Are companies interviewing for positions that don't exist?

Anonymous

June 6,2022 at 3:58PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Are companies interviewing for positions that don't exist? My last three job interviews were until the final rounds and then I found out that the company was prospecting for the future but didn't have anything right now. While I don't mind making connections, if it goes past three interviews, I'm now wasting my time. My goal is to relocate and find a new role by the end of July.

I've been job searching since last year and want to leave my toxic work environment. I'm staying to make sure to save money and find a role before leaving. That being said, I'm getting frustrated. I don't mind putting in the work but I feel like I'm wasting my time while having to continue request PTO from my current job to take part in those interviews.

I'm asking the right questions about timeframe and next steps but instead of being candid about their intent, I'm getting strung along until the end only to find out that the position doesn't exist. While I don't love my current role, I can't even imagine the turmoil that someone who isn't working feels without that safety net.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

3 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

3 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 4:10PM UTC
In my past position, they would put up a job ad and start interviewing when they thought it would be likely that they would have final approval for the role, not when they actually did.
As a result, sometimes a position would stay unfilled for a long time, either because they still did not get approval or because they got approval but the position was now on hold (but they STILL interviewed hoping the hold would lift).
In both cases, quality candidates ended up in limbo and were ultimately lost.
For reference, this was happening in the tech sphere but I am sure this is not unique to tech.
So, to answer your question, yes, it does happen. But it should not or at least they should be honest with you if there is a chance the job may not materialize.
AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 4:25PM UTC
Thank you, Anonymous. I don't work in tech but I'm starting to see this trend in my industry as well. I wouldn't mind if it was an informational interview but when you get invested in the process and then there isn't a confirmed position it's disheartening. It would be one thing if they were transparent but to string people along when there isn't a confirmed role is dishonest. For the last potential position, I had to take a 3-half days and use my medical PTO for the quarter. I found out last week from the interviewer that they didn't have a position but were only scouting for the future. I wasted my PTO and put my current job at risk requesting that time off as I thought I was getting closer to an offer. I appreciated your feedback and that I'm not imagining this scenario. It's happened 3x in a row and I'm starting to feel that even though I'm not happy at work, starting over again isn't worth the angst.
AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 7:21PM UTC
Many recruiters pipeline. When you get another call/email simply ask the recruiter or person calling if there is an active/open position. It seems these calls are coming from recruiters. I was one, I pipelined a lot but I always told the candidates if it was active or the future. These are great networking opportunities for you!