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Original poster

Interview - is this normal?

26 replies

katz801 · 17/07/2025 20:08

Went for an interview on Friday 11th July for a small company….not heard anything since even though they said they’d let me know the outcome on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

I emailed the recruiter who booked me in for the interview before closing yesterday and she apologised, informed me the director has been off and a decision is being made today. I felt the interview went well and it was really positive. I know they interviewed 4 before me and one on Monday.

is this normal for companies? I’ve only ever interviewed at NHS and they’ve always let me know the same day.
Shall I send another chaser email tomorrow? I just want to know where I stand!

OP posts:
Dozer · 17/07/2025 20:08

Not unusual, I wouldn’t chase again.

MasterBeth · 17/07/2025 20:09

Yes, normal. Good luck!

Original poster
katz801 · 21/07/2025 14:27

Well I’ve still not heard. The job advert isn’t advertised anymore. Not sure what to think!
Small company and about 4 years old.

OP posts:
bluebunnyjacket · 21/07/2025 14:50

Sorry OP, I would assume I hadn't got it and move on!

cheesycheesy · 21/07/2025 14:55

I would assume you hadn’t got it. Some companies/recruiters don’t bother informing unsuccessful candidates until the person offered the role has confirmed

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/07/2025 15:01

I would just assume you hadn't got the job at this point, sorry OP. I wouldn't bother chasing any further.

Iheartlibrarians · 21/07/2025 15:02

Very normal in a small company where there's maybe only one person (or even none full-time) looking after the HR.

Based on the fact you've been told they were deciding last week, I'd agree with others that you're probably not the first choice- but you might perhaps be the second.

Either way all you can do is sit tight, as annoying as it is.

CherryYellowCouch · 21/07/2025 15:04

This time of year key decision makers could be on holiday delaying things.

Best of luck!

Hodgemollar · 21/07/2025 15:05

It would be unusual to let a candidate know the same day, in general they will always be interviewing more than one person.

KoiTetra · 21/07/2025 15:09

As a recruiter it is common these days for companies to take 2-5 days to officially decide although usually the recruiter is told at least informally who the successful candidate is sooner.

If you have not been updated I would guess the most likely outcome is that you are the second choice, someone else is/has been offered and they are waiting to hear their decision before giving you the news. If they say no then they will come to you and say "sorry for the delay, it was annual leave but great news the jobs yours" or if the other person accepts will find a way to say sorry but its a no go.

BoredZelda · 21/07/2025 15:10

Iheartlibrarians · 21/07/2025 15:02

Very normal in a small company where there's maybe only one person (or even none full-time) looking after the HR.

Based on the fact you've been told they were deciding last week, I'd agree with others that you're probably not the first choice- but you might perhaps be the second.

Either way all you can do is sit tight, as annoying as it is.

I disagree about this being a small company thing. I’ve had experiences of both large and small companies and there is no link between how they do this. Nor how long it takes to get an offer. 6 working days is too soon to conclude you have been unsuccessful.

I’d give it to Friday and chase again.

ForZanyAquaViewer · 21/07/2025 15:14

I wouldn’t chase on this. It’s not like they will forget to tell you if they want to hire you. Unless you’re basing other decisions off this and/or fielding other job offers, I’d just wait for them to get back to you and get on with your life.

FWIW, the longest I’ve waited to hear back from a successful interview was a whopping six weeks. And that was for a second interview! Large multinational company, where I eventually happily worked for four years, but their recruitment process was pretty Kafkaesque.

Walker1178 · 21/07/2025 15:34

I’ve had this before and it was because I was the backup! They told the others it was a no but kept me waiting to see if the offer they sent to their first choice was accepted or not. It’s crappy when you’re kept in limbo, I hope they come back to you soon

Original poster
katz801 · 21/07/2025 15:51

Thank you for your replies.

Yes - probably won’t chase again. Makes me think if this is how they so bad at communicating now, what is to come once employed.

I think feel so disheartened as the interview went really well and it was the perfect job on paper. They said my PowerPoint was brilliant. Asked me about flexibility, childcare, and gave loads of detail about the role and team. Said I’d answered lots of the interview questions already in the presentation.

Oh well. What is meant for me won’t pass me by and all that. I’ve a few more interviews lined up. Currently on mat leave with two young children and redundant so I think I’m also wanting the security. 😔

OP posts:
dontwannadothis · 21/07/2025 15:59

If the director had been off then it could be a case of trying to play catch up- especially in a small company

Delphiniumandlupins · 21/07/2025 16:02

I wouldn't chase yet but would before the end of this week, partly to ask for feedback and partly to remind them it's rude to leave people in limbo. Also, are your proposed childcare arrangements any of their business?

wannabewhat · 21/07/2025 16:11

Good luck. It appears companies don't feel the need to treat candidates well at the moment. I do hope you have got it.

Confusdworriedmum · 21/07/2025 16:24

My DD went for loads of interviews before gaining her current role. None of the companies bothered to tell her she was unsuccessful and most didn't even give feedback when she asked.
It's ridiculous companies can't be bothered to send people a quick email. You spend time and effort applying and going to interviews and they can't be bothered to respond. Makes me so angry.
So you might not hear anything but do you want to work somewhere where the communication is so bad?

LadyAsnowt · 21/07/2025 16:35

Pretty sure they shouldn't be probing into your childcare arrangements. Would they ask a man about that?

TheCannyBishop · 21/07/2025 16:52

I’m sorry, they asked you about flexibility and childcare??? Fuck that for a game of soldiers, isn’t that illegal?

Original poster
katz801 · 21/07/2025 18:11

Maybe I worded it wrong or not clued up on HR! The operations director asked when can I start at the end when I was leaving. It was more of a question of - am I good to go in the aspect that it won’t affect my maternity leave. I was honest about my redundancy and the fact I have young children.

My last communication was with the recruiter who said the directors where meeting last Thursday (17th) to discuss the outcome and that the op director who interviewed me was out of office unexpectedly at the beginning of the week.

Bad communication or unexpected hiccups?…

Why not just tell me if I’m unsuccessful! The waiting is torture and I at most want feedback to prepare me for future interviews!

OP posts:
Original poster
katz801 · 22/07/2025 16:34

Just rang to offer me the role! 🥳

Ops director been off sick is the reason for the delay.

OP posts:
CherryYellowCouch · 22/07/2025 16:57

Many congratulations!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

popcornpower2025 · 22/07/2025 17:16

Not unusual. I think I waited for 3-4 weeks to hear back for the job I'm in now

spoonbillstretford · 22/07/2025 17:18

TheCannyBishop · 21/07/2025 16:52

I’m sorry, they asked you about flexibility and childcare??? Fuck that for a game of soldiers, isn’t that illegal?

Yeah, they shouldn't be asking that.

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