Ok need all your HR advice.

61 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 5,2022 at 1:17PM UTC

   The position is not urgent and they are shopping around. Give them a few weeks and if you don't hear back it's a no go. They either went with someone else or decided not to move forward.

   In the meantime keep looking around. They may regroup and come back to their search towards the end of the year.

   Companies don't always do a good job at following up.

2. AnonymousMay 5,2022 at 1:22PM UTC

   Honestly, just keep networking and applying to other jobs until you hear from them. Never stop networking and applying until you have an offer in hand. It is always better to have other applications in and possibly interviews lined up as you can always reach back out and let them know you have accepted another position elsewhere.

3. Echo SchneiderMay 5,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

   It's unfortunate when companies do this and they run the risk of losing excellent candidates who continue to apply elsewhere. Don't wait for them, keep shopping and make sure you are taking care of what you need.

4. shaz1972May 5,2022 at 6:03PM UTC

   I totally agree with you. I mean simply reply right? Just say that you do not know at this point in time but to not reply to 2 of my email requests for status, makes me reconsider even wanting to work for such a company.

5. Paula BrantnerMay 5,2022 at 2:36PM UTC

   I suspect the HR person is overwhelmed and they might not know anything further, if the CEO hasn't communicated anything to them, and is not communicating themselves.

   If there are that many layers of determining whether someone is a fit for their company, and what seems to be a high level position, it seems like they are determined to take their time to make the right choice.

   They probably still have other applicants for whom they're scheduling all these steps as well, which doesn't mean you're out of the running, but just that it takes time to hire such a senior level position.

6. AnonymousMay 6,2022 at 9:53PM UTC

   Be proud of how far you got.
   Best advise is to keep living your life as if you never interviewed with them. If you are still applying to other companies continue to do so. Stop getting yourself worked up and keep living your life. They are not your GOD.

   There is a 50% chance they will hire you. There is a 50% chance they will not notify you if not hired.

   A genuine company with genuine interest will have the courtesy of reaching out.

   A sketchy company with unsavory business practices might not.

   Or you could have been among 1000s of applicants and you may have made the top 15 and they are spending a full month or 2 to make sure they make a sound decision.

   You really do not know. But at the end of the day and maybe that is why HR cannot give a definitive answer, because they have not decided yet. What is for you is for YOU. GOD does not make mistakes. Pour your energy into prayers.

   Try a meditative exercise, instead of being anxious or nervous, use your rosary/tasbih/buddah beads ex and ask God 1000x /day to make the job mine. He will either give you the job or give you something better fitting because you showed reverence in seeking His help on aligning you with success.

   Give it a try and Good Luck!

7. BeaBoss645203May 7,2022 at 12:18PM UTC

   Yes, I agree with you . A reply would be the professional and polite thing to do, but after interviewing extensively last year, I found that this rarely happens. Especially in large corporations. They may be interviewing numerous people for the position and are overwhelmed. Perhaps HR knows nothing about this and cannot give you an answer. Either way, just keep applying for other positions and interviewing like this never happened. If they contact you then it will be hopefully a pleasant surprise .

8. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

   You don't need a rosary, Buddha beads, tasbih to meditate or ask God a question. I was with you until you referenced the "all roads lead to God"

9. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

   Agree with most of the comments below. There could be so many reasons why you haven’t heard back yet. Maybe internal salary negotiations for your role, internal communications are slow, people are busy….It sounds like the company is reputable and I would hope and like to think they’ll do the right thing and get back to you, either way. Try to remain positive, you’ll end up where you’re ultimately meant to be.

10. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 12:38PM UTC

    HR here. It means their HR doesn’t know anything and has nothing to say that was different than the last time they spoke with you. I know it’s frustrating, but it’s probably out of HR’s hands.

11. GirlBossanova934974May 7,2022 at 12:45PM UTC

    I'm just counting up all the interviews here. There are FOUR interviews you have listed and I will bet there was at 1-2 before those four. You don't just go talking to the CEO off the street. So 5-6 interviews! In my several decades of experience, I have never seen a situation like this go down well. Either the company didn't produce a job offer or the new hire found out that the company couldn't walk and chew gum aka nothing got done. KEEP LOOKING is my take. You got too many cooks in the kitchen here. A lot of the times, the cooks don't work too well together. They all look grand on an individual basis but most have a little too much ME and EGO going on.

12. Melissa MilliganMay 7,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

    A thousand times *this.*

13. Wole IkotunMay 7,2022 at 2:02PM UTC

    my exact thoughts.. it shouldn’t take that long to decide and make an offer, I’m sorry. It does not reflect well on the company.

14. Laura SMay 7,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

    I think this is normal, especially depending on the industry. Instead of emailing asking for an update, email saying you’re still interested, you understand their internal process takes time, and you look forward to hearing from them soon.

    Sending too many emails appears eager and anxious, especially when the people actually working there think it’s Normal for the process to take this long. Think of it from the readers’ POV, not just your own.

    Proof point: my friend was interviewing for a place, she started interviews last November and didn’t get an offer until late March. The last part of the process, between her interview with the head of the company and the actual offer, took over five weeks. She wanted to email them twice a week asking for updates, even after they told her it was going to take at least another four weeks. I worked with her to change the tone of her emails, and to work on curbing her instinct to email so much. She got an offer with a pay raise $35k over her current salary.

    You got this!

15. Chris BikakisMay 7,2022 at 1:04PM UTC

    great advice!

16. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 1:23PM UTC

    It’s possible they prefer another candidate but you are still among the short list, and they are pursuing things with their frontrunner while keeping you “warm.” That doesn’t mean you aren’t a great candidate…it means it’s a desirable job and several great people are interested. If things don’t work out with the frontrunner (they turn down an offer for whatever reason), you may be up next. I’d still keep your other options open but don’t write them off just yet because things do take time.

17. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 1:51PM UTC

    Just exercise some patience while looking else where in order to avoid disappointment.

18. Brenda CrawshawMay 7,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

    I was in this same situation many years ago. What happened while they were farting away the time (which I later learned is their MO), I received an offer from a major competitor. I called to let the first place know that I had received another offer, didn't mention where but gave enough specifics about "the commute" that they got the gist as to who it might be.

    I got an offer within 3 hours.

    I am not suggesting that you fabricate an offer but certainly keep looking and the moment you have one, let this place know that YOU will now be in the driver's seat as to whether you can continue to wait for them to give you actionable information.

19. Kathleen FisherMay 7,2022 at 2:04PM UTC

    I know it’s incredibly frustrating!!! Everything seems like it is going in the right direction so sit back and relax knowing you did your best.

20. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 2:06PM UTC

    I would stop emailing.

    This whole process is rude and inconsiderate. Long ago, I learned that that companies who operate like this are probably not places I want to work. Why? Because the way they treat you during the interview process is a sneak peak on how you'll be treated as an employee. Folks will disagree with me, but i've found this to be true in my 45 years in the professional world. Stop emailing/calling and basically, begging, for more information. This is how they operate. IF they sincerely want you (and are afraid they will lose you)...they will be Johnny on the Spot and offer you a job. Instead, they are running you back and forth, hither and yon, waiting, not corresponding, etc...Doesn't your time and schedule mean anything? I dont' think so....not to them.

21. JYJMay 7,2022 at 2:07PM UTC

    I know it's upsetting to go through so many interviews and then wait. Sounds like you're an option for them, but they're also speaking to other candidates. Keep looking and don't wait on anyone. I wouldn't contact them anymore. No answer is an answer. They don't have their sh*t together. You may be dodging a bullet.

22. Sharon RosendahlMay 7,2022 at 2:33PM UTC

    It is very frustrating but I would move on. The last time I was treated this way, I persisted and eventually got the job. Wow, did I regret it. One of the worst places to work as they treated interviewees better than employees.

23. Tahirah WineglassMay 7,2022 at 2:52PM UTC

    I would move on….

24. Laurie Taylor-HarrisonMay 7,2022 at 3:01PM UTC

    I know it’s frustrating. I recently interviewed with leaders and I was ghosted. Unfortunately this happens all too often.

    read between the lines. This speaks volumes about the company culture. Run the other way!!

25. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 3:02PM UTC

    I had the same thing happen. I was told it was down to me and the other candidate. After almost two weeks, I was then told they picked the other person. I think they kept me hanging til the deal was done with the other candidate in case it didn’t work out. I am so over the games these recruiters and HR people play.

26. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 3:17PM UTC

    Keep interviewing w other companies...who knows, you may have to choose between two offers down the road.

27. Brian NystromMay 7,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

    How big is "large"? 10,000 or 30,000 employees, etc? The reason I ask is it gives the reader an appreciation for the size and depth of the organization. The smaller the more nimble, the larger the more layers of infrastructure and permissions. If the CEO interviewed you in a "large" organization I am speculating that you interviewed for a senior management or C-suite position. These are more complicated to fill to get the right fit for them and you. These typically take longer for that process. As others have opined you are one of several being interviewed. Advice: a. keep these points in mind so you don't personalize the delay and get frustrated, and b. simultaneously look elsewhere. If you have multiple offers you have more optionality and control over your life vs. less control waiting for the one possibility. Good luck.

28. Michelle S.May 7,2022 at 3:32PM UTC

    I would never recommend more than one request for an update. Did you send the CEO and everyone you met with a thank you note? Like right after he met with them?

    As an HR and recruiter for years, you have 1 million things to do and going on, and it is highly difficult to corral the C suite for decision making. So if the HR says that she’ll reach out or call back, trust that and keep looking in the meantime.

    But too many emails or phone calls can seem aggressive and if the HR did not do what she said she would do (and she was specific about giving an update that she didn’t give), then that needs to factor into your decision making is there is an offer.

29. Michelle S.May 7,2022 at 3:34PM UTC

    The reason I asked about the thank you note, is that sometimes I use that for a dual purpose, getting an update and being the one out of 20 people who actually send a thank you note post interview. It’s another way to stand out while putting yourself back out there as a reminder to contact you. People are busy. But if it gets unreasonable or promises are not kept, then that’s how you have to be very mindful when making a decision.

30. shaz1972May 8,2022 at 10:41PM UTC

    totally agree with you, and yes that may be a factor getting the exec committee members together for decision. time will tell!!

31. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 3:33PM UTC

    This is literallly every interview for the past 15 years. They yank your chain and then disappear. Forget it.

32. Gina VeesaertMay 7,2022 at 5:29PM UTC

    They're also the first ones to complain when candidates do the exact same thing to them.

33. Michelle S.May 7,2022 at 3:38PM UTC

    Unfortunately, a lot of these companies don’t understand or stop to think that for one person in their recruitment cycle that’s interviewing, that is their very first employee experience , if hired. It’s unbelievable to me that HR is ghosting people. Especially in an employee market!

34. MichelleMay 8,2022 at 3:48PM UTC

    Maybe unbelievable to you, but it's happening and it's not an employee market so much anymore with everyone having to go back to work, since no one is getting unemployment anymore.

    I've been ghosted twice and I called them out on their unprofessional and disrespectful behavior.

35. Chrissy C.May 7,2022 at 3:39PM UTC

    Hi Anonymous. I agree with @Brian

36. ChrishoggMay 7,2022 at 3:49PM UTC

    Hi Anonymous ---

    This is always a tough spot to be in, but I'm impressed that you've met with the CEO and a VP of a "pretty large, well-known company."

    Which, at that level, probably means that you are either a very high-level executive yourself, or you are a very high-level executive assistant.

    And if that's correct, I'm rather surprised that you'd be asking this question, and asking it on this platform.

    But anyway, to your question, in this scenario, think of it like dating.

    You say, "I have now emailed her twice asking for update, time frame and any feedback. I emailed the CEO once asking the same."

    Now imagine this.

    You meet someone, say at work, and they ask you to go on a date, and you tell them you have a packed schedule and you have to sort some things out.

    And they email your brother about the date.

    And then email your brother again.

    And then email you.

    Would you be getting the feeling that this person is a little too anxious, a little too impatient?

    Would you, perhaps, be getting second thoughts?

    If I were you (which obviously I'm not), based only on what you've shared here, I'd stop contacting them (as you have apparently decided to do) and just let things play out.

    And just so we know, would you be comfortable sharing at what level you're at ... meeting with the CEO and VP of any organization with over 1,000 or so employees is quite an accomplishment at that level.

37. AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 10:46PM UTC

    I am talking about a company 36,000 employees.

38. ChrishoggMay 9,2022 at 12:58AM UTC

    Thank you.

39. shaz1972May 8,2022 at 10:47PM UTC

    I have been a high level senior exec asst for many years. My company has over 36,000 employees.

40. Pauline Mosca-CyphersMay 7,2022 at 3:57PM UTC

    Move on. I wouldn't want to work for a company that is poor at responding. Tells me they do not have honesty and respect for others.

41. AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 10:45PM UTC

    I agree with you. Thank you.

42. AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 5:34PM UTC

    It sounds like you are dissatisfied with the response time from this organization, so this is maybe a sign that this isn't your ideal job/company. I would just keep moving forward with your job search, assuming you had interviews with other firms already lined up or were still looking through other positions. If someone else comes through with a good offer before this place does then go with that. Good luck!

43. AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 10:45PM UTC

    I agree with you. Thank you and yes I have many irons in the fire. But I think you are right my formidable opinion of this company has changed.

44. Janine CatalinoMay 7,2022 at 10:46PM UTC

    Interviewing for a job Is like dating. If they’re interested, you won’t have to wonder. They’ll be pursuing you. It’s possible they’ve come to the final decision point and it’s taking more time than they expected, but it’s more likely that for some reason you’ve dropped out of the running. Stay professional and express gratitude for the opportunity to interview if you’re notified you didn’t get the job, but yes, you’ve done what you can at this point.

45. Janine CatalinoMay 7,2022 at 11:02PM UTC

    Also, emailing the recruiter twice and the CEO once in a two week period seems excessive. I still believe in a follow up thank you email, highlighting how you’d be a good fit based on what you learned in the interview (linking your qualifications to something that was mentioned), and reaffirming your interest in the position, but regretfully, it sounds like you followed up in the wrong way. The wrong level of follow up can come across as insecurity, desperation, or being disrespectful of boundaries and another person’s time. I would also never recommend asking the recruiter to let you know even if someone else has been hired. That can give the impression you’re not confident. Job hunting can be tough. It never hurts to enlist the support of a savvy friend to review your communication before it’s sent.

46. MichelleMay 8,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

    I don't agree with that, especially if you really want the position.

    Ever hear of the expression, "The squeaky wheel gets the oil."
    But I never stop looking until I got an official offer. Because you never know.

47. shaz1972May 8,2022 at 10:50PM UTC

    Very true! I always ask for feedback.

48. shaz1972May 8,2022 at 10:51PM UTC

    In my work experience, I disagree completely. Many companies wait to see how persistent you are and how you follow up since this is the type of high level executive assistant work I have been doing for many years.

49. MarissaMay 8,2022 at 4:41AM UTC

    I work for a large company, 3000+ in my state alone.
    It took 3 months from when I submitted my application to getting hired. They were just that busy to interview as they traveled a lot and took time to get paperwork sorted out on their end.
    A quick turnaround is not typical. Now being in the company I see it routinely for those moving around.

    While I agree to the “don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” it doesn’t hurt to follow up, but do pace yourself and try not to get frustrated with the lack of communication.

    I interviewed for the same company 3 years prior and I didn’t get it as the other person followed up more than I did (I knew someone on the inside who got this info). I did the courtesy thank you email, with one follow up email 2 weeks later and a phone call, which wasn’t enough.

    So when I interviewed for the next position, I followed up via email every week. It seemed desperate but guess what, it worked.

50. MichelleMay 8,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

    I think that following up like that, let them know HOW MUCH you WANTED the position, not that you were desperate.

51. shaz1972May 8,2022 at 10:52PM UTC

    I totally agree with you!!! I have many executive friends in HR and they love the folks that keep in touch.

52. AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 10:53PM UTC

    I agree I see this a lot too that the Recruiters appreciate those that stay in touch and follow up.

53. AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 5:49AM UTC

    I'm going to admit bad behavior on my part.

    I remember a few years back when I worked for a certain very large company I was responsible for scheduling interviews and reaching out to HR on when I wanted to hire. Keep in mind all hiring managers were responsible for this. It wasn't like I was in HR, I was hiring for a finance supervisor on my team and I remember interviewing a candidate and I got sooo busy I mean I was running a department and had the job of probably like 2 or 3 people at the time that I didn't get back to a candidate that I wanted for about a month. I know, I know I feel bad, but that was my eat, sleep, breath work phase. Luckily she was still available and I was able to hire her. The point of my story is, you don't know what's going on in the background. They could be going through a short hiring freeze, waiting on exec approvals for your role (if applicable) OR you could be their #2 and they're trying to see if their #1 is available. Regardless of the reason behind the delay do what is best for you and continue your job search. As some posters mentioned, if you reach out multiple times it can be considered desperate.

    If anyone is curious, I don't delay my hiring decisions anymore. Luckily I work for a great company where I can stay in my lane and our wonderful talent acquisition team handles most of the hiring process.

    Good luck and I hope you get the role!

54. MichelleMay 8,2022 at 1:05PM UTC

    I agree with you ?!

    I always keep looking until the final offer, because you never know and I hate being blown off and ghosted and if they're going to disrespect me, I'm going to contact them and tell them just how disrespectful and unprofessional it is.

55. shaz1972May 8,2022 at 10:48PM UTC

    Yes absolutely I keep looking. This is just one of many interviews.

56. shaz1972May 8,2022 at 10:49PM UTC

    great advice. Thank you

57. Kala Kincaid CallahanMay 9,2022 at 2:05AM UTC

    Do your very best to breathe. Wait another week. Do NOT contact them again and let things happen. Keep looking, keep looking, keep looking. This new era of job search can be maddening but yours will happen.

58. AnonymousMay 9,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

    I'm sorry, that is so frustrating when it sounded so promising! Have just come off of 4 months of unemployment, I have experienced ghosting to a varying degree. Must potential employers have at least give me the courtesy of a "thanks but no thanks" and there are a few where I had to turn down, I didn't ghost them though. I think you've done what you need do do. The ball is in their court, but you need to move on in the meantime.

59. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPMay 9,2022 at 4:26PM UTC

    I assume this is a somewhat high level position, if you're interviewing with the CEO. With that said, higher level roles do take longer to fill; especially when its a larger organization. There are a lot moving pieces and priorities. And I know its an unpopular opinion, but you (as the candidate) are not the most important priority. Major decision makers have to prioritize the business and existing employees first. So sorry, you are not the most important action item.

    If HR doesn't respond to you quickly, it could be that there's no new information to share. Should they at least still respond - absolutely, but if you follow up and the response sounds like a copy and paste, well, there's just nothing new. I would give it a couple of weeks. They are at lease seeing you reach out to them, so that will show you are still interested.

    I will tell you that my partner was contacted by a recruiter at the end of 2019. Right before the pandemic, there was a lot of interviews and even a 2 hour personality assessment. Then pandemic hit and they slooooow played the entire process. He finally received the offer in early 2021!

    If you are over it, upset, and considering moving on, well there's your answer.

60. Karen GongawareMay 10,2022 at 9:37PM UTC

    Never put all your hopes and resumes in one basket (job). Keep going forward and interview with other companies. If this job is to be, it will happen, but give yourself choices.

61. Vidya RajaMay 12,2022 at 4:12PM UTC

    I agree with Karen Gongaware. Just keep on looking for other jobs and interviewing if you get the opportunity. And then whenever this company responds to you, you can make a wise decision based on the choices and situation at that time. Never ever pin all your hopes on one company because they can backfire even at the last minute. Don't fall a victim to that situation. Good luck!