A first interview turned out to be very positive, you are looking forward to the second meeting, then everything stops.
Hiring situations have their own individual dynamics. One situation may be resolved in a matter of days, with everything falling into place, effortlessly. People make a connection, meetings are held and a hiring agreement is reached easily.
Other scenarios may involve a longer cycle, with vacations, business trips, other executive involvement and other unforeseen changes in hiring criteria and salary ranges.
It isn’t always easy to understand why some promising opportunities seem to fade after an initial meeting, while others change at the last minute. There are many factors that affect the process. Some are hidden from view.
What are some of these factors that can derail or delay the hiring process?
- Vacations and business trips of the hiring manager/s:
These are obviously beyond anyone’s control. If a hiring manager is leaving the country hiring decisions are often put on hold until his/her return.
- Changing corporate priorities:
A previously approved plan to hire may be reconsidered, and the option of moving someone into the position from within the department initiated.
- Indecision on the part of the hiring manager:
If a hiring manager has two people with almost equal strengths, they may require more time to think about their decision, consult with colleagues and weigh the pros and cons of choosing one candidate over another.
- Another candidate comes forward from within at the last minute:
Internal candidates can pop up at the last minute and be given serious consideration, or even offered the position, while external candidates are put on hold. Sometimes this is communicated, sometimes not.
- Another executive’s influence in the background:
The hiring manager’s superior may venture their opinions about the wisdom of hiring one candidate over another after they have reviewed the file. The senior manager may not agree with the hiring manager’s selection, and an internal conference may delay or change the decision.
- Another resignation in the department:
The priority may shift suddenly to needing to replace someone who resigns in another function, and who may represent a significant loss to the department. This development may slow down or stop a hiring situation in its tracks. Candidates aren’t often made aware of this new and unexpected need to switch focus.
- A person who resigned may accept a counter offer to stay:
Some companies make counter offers, and others don’t. It can take time for the counter offer to the made or be accepted by the person resigning. We often see these counter offers happening at the last minute. Naturally, this closes the search abruptly.
- Another candidate introduced at the last minute:
An internal employee may introduce or recommend someone that they vouch for at the last minute as well. If the person introduced is a good fit, the search may be terminated.
Whether you are looking for a job or leaving one, it is frustrating to encounter unexplained or unexpected delays. The above information might be helpful to remember that things happen that are beyond your control and are not a reflection of your value, experience, and abilities.
The Insider's Guide to Job Search - Canada/USA 