Wondering if being the first candidate with a long lag time until last candidate interviewed had any impact on my being chosen.

5 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 12,2025 at 4:07PM UTC

   Hmm...Of course we can only speculate. But, since you were told you were the top candidate at one point (and assuming that the person who said it actually knew that to be the case), the reason that they may have dragged their feet likely had nothing to do with you. An internal candidate may have stepped up, the job description may have been restructured (essentially moving you down the list through no fault of your own), the salary range may have changed (and you were outside it), or the team may have restructured completely. So, while it may be that being first was a factor, I think it is more likely that them dragging their feet is a system that something was going on you cannot see or control. And whatever that unseen thing is the real reason for both the delay and you not getting the job.

   But I am sorry about that. The good news is you must have done a heckuva interview to be called a top pick. I hope the next one works out for you.

2. Yamini BangarusamyMay 13,2025 at 5:37PM UTC

   Hi! When a process drags out for weeks, earlier candidates can lose some visibility, especially with large panels. Unless someone is actively keeping you top of mind, later interviews often feel fresher. It’s frustrating, but unfortunately not uncommon. But no matter what, the effort you put in doesn’t go to waste. Keep showing up like that, and the right team will remember you for the right reasons--regardless of how long the interview process is. Good luck!

3. GirlBossanova934974May 14,2025 at 1:37PM UTC

   I would not believe a word these people are saying to you. In my view, it is a good probability that the job was NEVER filled. You may see the same job being reposted in the near future. First and foremost, you interviewed with a company where no one likes to make decisions. And that is what life is going to be like if you work there. Second, there is NO URGENCY for this job to be filled. When layoffs come alnog, this will be the first job likely cut. NEXT TIME, be sure you don't spend a lot of time with these "KICKING THE TIRES" outfits. IT is a max 3 interviews and we are done. Otherwise, you spend your time interviewing with companies who are ready to make decisions and move forward.

4. AnonymousMay 15,2025 at 2:01PM UTC

   The only thing I hate the most is the wasting of time. These companies have in their mind who they are going to hire and there is nothing wrong with that but stop wasting other peoples time. Go hire internally and conduct interviews from within but stop wasting others time with lengthy fake interviews.

5. AnonymousMay 16,2025 at 12:52PM UTC

   This same thing happened to me! 1st one during weeks of interview duration is the kiss of death. You don't want to be very last either.