Delay in decision - feeling very low

[Zazango]

I had an interview for a role last week and didn’t hear anything until Tuesday this week, where the company emailed me to say that they were running behind schedule with a decision due to one of the interviewers being ill. They thanked me for my patience and understanding, and that things should be “wrapped up” no later than Friday.

I’m feeling quite despondent. The interview had gone very well, and one of the interviewers even said “Good interview!” when they saw me to the door. I had left on a high, but now I can’t help but feel that they have a preferred candidate and I’m the B option at best. Otherwise surely I would have heard something sooner?

It would have been my first degree-relevant role as I’m looking to change careers, and honestly I’ve been having rotten luck with applications. I know I’m supposed to not get attached to roles, but this would have been a great way into the industry.

Just a vent! Things feel rather hopeless at the moment and I’m not currently working.

Don't be despondent.

They've given you a reason. One of the panel is ill

This is likely the genuine reason.

I know at my place, all interview panel members need to say they agree to the hire. Even if it's obvious.

When they hired me, individually during the interview they all said about "when" I worked there. They still had to have the conversation after to confirm it between themselves.

At least they're keeping you abreast of the situation. That in itself is a positive.

In my opinion.

Thank you. The vibe was very similar (“When”, not “if”). I said I didn’t have much experience with a particular technology and one said “That’s ok, I’ll show you.” That kind of thing.

I feel I’ve lost so much of who I am in this job search, and it’s like being in limbo. I wouldn’t wish this anxiety on anyone.

I just want to echo @JustFrustrated - you likely have been told a genuine reason. I chair a lot of recruitment and I try my best to be as fair to candidates as possible about outcomes, but I do have to follow the process, and if someone on the panel is unwell this would be a genuine reason. If it looks like a short term issue they will just wait until the panel can reconvene.

i know it is tough, but do try to push it out of your mind for the moment

Well, here we are at nearly the end of the day on Friday and I haven’t heard a peep. Feeling absolutely rubbish. I think it being so prolonged has messed me up more.

Oh no OP, that sounds rubbish. I'm sort of in limbo for a different reason, and it's really wearing.

Would you consider emailing them to ask for an update?

Hiya, I’m debating it. I’m just not sure if there’s any point. The guy said “by Friday”, and I had replied saying I looked forward to hearing more from them. It does just look like a wash-out. It’s annoying - they were the ones who seemed to want to keep me updated, then went radio silent. A bit mean if they weren’t keen on me!

Yes, I agree. I'd probably drop them an email now, then you might hear by close of business today. And if not, you'll be the first thing they see on Monday morning. But then I'm not very patient!

The sooner you know, the sooner you can get on with things.

Thank you. I’ve sent one now.

Excellent - send us an update once you know what's going on.

Did they email you the update without you asking for one? If so, that's definitely a positive. If they weren't considering you then they wouldn't have bothered. They were probably expecting the person who was off to be back by today.

That’s right, they gave the update without me asking for one. I should clarify that the person who was off sick was the one who sent it - they had been off towards the end of the previous week, but were back in the office when they sent the update.

They just replied. I didn’t get it.

Sorry to hear this. I had a similar situation this spring with a role but they kept me waiting almost a month!

I do think the longer the wait the more they’re deciding between candidates.

Chin up and keep applying.

Did they say why?

Oh no @Zazango, I'm sorry to hear this.

That's shit and even more shit you had to chase. I hope something mega is round the corner for you x

Thank you all. It was a bit shit I had to chase up. They were very nice, said they liked my enthusiasm, would keep my application on file, etc. I imagine I was second in line.

the job market is terrible. I do regret doing my MA in web design somewhat, as it’s very difficult to break into that world with no exp. That role seemed to genuinely not mind the lack of experience, so I was hoping this would be it.

Really struggling to figure out what to do now. I was managing libraries before.

MA in web design

Off-topic but that sounds very interesting!

Can you set up your own business instead? So much demand for coders and great designers

It was! The best year of my life - I loved how it got my brain working.

Ah keep going OP, there is a job out there. I changed job recently and did applications and the odd interview for about 6 months before landing a job. Even got to a 2nd interview and didn't get it.

From when I used to recruit a lot I know that you can only appoint 1 person even when 3 are excellent and could all do the job... its not a vote of no confidence.

So keep applying, I set myself a rhythm of applying for at least 1 job every Friday (I was working the other 4 days). While you're doing that, you could see if you could find a volunteer Web design position eg offer to do a Web project for a charity, or, do your own project such as a website showcasing something you're interested in, just something so that you're building up that experience while job-hunting.

That's really good advice @MsMcGonagall.

Sympathy for you op - I had a telephone interview weds and was told I'd know by today if I had a face to face interview (they checked my availability for next week) and I've heard nothing. Depressing. Means a weekend of half hoping.

@Zazango could you get some agency/contract work to build up experience?