Third interview three weeks ago - now tumbleweed...

[daybluesky]

Well, I absolutely presume I haven't got the job, but am I right in thinking this is just not okay?!

I had a third interview for a role at a large third sector org after a very lengthy written application, followed by one initial 'informal chat', one interview (panel), and another final interview where I had to do a presentation.

Was told I would probably hear by the end of that week. I didn't think the final interview went brilliantly tbh, so was expecting to be told it hadn't gone my way. It's three weeks tomorrow, and nothing! I even emailed the recruitment team to ask last week - radio silence from them.

Is this just the way now? I'm quite surprised because they seemed very nice.

It is really not OK, extremely rude, especially after you've chased. But sadly not uncommon these days. After a 2nd or 3rd round and a presentation I just think it's outstandingly rude. Ugh.

The lack of communication is certainly poor. If I wanted to be generous to the organisation i think there could be things going on internally outside of their control. Here's two theories I think could be at play in the current employment climate.

A) a hiring freeze on unfilled roles whilst budgets are reviewed for the new financial year

B) internal restructuring is occurring since the interview process started and they're having to assess if the role can be filled by an internal candidate first.

First poster has it spot on! So sorry though - it’s a rubbish way to treat candidates.

I had similar recently. Two interviews, almost back to back, they were so keen to get me in for the second one it was 2 days after the first. Follow up email sent by me the next week. And I got no response to that, and heard nothing since, it's been 6 weeks now. It is infuriating. I would certainly never apply to that company again.

Being generous, it could be that they’re waiting for the first choice applicant to respond/look at references before they close the process down. Sometimes, first choice applicants have other offers too so they may be taking their time choosing/accepting.

I’d give it another week or so.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/24/invertebrate-of-the-year-2025-nominations

Just saw this and thought, I bet they don't write to the other 9 to tell them they didn't get it.

Astonishingly rude. After you’ve prepared a presentation too? Have you contacted the hiring manager on LinkedIn or email? Go over that recruiter. They might be unwell and off? That seems to unfathomable to be true, something is not right there. Double down on sending some messages out and let us know the outcome.

i had an old colleague intro me into a hiring manager for a role (glowing intro) and she ignored me, didn’t reply to two emails then I saw on LinkedIn the company had been acquired and a mutual connection later liked her post about her moving on from the company. Two plausible reasons my emails fell on deaf ears.

Something similar happened to me. They eventually came back at the 3 week mark and said I hadn't got it. Often they wait until the other person has signed their contract. I know it's really annoying and definitely a sign of the current times.

Try to focus on other opps if you can.