The Waiting Game

Waiting for a job offer can be frustrating. Mostly because you are waiting with very little information about when and how the decision will be made. Your ability to influence the outcome is out of your hands once the interview process is over. You are in the waiting game.

Here is a question that I received today from a reader who is in the waiting game:

I’ve had two successful interviews with a company that I’m hoping to work for. One day after my second interview, the HR rep contacted to get my references. A week later I followed up with them and she told me they would have a decision by the end of the week. She also asked if I had received other offers. I replied that I was still interviewing and was waiting to hear from a few places. Today (Friday), the HR rep called to “update” me on the hiring process, saying they hope to make a decision by “early next week”, and again she asked me to keep them in the loop about any other offers. Is it possible that the company has offered the position to another candidate and is using me as a back-up? If that is the case, is it ethical for them to say that they “haven’t made a decision”?

My other question: Will it hurt my chances if I don’t come to them with another offer by early next week? What do you think my next move should be if I don’t hear from them on Monday or Tuesday? Or if they call again to ask me if I have other offers?

My response:

First, I always assume positive intentions until I have a reason to believe something else. In this case, the HR rep contacted you when she/he said they would, so I would continue to assume they are attempting to make a decision but have not yet. Typically, organizations will tell you if they have made a decision, even if you are not the one. If they had you as the back up, they would either not call or tell you they have extended an offer. You would get a call back if they extended the offer and the person declined. They would come back to you rather than string you along. That is my experience. Also, typically if they don’t call back when they say they would, that is more likely they are waiting to confirm an offer.

It would be unethical for them to say they haven’t made a decision if they had already. But I don’t see that in the information they your described. They are more likely wrestling a decision or the hiring manager just hasn’t made a decision and they will have one at the beginning of the week. My suggestion – PRAY. Especially if this the job you want to get an offer from.

It won’t hurt your chances if you don’t come with another offer. That would be another ethical dilemma. You don’t want to tell them you received an offer if you have not. I do believe it is a good thing to tell them that you are interviewing with other organizations and that you are waiting on additional offers. Your next move at this point is to continue to interview and pursue opportunities until you get a firm offer in your hand. Once you receive an offer, contact the other place or places that you are waiting and let them know you have received and offer. If you want to consider their offer or their opportunity, let them know that as well and see if they will come back with an offer. Now you will have two to consider and you are in the drivers seat in deciding which you want to take. If you want one offer more than the other, and the first one you want comes through. Consider the offer and accept it if they meet all of the requirements you have and/or need in a job.

How about you? Do you have a question about our job search or job search strategy. Please feel free to leave a comment below. I am happy to answer any questions you have and maybe I will use your question as a post.