I recently had two interviews with an NYC branch office of a large Midwestern firm. There isn't an ''official'' (as much as I can tell) opening, but it seems to be along the lines of ''we could definitely use another person.'' The interviews went very well, the partner at my interview said she liked me, and when I met with another partner, she was actually doing the ''selling'' of me to the other partner!
The partners have been very communicative (I got a status report a week after the second interview as promised), but then I was told that the interview process will take "a while." Judging from the very quick (second interview was a week after my first interview) response and action, it makes me nervous that I've been told it will take a while. Can you shed some light as to what you think is the situation? I am hoping (ideally) that they've made a decision to make me an offer but are running into the bureaucratic troubles of being a branch office.
Does this happen frequently, and do you know how long it may take (i.e., getting approval for hiring an associate)? Of course, I'm aware that the firm could be interviewing more candidates and I just happened to be the first one in line…but this uncertainty is killing me! I know better than to hound the partner about my status, and I've tried to research how and how often the firm and its committees make hiring decisions. Also, I had originally emailed the partner out of the blue, unsolicited, and had gotten a favorable response (wanting to meet), so I'm not sure what the whole situation may be.
I would sincerely appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for your time.
Answer:
You have asked some very good questions, and it is understandable that you are eager to get closure on the hiring process. Interviewing for a new job can be one of the most stressful life events, particularly if you are unemployed. While you do have the ability to control your own behavior during the process, there are many factors that are out of your control. Realistically, the employer holds most of the cards.
For starters, it is not clear whether this firm will actually make a hire at this branch office. Deciding to add to your head count is a very difficult decision for any business. If their workload slows precipitously, the firm stands to lose profits. Similarly, if the firm decides not to make a hire and work increases, the firm will also lose profits.
If the firm is in fact going to make a hire, there are many variables which can influence the timing of the decision. By the time the firm commits to hiring, the key partners are probably already very busy. (That is why they need to hire a new associate.) Maybe one of the key partners is trying to go on vacation.
Another factor to consider is your own sense of time. When you are actively working, a month can go by quickly. When you are unemployed, one day can seem like an eternity. Try not to lose perspective while you are going through this difficult transition. Has it really been that long? It can take two weeks just to schedule someone for an interview (e.g., because of scheduling conflicts).
At reasonable intervals (i.e., not daily) it is okay to check in to say you are still interested in the position. Try communicating through different media. (Use email, wait two weeks, leave voicemail, wait again, and then leave a message with the partner's secretary.) If you have new information to communicate (some new article you have written or new accomplishment that you chalked up), let the employer know. It is good to have an "excuse" to contact the firm.
Most importantly, keep up the momentum of your job search. Continue to reach out to other prospective employers. Set up informational interviews and circle back to professional contacts you have not spoken to in more than two months. Waiting for your preferred employer to make a decision is a bad idea for a number of reasons. First of all, if they do not hire you, you will have lost valuable time in your search. And if they do bring you back and ultimately offer you a job, you will be able to negotiate the terms more confidently knowing that you have other options.
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