 30 year old had been with a maid service that had cleaned the elderly woman's house for several years and knew all her details...
Of course this all assumes that the company is behaving professionally and isn't just "ghosting" everyone whom they didn't choose to hire - for whatever reason.
Jennifer TaylorNovember 9,2022 at 7:20PM UTC
Did you reach out to them? If you are not hearing back from the recruiter, I would call, not email, the hiring manager.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 7:38PM UTC
Thank you all, I appreciate your support! It's time to move on from this opportunity and focus on the future. While I'm disappointed, it also shows that I don't want to work for that company. I have an interview with a new organization tomorrow so onward and upward!
Rosa GoesNovember 10,2022 at 4:31PM UTC
Good for you! Best of luck on your interviews.
Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPNovember 9,2022 at 7:41PM UTC
Have you followed up with HR or the person you've been in contact with at the organization? If it went well (and even if it didn't), you should find out to see if they've made a decision before jumping to conclusions that you've been overlooked for the position.
Not knowing what the position is for, it sounds like its somewhat mid level or higher if you're discussing how to advance the company and such. With higher level hires, it's not a simple decision. Often times, HR is waiting to hear back from higher ups; ie the CEO to make a decision.
While I agree they should keep you updated, its not uncommon sometimes - sad to say this. Try to stay positive. Reach out to HR for any updates - if you're still a contender or not. Do not make assumptions just because you didn't hear back.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 9:36PM UTC
OMG…. Here we go blaming it on POC! It never fails on a post like this!
Peggy McGovernNovember 9,2022 at 10:16PM UTC
You are not alone. This also happened to me, even met the interview team at a concert event and they thought I had turned down their offer. It was HR team who made the decision. Good luck in finding the right fit for you.
AnonymousNovember 10,2022 at 12:44AM UTC
That happened to me, but since it was a state agency and their hiring process can be extremely lengthy, I hung in for a few weeks, and then I went back onto their website to discover that the position had been filled. Where I am, that is an option. Is the position still posted on their website? A quick email to the recruiter or hiring manager could give you a definitive.
Mark GrayNovember 11,2022 at 1:30PM UTC
I agree there is no harm in asking if the position had been filled rather than living in suspense. At the very least it will bring closure and, at best, you may still get the position by nudging the company in the right direction. If there is no response, then there is no doubt you have done everything within your control and the job was never meant to be.
Laura BairNovember 10,2022 at 11:17AM UTC
It could be that the position was filled from within the organization. Or, another candidate had one more skill than you. Or, another candidate had the same skills as you but would accept a lesser salary.
Yes, they should have at the very least sent a "form" email stating that the position had been filled.
Just keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. I'm sure the right position is out there, just waiting for you! Keep your head up, it will all work out!
Bradford McCormickNovember 10,2022 at 3:58PM UTC
You asked the right question: Is it that hard for people to be decent? Of course what you'd really like to know is why you didn't get the job not just for curiosity but in case you can learn something to do better in future, but legally they probably can't do that. If they weren't decent enough to send you a polite note after going significantly further than just a first interview for 15 minutes, maybe you don't want to work for such a company?
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netNovember 10,2022 at 8:04PM UTC
I think this is absolutely disgraceful. Companies have a moral obligation to let candidates who have spent their precious time and energy researching their company, preparing for the interview, taking time off from work if employed and getting there. They deserve to know if they are not being considered or if the job has been filled.
This is another form of ghosting which we, as a society . are all suffering with. I have it on the reverse side with candidates.
My recommendation is once you are convinced that you are not getting the job, give them a review on Glassdoor.
Candidates look at those reviews...
AnonymousNovember 11,2022 at 12:32PM UTC
This situation is happening a lot lately and it’s wrong. There is no excuse for it. You do everything they ask and they ghost you. It there is a better fit fine, did something on the background check you didn’t like. Tell me These are supposed to be professionals and they’re not. I have always gone with the thought if I didn’t get the job it wasn’t meant to be. You dodged a bullet. You don’t want to work for a company like that. Remember you can always tell how the company is by their HR Dept.
Robyn McCabria KelsoNovember 14,2022 at 1:00PM UTC
This has been a sore spot for me a long time. Come on people!