Subject: Am I the “Plan B”?
I’m reaching out for insights from seasoned recruiters regarding my current job application experience.
I applied for a position over a month ago and was pleased to receive a call from an internal recruiter who said my skills and experience matched the role perfectly. Here’s a breakdown of the interview process:
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First interview with a junior manager and HR—I felt it went fairly well.
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Online assessment—I don’t think I performed my best.
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Second interview with the hiring manager—I felt I did reasonably well here too.
After that, there was a week of silence. Initially, it was supposed to be a two-stage interview, but then the recruiter informed me that they wanted me to have an informal chat with the director. When I asked if other candidates were at this stage, the recruiter said no.
The chat with the director lasted about 10 minutes, where he asked me some standard questions related to the role. I felt okay about it, though I know I could’ve done better.
Following this, there was another 3 days of silence. I reached out to the recruiter, who called back to let me know they were finalizing details and that he would be passing my case to his team while he went on leave.
Now that the long holiday weekend has passed, I’m feeling increasingly anxious with no updates—Tuesday came and went without news, as did today.
I’m starting to worry that I might just be a “Plan B” in case their top candidate turns down the offer. How common is it for companies to keep another candidate “on hold” like this, and how likely is it that this situation applies to me?
Thank you for your thoughts!
RCadmin
It’s completely understandable to feel anxious during the waiting period after an interview, especially when you’ve invested time and energy into the process. Here are a few thoughts on your situation:
Interview Process Variability: The fact that you advanced to speak with the director and that you were the only candidate offered that opportunity suggests that you are being seriously considered. Companies often prefer to ensure they have a backup candidate, especially if the decision-making process is taking longer than anticipated.
Silence Doesn’t Equate to Rejection: Just because you haven’t heard back yet doesn’t mean you were labeled as “Plan B.” Companies often have various internal considerations and timelines that can delay feedback. It’s common for discussions to happen around budgets, team dynamics, or other candidates before making a final decision.
Follow-Up: It’s perfectly acceptable to follow up with the recruiter after a reasonable amount of time. A polite check-in can help you express your continued interest and get an update on your status. Keep your tone positive; this shows your enthusiasm for the role.
Trust Your Instincts: You mentioned feeling good about your interviews. Trust that intuition! If you felt that you presented yourself well and met the criteria of the roles, it’s enough to remain hopeful.
Prepare for All Outcomes: While waiting, consider exploring other opportunities. This can relieve some pressure and help you maintain a broader perspective on the job search process.
Industry Practices: It’s not unusual for companies to have backup candidates. However, a good recruiter will usually communicate openly about potential timelines and expectations.
In summary, try to stay positive and give it a few more days before following up again. Many candidates go through similar experiences, and it can often lead to a good outcome! Best of luck!