About three days later I received a call out of the blue from the HR Director (let’s call her Connie) for this company. She said Susie had been raving about me and they all wanted to meet me. She also stated that they didn’t currently have any positions available.
They flew me in and put me up in first-class accommodations. The next day I met with a dozen people, including Susie’s boss (who we will call Nancy). Everything seemed to go well. We all got along, and the immediate feedback seemed positive. In fact, Nancy told me they did have an opening and that she was a bit surprised HR didn’t know about.
Upon returning, I emailed 14 individual thank-yous. I did not hear from Connie, the HR Director, so after three days I called her. She told me she had received only positive feedback but had yet to talk with Nancy. I also called Nancy, who said she wanted to talk with me but was heading to a meeting and would call me back. This pattern continued for the next several weeks with no substantive conversations, even though they seemed genuinely interested. What are your thoughts on this situation?
A: Here are some thoughts that cross my mind:
1) After meeting you and thinking about it, Nancy might regard you as a threat. You didn't tell me the level of your current position, but if you are at the same level as Nancy or a level down and have the same amount of responsibility, that might concern her about the security of her own job if she hires you. That would best explain her not calling you back. She is embarrassed and doesn't have the ability to give you an straightforward no.
2) You mentioned interviewing with 14 people. The law of averages says they can't all like you. I am going to guess that in an agency environment, which would typically have some collegiality at this level, everyone you talk with has some input in the hiring decision. I have even seen it so bad in some companies that everyone out of seven, eight, nine, or even more people have to agree. Just one person can sink it, though. Smart business? No, but it happens.
3) Someone did a little behind-the-scenes reference checking (you would be surprised how much this happens) and found something negative, maybe from a former boss or coworker you don't even know has a poor opinion of you. Unfortunately, in this kind of situation, typically only one person is called (because the whole thing is based on ''I know someone who used to work at that company''), so there is no real chance for a rebuttal. This is a very, very small possibility, but it does happen.
4) You got caught in a perfect storm that included meeting someone who really liked and respected you, an HR person getting excited by their excitement, the hiring manager actually having a job, etc…But then they decided not to hire someone or someone who was even a better fit came along. Then their courtesy fell apart.
5) There’s always the possibility that this company can’t get out of their own way and make a decision. However, based on the quickness of them getting you in, the amount of people they rounded up so quickly for the interview, and other details you provided about the company, this seems highly unlikely.
Now, have you followed up with Susie to see if she can find out anything?
1) Email Nancy with a receipt attached. Take an assumptive position in your email and say you assume they had lost interest in you but you would like some feedback on what might have caused you to get an offer. (Don't take a ''what was wrong'' approach, but rather a ''what else would you like to see'' approach). The receipt might cause her to respond.
2) Email the HR person, also with a receipt. You seem to have a rapport with her. Tell her you are "seeking some closure" and also would like some feedback on what they would have needed to see to hire you.
3) This last one is a little bold, but I have used it as a recruiter with a high degree of effectiveness. Handwrite a note on 8.5x11-inch paper that says something like, "I haven't heard back from you, so I am going to assume after many attempts to get in touch with you that you have decided not to hire me. Please confirm or deny my assumption.'' Then fax this note to Nancy. You may not get a reason, but there is a very strong likelihood you will at least get a response.
Here’s Wishing You Terrific Hunting,
Bill
About the Author
Bill Gaffney has 17 years of experience as an executive recruiter and career coach. He is still trying to figure out why he lost a job 30 years ago. Bill can be reached at 937-567-5267 or wmgaffney@prodigy.net. For questions to be considered for this column, please email askamaxa@yahoo.com.
