Worried to hear hiring decision

Question

I had 7 stages of interviews at the company and now am awaiting the final decision between me and another candidate. I am very nervous but also feel like I did my best during the process. I know if I get rejected I will feel down, as I did my best. It would be hard to start searching again. How should I prepare myself for any outcome?

Christina Tomsic · Answer

If you've gone through seven stages and are still being considered, that's fabulous news! I went through a 3 stage interview process about 6 months ago and can completely relate to how your feeling. Instead of looking at the situation as 'I got the job' or 'I didn't get the job' try viewing it as experience! No one loves going on interviews and if you're like me I come out from them and second guess things I've said. So no matter what, look at this situation as interviewing experience. No matter the outcome, the opportunity has given you interview experience, public speaking experience, and knowledge about yourself that you may have not had before. Fingers crossed you get the position, but be proud of yourself bo matter what!

Jessica Pham-Ruhland · Answer

Take notes for yourself while the process and questions are still fresh in your mind. And stay in touch with the recruiter since it's clear they are considering you seriously for the company overall and perhaps another role would open up in the near future that could also be a fit, and you already spoke with many people so they theoretically could fast-track you through a future process.

Farah Bajwa · Answer

I'm in the job market so I can relate with how you feel. You did your very best, and that's the most you can do. Job interviews are like dating. You just don't know how the relationship will turn out even if its dreamy at the start.  Its natural to feel bummed when you don't get the position but if you believe in a higher power, trust that the outcome will be in your best interest. The universe provides so long as you stay true to who you are, remain open, and remain grateful.

Nancy Pan · Answer

First, congratulations on making it so far on the hiring process! Worrying at this point does not serve you, and you have to focus on what you can control. Continue to reach out to more companies until you get an offer. If you do not receive the final offer from this current organization, ask for feedback and remember to stay in touch because if you leave a good impression - they are likely to remember you for future roles.

Lastly, you did your best so should have no regrets - remember not to beat yourself up! Even if you have to start searching again, you won't be starting from scratch. You will have taken this interviewing experience to help you be even more effective in future conversations and land a bigger 'yes.'

Elianet Oliva · Answer

I can totally relate, long interview process and assessments seems to be the norm nowadays if you want to be part of a big company where they have to go through lots of applications, the processes are very lengthy. I think you should remain positive until the end, because no matter what, you have been able to keep yourself in the running, you have something they like, whether they decide with you or someone else, it would be based on whether this is the right place for your next chapter, it may no make much sense now, but im sure eventually you would have needed to learn something out of it, even if it is just not to make any person you hire go through a 7 step interview process. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Anonymous · Answer

Try to remember that there will be others if you don't get this one, plan for the worst case so that when it doesn't happen, you are pleasantly surprised. If you don't get it, don't beat yourself up for feeling down about it. Give yourself space to be disappointed. Then after a day or two, get back on the horse!

Karen Magarelli · Answer

Wow!  Congratulations for making it through 7 rounds, but honestly, this interview process is a red flag to me.  This makes me wonder if they really know what they want for the role and also provides some insight into how they operate as an organization.

I can understand how you are feeling, though, having gone through 6 rounds of an interview process only to be denied.  Here is what I learned during my reflection of that process, I hope these help you:

1. While I wanted the job, because I was ready to move on from my existing position, the organization wasn't right for me.  Would I have been happy long-term?  The answer was no.

2. I did my best!  I answered questions truthfully and thoughtfully, engaged in conversation with those I was meeting with, prepared professional documents to demonstrate my skills and knowledge, wrote thoughtful letters and follow-up emails, worked my network.  I took pride in myself for doing my best, their denial meant this wasn't the job for me.

3. I took a break from job searching.  This experience did leave me drained and frustrated.  So I gave myself permission to take a break from it all and refill my soul with energy to keep going.

4. Once I jumped back in to job searching, I really narrowed down what I wanted, which wasn't easy.  But once I did, I was better able to target and find companies that better aligned with my goals.

If you don't get the position, look at this as a learning experience, reflect, take a break then jump back in with renewed energy!

Rebeca Evantash · Answer

Fingers crossed for you!  Having someone go through seven rounds is insane, and totally inappropriate if you're not going to make an offer. I hope you get it - if you dont, give yourself a breather and start again. One thing I've learned through this and of course it's easier said than done,  but try to keep more than one thing going at a time. You should be in different stages of interviews and networking so you have more than one opportunity at play.  Of course, with seven rounds of interviews, it's pretty hard to focus on much else. Your time should be spent networking, reaching out to executive recruiters and minimally applying online. If you spend too much just sending blind resumes you'll burn out. When you find a great opportunity, apply online and then use a network like this or LinkedIn to find someone at the company to help you! Good luck.

Anonymous · Answer

I had a mentor who said it ain't a book until its a book - keep going!  Seven stages of interviews is not a great sign about the company.  Imagine trying to accomplish anything in that environment.  If you don't get it you may have dodged a bullet!

Guadalupe Orozco · Answer

Its very important that you don't underestimate yourself. This was a great accomplishment itself, getting through all 7 phases and making it till the end is no easy task! Bravo! If for any reason, this position isn't offered to you. All you can do is dust your shoulders off and start looking. A friend of mine used to always say, always expect the unexpected. So as if even if this looks secure, keep applying because doors will always open!

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