How long to wait for the offer?

Anonymous

October 27,2023 at 2:27PM UTC

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How long to wait for the offer?

Ive been in an interview process for about 2 months. At a certain point I was told I was the only candidate they were considering because of my specific work experience being so applicable to the role. I was given a (rather lengthy) project to do, told that after that was completed I would have one more interview and if all goes well I could expect offer 24-48 business hours after that. All has gone well, I received mostly positive feedback on the project and the interview from my POV was very good. Now it’s been over a week, and I haven’t heard anything. What is a normal amount of time between last interview and offer? I understand there is paperwork, many people to coordinate with, etc. in these situations, but should I be waiting a week when they told me it should be 24-48 hrs?? What am I missing?

thanks!

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AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 3:26PM UTC
Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like you're missing anything. They said you were the only candidate, yet they still wanted you to do an extensive project and another interview. I'm going to guess the interview involved questions about the project. We're seeing more and more of this lately, where applicants are essentially asked to do free work under the guise of it being part of the interview process. Those applicants typically don't get an offer, the role remains unfilled for whatever reason they offer, and the potential employer has the candidate's work. It's terrible. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, feel free to follow up on the offer. I hope I'm wrong and that they're just a little disorganized and slower than anticipated.
AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 3:48PM UTC
First, you're missing 2 months out of your life waiting on this. Move on and if they circle back, ask them to explain the delay and if you feel to allow them to treat you like this be prepared to NOT be surprised for future issues. By the way they don't coordinate with NATO, (ok unless this is a global leadership in power role), is a lame unorganized excuse.
AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 3:53PM UTC
They have the luxury of time and enjoy drawing things out.
AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 4:00PM UTC
I'd reach out and check in with the recruiter you are working with. Where I am, if we don't turn out an offer right away, we rely on our recruiters to keep candidates 'warm' if we are at all interested in them.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 27,2023 at 4:39PM UTC
Have you reached out to the recruiter? If not, I would start there.
Paperwork doesn't typically start until after a verbal offer has been extended and accepted.
AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 6:21PM UTC
Hi all - original poster here - thank you for the feedback, I find this community very helpful and informative and I’d love to hear more from anyone who can weigh in on a normal timeframe between last interview to offer.
Just want to mention, telling job seekers “don’t do free work” comes from a place of privilege. You clearly have a job if you can say that. I’ve been unemployed for 9 months, have interviewed with many companies, all of which either required me to do a “project” or told me it would be part of the interview process. This has been nonstop in my experience this year, and when you don’t have a job or an income, you are not in a position to take yourself out of the interview process because you won’t do one of the steps. I wholeheartedly agree it is an abuse by the hiring companies to require work and not pay you for it, but this is the capitalist system we live in. It’s been extremely frustrating for me personally but once again, without an income, I am not in a position to say no, I need the job. Please think about this when you tell people “don’t do free work for an interview”… I don’t think anyone WANTS to do that. We may not have a choice.
AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 6:28PM UTC
I have been a recruiter for decades even at the highest level positions
the wait time varies. Automated systems require several approvals, computer malfunctions and they drag its very frustrating for a recruiter s well.
folks are traveling not attentive to the approvals required, many hiccups can innocently happen.
Hang tight BUT DO NOT give notice to your current employer.
AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 6:45PM UTC
Thank you! This is good to know, not sure what is needed on the other side as I have never hired someone directly.
AnonymousOctober 28,2023 at 1:11PM UTC
You need to keep looking until you have an offer in hand. I hope you get the offer but look out for yourself.
Ambar PiconOctober 28,2023 at 1:27PM UTC
IMO they are still interviewing candidates.
Definitely keep looking elsewhere. My spidey senses also went up with “lengthy” project. I know some industries make you do a presentation but it should be one you can turnaround quickly.
AnonymousOctober 28,2023 at 5:08PM UTC
I would email the hiring manager and if your interest is still strong in the role, reiterate that. Ask for a revised timeline letting them know that you have other companies that are wooing you and you expect another offer within 4 days. That is double the time period they offered to you. If they cannot or do not respond during the timebox you offer them be prepared to walk away. The way you are treated during the interview is often a precursor or indicative of how they will treat you when you get hired. You could as an alternative look to see if anyone else has had a similar experience that has left the company that can share so that your expectations are set. If you are the only person qualified for the role definitely restate that your strengths mean you can hit the ground running quickly in the role. IMHO I would personally give them 48 hours to make a decision or I would remove myself from consideration. You deserve better treatment or clearer communication from them, especially if you are the chosen one.
AprilOctober 29,2023 at 4:28AM UTC
Sadly… on too many occasions, your “project “ is actually used to solve a real problem. Give less info in the future. I recommend moving on. I wish you better results.
AnonymousOctober 29,2023 at 1:45PM UTC
I wish people would push back and not do these free job roles so the company can solve their problems without paying their staff. It's unethical and if a practice that has recently taken hold and is a waste of people's time and talents. You need a task done, pay a consulting fee for it.
AnonymousOctober 29,2023 at 7:24PM UTC
The best you can do is 1)send an email titled Checking In to inquire about status and/or 2)calling the HR representative or hiring manager about your status.
You can follow up on this one or two more times every 10 days to 2 weeks, but there’s little that can be done beyond that other than to move on.
That said, companies typically do not meet time frames as promised, so no need to panic yet.