No response after 'I'll be in touch on Monday'

[mittenwithakitten]

Okay so I am looking around for another job atm. I saw recently that an old manager of mine was recruiting. I WhatsApp him asking if he knew what hours he was looking but he said he wasn't sure but to fill out the application and get it sent in. I always got on really well with him ( he previously asked me to work with him but I had other commitments at that time and it didn't suit, sadly ) any way after a few back and forth exchanges he said he would get back to me on Monday.... it's now Fri and I've not heard a peep.

Do you think that's it? He doesn't want me to work there maybe because I wasn't available a few years ago?

Have you sent the application in?
It sounds like he may not be directly involved in the recruitment, or else he’s telling you he can’t pull strings. The job is at the forefront of your mind, he’s got his actual job to do plus family life. It’s probably slipped his mind to message, rather than him being petty about you not being available last time.

Most companies have a recruitment process where you have to formally apply even if you are a candidate with a history with someone in the organisation that can vouch for you. There is a set process so that recruitment is transparent and fair.

If you have not already done so, I'd put your application in. You can always enquire about hours later down the line if they are crucial to you.

Yes I completed the very lengthy. Application and submitted it. Just seems strange that there has been no informal WhatsApp to say either the hours won't suit you or you're skills aren't what I need atm. He was usually not one to shy away from being direct so if he though I wasn't a right fit I would have thought he would have just said. It feels strange to be ghosted lol

Maybe he's not been well or mislaid his phone - yeah, I know 🙄

I'd message him now and ask for an update, at least you'll know one way or another.

He may feel that if he has too much contact and you are appointed, he will be accused of being biased or showing bias in the recruitment process.

You’ve checked your spam folder?

Maybe so. Maybe he is just keeping me at arms reach. I genuinely know that he owes me nothing and I may not be what he's looking for.

It was only WhatsApp- is there a spam folder?

If there's a formal application process it would be unprofessional to tell you informally over WhatsApp if you had the skills or not.