You apply for a job. Check! You get a call back for an interview. Check! You have a great interview and you feel like you have a good chance at getting the job. Check!
But then you don’t hear back from the employer. You’re wondering why the hiring decision is taking so long. You thought for sure you made a good connection and would hear back sooner than later. Now it’s later and you are starting to second guess things. Should you move on? Should you wait it out?
The reality is that many hiring decisions take longer than anticipated. Employers want to make sure they get the decision right. Also, other unforeseen things pop up. Here we’ll outline some common reasons why hiring decisions take so long.
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1. You Were One of the First Interviewed
If you are one of the first candidates to be interviewed for a job, it could take a couple of weeks for the hiring company to complete the interview process. Some companies have a large candidate pool and choose to speak with a series of people. The interview process takes time.
2. A Key Decision Maker Is Absent
Hiring decisions often get delayed because someone who is a key part in making those decisions is absent. They may be ill, they could be on vacation, traveling for work, or they may need to deal with a more pressing issue. The process may come to a halt until this person can resume their hiring duties.
3. The Company Is Planning Additional Interviews
If the hiring company has identified a number of great candidates, they may want to do a second round of interviews. This second interview could be with people higher up in the organization. It can take some time to get things organized. They want to get things scheduled on their end before contacting you.
4. Reference Checks and Documentation
If your company sees you as a front runner, they may be in the process of doing reference checks. It can take time to track down references. They could also be getting an offer ready. Sometimes this requires sign-offs by multiple individuals.
5. Something Changed Internally
Changes to the job role, position requirements, or even internal budgets can all cause the hiring process to be put on pause temporarily.
Just because you don’t hear back right away doesn’t mean you are out of contention for the job. Sometimes, the decision-making process just takes longer than anticipated.
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