What does it mean when you don't hear back about a job for two months and it is still listed post-interview?

Question

I think that I match the job well, they seem to like me, and the interviews went well. What's up?

They didn't even contact me for an interview until two months later. The two months were after I submitted my application on-line, not after the interview.

Answer 1

Probably you weren't quite what they were looking for at the time. However the longer the job stays open the more they might get flexible, so heres what I would do. Call whoever you know there at a lower level, and HR assistant is good. If possible it should be someone you met or talked to on the phone several times, you need to know their name. Be very very nice as if this person were a valuable friend of yours, and make it easy for them, don't make them strain to remember you, instead be there every step of the way to help them, so they will want to help you. You are trying to get info out of them. Like, "Hi Sarah, I don't know if you remember me, I'm Bob Smith and we spoke about..." Then - " I just want to check in, you know I am very interested in this opportunity, and I know some time has gone by but I see the position is still posted - do you know anything, is it still open? Do you have any thoughts about what I could do to improve my standing as a candidate for this opportunity with your company?"

Then call the person who is making the hiring decision, use the info you gathered from the other person to try to strengthen your position. For instance maybe there is a software you didn't know, but you can offer some new info, like you have a lot of experience with a similar one. Or you have the wrong degree but you realize you didn't get a chance to mention how you enjoyed your 2 college courses in (correct degree subject) and how well you performed. Anything that improves you even a little as a candidate. Remember time has made them less picky, so you just need to give them an EXCUSE to reconsider you. Then dress sharp, prep hard, and wow their socks off if you get another interview chance.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You interviewed two months ago? Well, did you ask them when you should be expected to be contacted? Generally, they will give you somewhat of a time frame. If you did not ask them, then you should have followed up a week or two after the interview. Two months is a pretty long time. Although, I admit..I have gotten a job after waiting for one month after my in-person interview. It was because the process was slow and office was somewhat busy.

But, two months seems exceedingly long. I think that you probably did not get the job because the listing is still posted..which means one of two things. They are looking for a new candidate pool..which means you and others in the first candidate pool were probably not the fit they wanted..OR they are still taking applications and interviewing others. Most likely, it is the former because it has been a long time. You can call or e-mail them to followup..if you really want...but I would just keep looking and applying to other jobs..that way it will not stress you out. A respectful company should have the decency to at least send you a courtesy e-mail you did not get the job if you interviewed in person within due time.

Response to your details:

In response to your details, how long has it been since your in person interview? I would wait a week and then followup..and ask them when they expect to have a decision. Then wait a until the deadline they told you and followup again. It can take up to 3 to 4 weeks for them to come to a decision if you were one of the first to interview. So just hold tight if this is the case. If it has been longer than a month with no response from your followups, I would say to just forget it and don't waste your time.

Answer 3

They probably already knew who they were going to hire in the first place. The job was probably the same one I applied for as I didn't hear anything either! Sometimes employers take their time interviewing lot's of candidates. You may still have a shot. However, more than likely, you aren't the match they are looking for... So, put more coins in the slot machine and try another company. Don't set your hopes on one job only.

Answer 4

The fact that you are even asking this question is evidence to why you weren't hired... No offense... but for some reason you don't fit what they are looking for... Now, if you did not follow up after the interviews to see if you could take the job over, then they may have forgotten you, tried to reach you at a wrong # (human error) or a number of other things... If you think you are the man for the job... pick up the fone and tell them so... that might be what they need to make a decision... I mean... really, what do you have to lose...

Answer 5

You didn't match what they had in mind.

You may have been overqualified.

The job may not have been as good as you thought.

That job may be one of those which ALWAYS has an opening, because it's not such a great job once you get into it. Some places have their "Help Wanted" sign out there 365 days of the year.

Answer 6

i hate to sound pessimistic, but employers will make it very clear to you if they are interested. they wouldn't want you to keep looking and possibly lose you to another offer. therefore, i think you should move on and not give this particular job opening further thought unless they explicitly communicate to you that they are still interested. two months is a very long time. i'm sure you'll find another opportunity that's a better fit. good luck.

Answer 7

If they did not talk compensation ranges in the interview, it is unlikely they are interested.

Answer 8

Call them to follow up. They may have misplaced your resume.

Answer 9

They passed over you.

Keep looking.