Had interview, agency has gone silent - WWYD?

[firebrand123]

So I had a second round interview last Thursday, with everything so far being organised through a recruitment agency rather than direct with the employer. The interviewer said they'd get back to me by Tuesday, through the agent. Agent emailed me late Friday saying they'd tried to get feedback but nothing so would be in touch when they hear. I emailed on Tuesday just to check, no reply, which is unlike her. Called her yesterday, no answer and no call back. Emailed this morning, no answer. All very light hearted emails, in keeping with the tone of our communication to date. I'm wondering if she's off sick? But I'm also desperate for news! Should I try to be patient? I know the answer is probably yes, I just need someone else to tell me that!!

Ahhh I'd be climbing the walls too, and I'm not patient in the slightest, buy I'd give it to tomorrow lunch and then chase.

Thank you! Would you keep chasing the agency or go direct to employer if I still don't hear from her? I do have their contact details...

Call the agency rather than the employer. If your usual contact is off sick, ask to speak to someone else who can check your notes and chase up the client again if necessary. It's been a week since your second interview, I would expect to have heard either way by now.

Usually when this happens, the client hasn't come back to the agency. I used to work in recruitment, and it's very common for the clients to not bother with feedback to the agencies if they have filled the role with another candidate from elsewhere, but your agency should be telling you this.

I'd call the agency tbh as stated above in case the original recruiter was off sick.

Although pretty poor show if someone hasn't picked up their work.

It maybe poor communications. But sometimes this can happen because you are 2nd or 3rd choice and they don't want to say no while they agree terms with 1st or 2nd choice.
I saw this happen a lot in Civil service where they advertised a pay band but had a policy to only offer the lowest rate. There was a few days of back and forth with the 1st choice candidate who would try to negotiate pay, then often end up saying no. Once a job went to the 4th choice a month later!
Other people I know have taken a while to say yes as they got a counter offers from their current employer or two offers at once.

Ugh, I didn't want to contemplate that I might not get the job! I emailed the interviewers straight after the interview as I promised to send them the slides from my presentation so I thanked them for their time etc and they both replied that evening saying lovely to meet you, you'll hear by Tuesday, etc. They have been a bit slow to come back throughout the whole process but who knows...

And as for the recruitment agent, I was worried that if I start contacting the agency on a central contact number/email she might feel I'm almost going behind her back.

Sometimes I wish I wasn't such an overthinker!!!

Thanks everyone for you input :)

Had an email from the agent literally right after I posted that. Apparently she's been super busy with another role with a short turnaround but has chased the employer and not heard anything. So patience is definitely required!

Ah - if she hasn't heard anything, at least it isn't a flat 'No' and you are still in the running.

The week after a bank holiday weekend and everyone returning to loads of emails. I think you’re still fine.

Thanks for the reassurance, I'll keep those positive manifestation thoughts going 😆

So invested in this. Please report back when you find out @firebrand123

Ah, bless you! I will definitely update either way once I find out 😊

I found out this evening that I didn't get the job. Gutted. This is the 3rd time I've got down to the last 2 candidates and been rejected. I've applied for loads of jobs where I've had no interview so it's all very frustrating. I'm worried it's my age... I'm 47 this year and I know I'm up against people younger than me so I wonder if, when I do get an interview, that's what ultimately sways them towards the other candidate.

I did find out that I have a second round interview for another job next week though. Am trying.to not getting my hopes up too much...

I'm 47 this year. I hope it's not your age! They should think of the experience you have.

As a matter of interest what industry (apologies if I've forgotten).

Keep us updates on the next one!

That's part of my challenge. I've had a very squiggly career path and I now work as a sustainability manager but I only have a few years experience in that role. Loads of other work experience but not directly relevant. So I'm not where I "should" be for my age, if that makes sense?

@firebrand123 I know that it shouldn't sway things but the advice I have been given is remove dates off your cv relating to qualifications like when you obtained your degree etc

I have been in exactly same boat as you and it's so disheartening but it's the job market right now.

The fact you're getting to the finial stages of interviews shows you have qualifications for the roles and interview well and a strong cv. It also maybe that also because of your experience you're over qualified and they are offering the role to the cheaper candidate and think you may get bored on the role. It happens.

It's bullshit btw but it happens. It's bullshit because you wouldn't apply for a job that you wouldn't be happy in and people need a job to survive. Come hang out on the job seekers support thread, it's on here and you're not alone ! Chin up lovely, you have got this

You can remove the dates from your qualifications but if you still have the dates of employment then they'll be able to guess your age fairly well from that assuming you got a job pretty quick after your highest qualification.