The impending recession and job application. Help

[tortoiseshellsub]

I know it's impossible for anyone to answer this but I was just throwing it out for some input. My partner has applied for a high up job in a global company, he's got through 3stages ( not counting the cv screening etc) things had been moving at an ok speed but since last interview the recruitment fella has been chasing the CEO for updates on next steps. The recruitment fella has been brilliant at keeping in touch etc and informed DP that his feedback was really positive. But ... the interview was a few weeks ago and there has been no movement on next steps. DP is convinced the job will be pulled because of the current climate but if that's the case why wouldn't they just let the candidates know rather than drag it on? I just think it's slow due to holidays and people getting bogged down with their on jobs etc. my thoughts are no news is (sort of) good news while DP thinks the opposite. What's your views ?

It's not common to get radio silence even for senior roles after several stages recession or no recession.

Happened to me after a 3rd stage and doing presentations, personality tests etc. Nothing. Not even a thanks but no thanks email.

It's rude as fuck but surprisingly common practice.

I'm on the other side of something similar.

In our case, it's a bit of both. Given the background we want more senior people to agree the hiring plans, but they're on holiday.

We have at least told the candidates that the programme has been paused however, and they won't get updates until September.

I saw a job I really liked the sound of last week. But have decided against applying. It’s private sector and I really don’t have any confidence in employers not having to shed personnel. If I were made redundant from my current role I have 16+ yrs service built for redundancy, if I moved I wouldn’t have any protection at all.

i personally wouldn’t advice moving jobs with the direction the country is heading for. It’s not going to be pretty.

• not UNcommon

@Metabigot it's just so frustrating though as the recruitment fella just needs to say "sorry but..." I mean he's been great at corresponding and replying to emails so far so it's weird that he didn't reply to yesterdays email.

OP the thing is the recruitment consultant doesn't know.

Some are better communicators and slightly more mature than others so will admit that, others won't.

@RedWingBoots I appreciate that. I suppose DP was just hoping for a reply of acknowledgment from internal recruitment person, even if it was a " we're still waiting on Mr xyz letting us know next steps" it's just strange that recruitment person phoned on Monday to update that he should have more info by the end of next day (Tues) but hasn't replied to DP email yesterday. Of course we get that people are so busy, it's just the waiting around is awful ( I'm sure you know yourself that awful feeling)

Funnily enough, I said almost exactly the same as you on another thread - that people would be better to stay in their current role if they can, in the current global economic climate to keep stability, especially if they have built up a good service history.

@tortoiseshellsub if our DH doesn't need to move he may see it as a cloud with a silver lining. If a company has gone through such an elaborate recruitment process and now faffing around not making a firm decision that's not a good sign. Difficult to speculate on reasons, who knows, but if he is moving from a stable employment, it won't do any harm staying put, even if the new role is offering double the money - let's face it 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing.

This happened to me recently- but for 2 jobs with same company (different business units) one job was pulled due to a recruitment freeze (it was mine I was told!) the other I got but it took 3 weeks for them to make a decision. Just that level of seniority needed everyone to get together to make a decision and was in the middle of holiday season.

Unfortunately it's just a waiting game - good luck to DH

Exactly my thoughts atm, I think you are wise, stay put.

Hi all thanks for your replies. DP has made it through to next round- apparently with holidays the process has been slower. Unfortunately for us he needs to take a chance as his current company is in diffs atm and if a big recession hits he definitely won't have a job.

I've applied for a few senior level jobs over the past few months, and it's surprisingly common for recruiters or HR people in companies to ghost candidates. Surely these are the very people to know it's not an appropriate way to behave?!?

Having said that, it's August, and there are A LOT of people on annual leave e.g. this week, my boss, me, and all my direct reports are away. There are people to deputise, but if a recruitment decision was needed, it would have to wait a couple of weeks.

In terms of changing jobs while the recession is approaching, it really depends on what you do. I work in a particular area of finance which always needs people (we are always recruiting) so I am less worried than most. That and my boss is a micro-managing misogynist bully which means I want to move on asap for my own well-being.