Question for the hive mind: in May I interviewed for a job I really wanted (2 rounds) and never heard back.

Anonymous

July 14,2021 at 11:43AM UTC

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Question for the hive mind:

in May I interviewed for a job I really wanted (2 rounds) and never heard back.

Mid June the director reached out to me and said they filled the position with someone who had slightly more experience in a specific area - but that they liked me so much he wanted to see if I would be interested in one of the other two positions open in the team.

I was and was obviously over the moon about this. The positions were a lower lever so he said he checked with HR and they can bring which ever one I was interested in to the same level the original position was and to hang on and wait to see what he needs to do to organize this. The next few days I had HR reach out and schedule a round of interviews with all the VPs. I received an email stating they will debrief and make a decision within 2 weeks after that email (after 4th of July holiday break). I have not heard back from anyone since, and when I reached out twice I got no reply. I am really confused by this and wondering if I really blew the interview with the VPs…. Anyone has any advice?

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Tracey MorrisJuly 14,2021 at 12:26PM UTC
Any time an organization is changing the job description, level, salary, etc. it often requires additional approvals and job posting. That could cause a delay, especially during vacation season. I would recommend that you reach out to your HR contact and the Director to let them know you are still very interested in the position and ask for an update. I wouldn't reach out every day, but maybe once a week. Unfortunately, some HR departments are unwilling to provide specific feedback regarding your interview, so if they ghost you, you may never know the real reason.
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AnonymousJuly 14,2021 at 12:39PM UTC
Waste of time. They can’t stick to their timeline. Go somewhere that can complete the hiring process faster
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AnonymousJuly 14,2021 at 1:18PM UTC
Follow-up and find out!
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Kim AllcottJuly 14,2021 at 1:22PM UTC
I would try and get someone on the phone. Delays do happen, so be prepared to be understanding, but on the flip side they shouldn't have a problem with you following up.
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Gretchen SkalkaJuly 14,2021 at 1:28PM UTC
Tracey makes some excellent points.
There may also be other caveats for some companies when changing/updating an opening, such as creating a new CER to account for an unplanned budget adjustment, a required internal posting period, etc.
In addition, so many HR teams are under-resourced and over-tasked.
All of which underscores her wise advice to reach back out.
Perhaps it would be good to request a schedule of your own - a timeline by which you would like feedback.
Best of luck on this situation!
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AnonymousJuly 14,2021 at 5:39PM UTC
I reached out yesterday stating how interested I still was in the position, but that I am also in the process of interviewing with other places so an update or a timeline for their decision process would be very helpful. Now I am just worried I came off pushy….
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Gretchen SkalkaJuly 16,2021 at 12:31PM UTC
I think you were being direct. Not pushy. It's not pushy to advocate for yourself.
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Stefanie Cossalter MotleyJuly 14,2021 at 1:35PM UTC
I absolutely would not write off the job/company altogether, unless you're truly no longer interested. This happened to me once a few years ago and it turned out the recruiter I was working with had gone into labor early and was on maternity leave, so the job requisition had "fallen through the cracks" for a few weeks before someone else picked up the thread. Unlikely, I know, but there are a number of possible reasons for this delay - don't assume the worst. Tracey is right about the additional approvals required, and the fact that so many people are out of the office in July for summer holidays. If you haven't already sent thank-yous to the folks who interviewed you, start there - it might prompt someone to reach out with an update. I would also call or email someone you were working with [HR or director] and explain that you're still very interested, but haven't heard anything since XY and were told they would have reached a decision by now, so you're hoping for an update. Good luck!!
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Uthra RamanujamJuly 14,2021 at 2:34PM UTC
I agree ! Wonderful advice and will work .
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