To expect a reply from recruiter after interviews?

[Evie861]

Was headhunted for a role by a recruiter, decided to explore it and find out more (significantly higher salary and interesting move) though happy in my current job. Went through 4 rounds of interviews, all of which were set up in quick succession. The last one was over 2 weeks ago and I’ve heard nothing. Fair enough for the prospective employer to take a while/ not reply but aibu that it’s rude and unprofessional for the recruiter to not get back to me? They had said they would call before the 4 day bank holiday. Talking fairly senior level here. I’ve called and emailed but nothing. Am assuming I didn’t get the job (fine) but surely its part of that industry to communicate that news pretty regularly / give feedback? Not to mention alienating me as a client. Do you think it would be ok to contact the company directly now and say good to meet you, appreciate any feedback, blah blah? Feels odd to have been ghosted in this way. Thanks!

It's really rude, but on the upside, you've dodged a bullet with that employer.

Thanks, yes I was thinking that even if I had got an offer it’s a massive red flag!

I work in this industry and I have to say that one of the first things I always drill into recruiters is to ALWAYS update the candidate, regardless of whether or not the client (the organisation you’ve interviewed with) has updated them. What often happens is that because the client doesn’t provide feedback to the agency half the time, the agency feels awkward speaking to candidates without having anything tangible to tell them. I can see that you’ve said you’ve tried to contact the recruiter and not had any response, so yes I would 100% suggest you contact the organisation directly (even better if you have contact details for the person who interviewed you or can locate them on LinkedIn etc), and ask the questions you’ve mentioned above. It’s terrible form on both their parts, this is what gives recruitment agencies such a bad name!

FOUR rounds then nothing!? Wow, i'd be so pissed off! Dodged a bullet there.

Couple of things, they might be interviewing other candidates who aren’t available. Might be going through final approvals to get an offer out. I always tell my candidates the timelines by which they were going to hear back but also you should always ask in the interview when they will be making a decision by etc. so that said yes it’s poor the recruiter hasn’t at least updated you.