Job hunting advice needed
I have gone through 3 rounds of interviewing at a company, including the hiring manager. After the third interview (now 2 weeks ago), I have not heard anything from the internal recruiter who was my main point of contact. I have reached out twice but still have not heard back - should I reach out again or assume I am no longer in the running?
I am experiencing the same situation at the moment. What I am finding, for those who are not ghosting me, is that they are interviewing but the "higher-ups" have not given the financial go-ahead to hire. I had this happen to me three times. I understand it is the end of the year and they are planning budgets for next year but they should not have started the interview process if they did not if they could hire.
It is very disappointing how many recruiters and companies just ghost candidates. I wish they would have more professionalism, integrity and values during the hiring practices. They really need to understand that this is a reflection of the company!
When interviewers say at the final round, "We expect to let you know next week," what they mean is that they will let the selected candidate know soon, but then not be in touch with any of the other finalists until that person has accepted and closed on the offer, so that they can come back to a second choice without having closed the window if something falls through with the first one.
It's unacceptable for them not to close the loop at all but two weeks is not out of the question for a timeline to make an internal decision, coordinate with HR to make an offer, and negotiate with the candidate. I hope you hear something soon because it will be a job seeker's market again someday and those of us job hunting now will remember who treated us poorly as candidates, but I do think unfortunately you are no longer in the running.
Agree with Anonymous that the tone of that email was too harsh and puts the recruiter on the defensive. Agree - ghosting is so frustrating. I am being ghosted right now by 3 recruiters! Most of the time, recruiters have their reasons - mostly reliance on someone else making a decision of some sort (hiring manager, another candidate who was offered the job, to name a couple). Personally, I'd email again for a couple weeks, staying professional, not accusatory. And, in the meantime, keep searching. It's not ok to be ghosted but it seems to be common in all parts of life these days.
If you've already reached out twice, I would move on. They know where to find you. It's inexcusable on their part to not respond with something. How hard is it to tell a candidate that they are no longer in the running and thank them for their time? I've learned that if communication is this difficult when you're not even working with them yet, they've done you a favor. I'm so sorry this happened to you.
This happened to me also. I sent an email to the recruiter. Here is basically what I said:
"Hi,
I realize you are very busy. It has now been over two weeks since my last interview and I have not heard back from you. I have sent emails and left voice messages for you. I don't know if you are ghosting me and just don't want to talk OR if you are so swamped, that I have been put at the bottom of the pile.
Regardless, I would really like to hear if I am still being considered or if the job has been filled."
Surprisingly, I got an email response with an apology. In my case, the hiring manager had not made a decision and went on vacation. I believe this type of email worked for me. I do not know if it will work for everyone.
Good luck.
.... but if someone tries your recommendation, they should use a different tone as it was harsh.
I'm afraid they closed the position and went for another candidate. Bad habit, I personally hate ghosting. If you already reached out twice with no answer I would move on. Best of luck!
Unfortunately it seems like they're no longer considering you, especially if you reached out twice. It's really unacceptable that the company hasn't been in touch with you after a few rounds of interviews.
Hi there! It is human tendency to assume the worst and while it may not be terribly misplaced, especially given the times we live in, I would just wait another week (since you’ve already reached out twice) and then politely check again. It may be a risk you might have to consider but sometimes also very briefly adding that you would appreciate some clarity as you are being made an offer by another organisation, can help a lot :-)
I can imagine how frustrating this waiting game can be but hang in there! These are unprecedented times but we will get through it.
Wishing you all the very best in your endeavours !
Best
Mridula