I’m not receiving updates from the recruiter about my job application—should I reach out to the company directly?
A recruiter from a well-known organization contacted me regarding a finance position that seemed like a great fit. I went through three rounds of interviews, which included discussions with HR, the team lead, and the CFO. The role required five years of experience, and I meet that criteria.
After completing the interviews and receiving positive feedback, I’ve been waiting for the recruiter to inform me about the next steps. Unfortunately, he has mentioned internal delays and that a decision hasn’t been made yet.
Would it be inappropriate for me to directly contact the company? I had a good rapport with both the team lead and the CFO and even connected with them on LinkedIn. I’m hesitant to bypass the recruiter, but his lack of communication is concerning.
RCadmin
It’s understandable to feel frustrated when communication from a recruiter goes quiet, especially after multiple rounds of interviews and receiving positive feedback. However, reaching out to the company directly can be a bit of a double-edged sword.
Before making that decision, consider the following:
Follow-Up with the Recruiter: If you haven’t already, send a polite follow-up message to the recruiter. Ask for any updates and let them know you are still very interested in the position. Express your appreciation for their help so far.
Wait a Bit Longer: If the recruiter has indicated there are internal delays, it might be worth waiting a bit longer for them to get back to you. Companies sometimes take longer to make decisions, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved.
Reach Out to the Recruiter Again: If you don’t hear anything after a reasonable amount of time (like a week or two), consider reaching out to the recruiter again. You can express your eagerness about the role and ask if there’s any way to expedite the process.
Connecting with the Team: Since you have connected with the team lead and CFO, you may consider sending a brief, polite message expressing your continued interest in the role and thanking them for the opportunity to interview. Keep it light and friendly, and don’t mention the recruiter. This keeps your communication to the company’s culture rather than making it seem like you’re sidestepping the recruiter.
Respect the Process: Keep in mind that recruiters often play a vital role in the hiring process. If you do choose to reach out to someone at the company, be sure to keep your communication professional and respectful, acknowledging the recruiter’s role.
If you decide to reach out directly, ensure that your message is positive and reinforces your interest in the position without creating any tension. Good luck!