I am in the midst of a lengthy interview process at the moment with a non profit organization.
The process has now been going on for over a month and I’ve had 5 interviews- one of which was in person yesterday. I met with the Recruiter, the manager, the employee experience manager, the CHRO then invited on-site to meet with the manager and CHRO in person. I was told the manager was going to call me today with an update. She emailed at 5pm and said she had tried to call and couldn’t get me or leave a VM (strange) and asked if we could set up time to chat on Tuesday. I know they had another candidate they were also considering for the role. I guess my question is, does anyone have experience with this sort of lengthy process? And the phone call Tuesday — I have zero clue what to expect. Would a manager call to reject someone or just do that via email? Could it be good news? Of course it’s just anyones guess but it’s definitely frustrating. I am so ready to know what is going on. I don’t want to get my hopes up but my initial feeling was maybe a verbal offer, but now I’m worried it’s a thanks but no thanks.
Corinne Wilhelm
Podcast - Experts! Speak English
19
10/23/22 at 12:49PM UTC
Yes, sadly there is such a thing as agile HR but rarely delivered effectively. Try not to overthink it, go in full of energy and I do believe that a rejection is easier to send by email but perhaps they have an interesting alternative that needs to be discussed. Maybe they want to negotiate your salary or working hours or perhaps there is another role that has your name on it with more responsibility so chill and let us know what happens.
Anonymous
07/24/22 at 2:56PM UTC
Lengthy processes are normal these days.
A call from a hiring manager is almost never bad news. If you were being turned down, the company would e-mail you or possibly delegate the turndown to HR or the recruiter.
My guess would be that the manager wants to interview you more thoroughly on some aspect of the job or possibly extend an offer.
Granted, there’s a small possibility that this is a turndown, but there’s a silver lining here. The manager wouldn’t call you personally if you hadn’t impressed her. Know that the company liked you a great deal and emphasize your interest in being considered for additional roles there
Anonymous
07/23/22 at 2:21PM UTC
I once received a rejection via phone call. It was the kindest, most thoughtful letdown I've ever received and handled impeccably well. That said, wishing you luck!!
Crystal HowellJust Do You!
2.79k
07/23/22 at 12:28PM UTC
Emailing at 5 pm, really. Said she called and couldn't leave a VM, do you have any missed calls?
Keep an open mind, this level of old school tricks for not doing her job, she might be playing catch up?
The process is long these days, so many applicants to weed out. It is strange, let us know, do you really want to work there?
Anonymous
07/23/22 at 1:31PM UTC
I completely agree. Why wait until 5pm to email? And no, no missed calls. I think it seems fishy and maybe you’re on the right track of her just trying to play catch-up. Thank you for that perspective. I guess I felt a month was long but seems pretty standard from what I gather. Do I really want to work there…. That’s tough. Yes, but I do feel I’ve been jerked around some and they haven’t been very clear about the whole process which makes me apprehensive.
Anonymous
07/23/22 at 2:17AM UTC
Nonprofits are commonly plagued with completely unproductive and drawn out interview processes but it sounds as if you’ve reached the end! I would guess it’s good news though.
Anonymous
07/23/22 at 1:32PM UTC
Good to know! Thank you. First time interviewing with a non-profit. I would guess good news too but so unsure what to think.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
20.5k
07/23/22 at 12:33AM UTC
It could be good news, it could be more steps (were you told the last interview was the final step?), it could be the position was put on hold, etc.
I release any candidate I have interviewed or moved through the interview process with a personal phone call. I do not schedule the calls - I will leave a message if I get voicemail. If I try them multiple times and get no response, I will release them through email.
Anonymous
07/23/22 at 1:33PM UTC
I was told the last step was the final step and yes there could be so many reasons. I guess time will tell. Thank you for the perspective. I’m hoping for good news but prepared either way.
Heather Cutler
8.31k
07/23/22 at 12:09AM UTC
I don’t consider 5 interviews in a month a lengthy process. On the contrary, I think it’s quite fast. I started interviewing for my last job in July 2021 and started the middle of October. I agree that they’re prob scheduling time to make an offer. I think you would have received an email if they were going with the other candidate. Best wishes, let us know how it goes.
Anonymous
07/23/22 at 1:34PM UTC
Oh ok! Thank you! I felt it was long but I work in staffing recruiting so I’m used to fast paced, thank you for that perspective. I will keep you all posted, and I appreciate the best wishes. I hope it works out!!
