Why is the employer moving so slowly on hiring me?

Question:

I had a first interview last week and met with the prospective manager (CTO), the VP of HR, and the president over a three-hour period. It seemed rather intense for a first interview. They ended by saying they wanted to check my references and that they only do this for the candidates they're really interested in. They also said that they wanted to move fast.

 

Things have been pretty quiet since then, although I realize it's been less than a week. What's the realistic definition of "moving fast?" And what, if anything, can I do to follow up without appearing out of line? I want this position so bad that it hurts.

 

Reply:

Did you ever hear that the best way to negotiate a good deal on a new car is to not want one particular car so bad that it hurts? It's true when job hunting, too.

 

Don't misunderstand?you should only pursue jobs you really want. But overly intense desire can kill your negotiating edge. Remember: Something is not desirable if you can't have it on reasonable terms. In the case of a job, that includes the money.

 

A company's definition of "fast" with regard to hiring is usually this: when we get around to it and when all the stars line up properly. There are more situations where a hiring process slows down than where it stays on schedule.

 

Give these guys some time. References can take days to check. An e-mail to the boss might help, confirming your interest and including a link to a useful article that relates to your discussion. This reaffirms that you're "with it" in regard to the current state of your field. And if you pick the right article, it shows that you're thinking about how to help the company address and solve its problems. It makes you "sticky."

 

Relax: There's no way to rush this. They may be lining up five other candidates for first interviews, or they may be processing an offer. As long as you feel you demonstrated your value in the meeting, there's not much more you can do, short of influencing the decision-makers through people they respect. (But that's another story, and another Q&A...)

 

Best,

Nick Corcodilos

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