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I interviewed for a job three weeks ago, and thought that it went pretty well. I was told that they'd have decision in three weeks. I contacted the main interviewer Friday, and he told me that they were still interviewing people and that he expected a decision by the end of this coming week.

I was surprised and disappointed that they are still interviewing people three weeks after speaking with me.

On the one hand, to me, that means they're having serious doubts about hiring me, or else they would have foregone the other interviews.

On the other, I am a local candidate for the position and perhaps other candidates had to be flown in and arrangements made. Perhaps this is why the interview process has been stretched out the way it has. Additionally, one has to consider the week of Thanksgiving as a sort of dead week for interviews.

I'm obviously overthinking all of this.

Does anyone have any thoughts, or similar experiences past or currently ongoing?

EDIT: Thanks for all of the responses so far. I just wanted to say that I plan on updating with whether I was offered the position or not once I receive word.

UPDATE: On 12/23, I received an automated email stating that I wasn't being considered for the position anymore. I guess the email didn't go a as well as I thought.

user3752138
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    seems pretty normal, just because they like a candidate is not a reason to forgo the others they have arranged to see, that would disappoint other candidates who were cancelled, plus they might find someone even better suited. – Kilisi Dec 12 '15 at 16:35
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    The best thing you can do is apply to other jobs and wait, its out of your hands. Its not a totally positive sign for your chances, though. – Mark Rogers Dec 13 '15 at 00:21
  • Could also be a locale-specific thing. In Australia this would be very normal, as the hiring process is often fairly regimented. They'll set a specific cutoff date for applications, and then accept/interview applicants up until that cutoff, and not tell anyone their results until after the deadline has passed. – aroth Dec 13 '15 at 01:32

5 Answers5

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As a hiring manager a number of scenarios come to mind:

  1. A strong candidate has said something like "I'm away on holiday for the next 2 weeks" and they've already agreed to wait
  2. The hiring manager needs sign off from HIS boss before he can offer, but he is having to wait
  3. Interviews have moved too fast, and the requisition for a hire hasn't been approved yet (happens all the time)
  4. The role is dependent on a project/contract coming in, and that's been delayed/is waiting for sign off
  5. There is/may be a hiring freeze incoming so they need to wait
  6. It's almost end of their financial year, so they need to hit next years budget to do the hire (again they thought it would take longer)
  7. Maybe they like you, but aren't so knocked out that they don't want to wait "just in case" someone who has 110% of your skills but wanting 50% of your money comes along (hey they can dream!)
  8. They are just testing the market to see if someone fantastic comes along, but are really just jerking you along and don't intend to really hire anyone (again, surprisingly common)
  9. As per your update, they know their ATS will send an automated email to all remaining candidates when they close the role down after hiring, so they won't bother pressing the button on your application and keep you dangling (again happens far too often).

Why they can't tell you this, in some cases it's obvious, in others sometimes they are afraid you'll jump for another role if you think there's a possibility it won't happen, so just keep you dangling hoping you'll be desperate enough to wait.

The best strategy, treat every job as not won, until you have a contract to sign, and keep pushing on. If it comes in you might get a nice surprise, or maybe something EVEN BETTER may appear. Also the best way to get them to move and get the offer is to have another one, you immediately become more attractive if someone else wants you (but don't BS, you need to be able to show your hand, but any offer can be enough, even if you wouldn't actually take it).

The Wandering Dev Manager
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  • I believe #7 is extremely unlikely. It's hardly possible to make skilled people accept lower wage than others, because they can get more money and they know that. Unless you're in Dilbert's company, hehe. However, #8 is very common, at least where I live. There are ways to deal with it, though, if one thinks about it. – Konrad Viltersten Dec 12 '15 at 19:37
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    The important part is your last paragraph. Whatever the reason, as long as nothing is signed, go on searching. don't stop. Be relentless. Don't wait. – gazzz0x2z Dec 12 '15 at 20:02
  • They are too disorganised or indecisive to finalise the role
    • – teambob Dec 14 '15 at 01:57