subject: 7 Deadly Sins That Are Danger Signs About Your Job Application [print this page] When applying for jobs good practice is ask about the date when the employer will make a decision. If you are really well organised you will also ask about the steps in the selection process and when each step is expected to complete.
Unfortunately most timescales get delayed, leaving you wondering and worrying why. It helps to understand what the main reasons for delays are, then you can do something about it.
So here we go with the 7 deadly sins that can happen and delay or threaten your job application:
1. No job role anymore:
Vacancies can be removed because the budget is removed and the hiring manager cannot hire anyone. A temporary hiring freeze can be imposed or the employer may re-organise and remove the need for the job role. Alternatively an internal candidate can be given the job.
2. Another candidate is more favoured than you are:
If another candidate is ahead of you in the preference of the employer you may be told there is a delay in the process. This allows the employer to see if they can reach agreement with another candidate whilst keeping you and other applicants in reserve in case the preferred person does not accept the job.
3. The hiring manager/s are not available at the agreed dates:
Hiring managers have their day job to do, this means interviews have to fit into their normal work schedule. It is quite common for interviews to be delayed so that they can meet the requirements of their normal work.
4. The recruitment agent is out of touch with the employer:
If you are using a recruitment agent or search firm sometimes delays can happen because the agent is not in close enough contact with the hiring manager. If the agent is new to the employer or not working exclusively on the job role this can be more likely to happen.
5. The hiring manager is leaving:
After the hiring process has started the hiring manager gets a new job and a new one takes over. Change is very common and this issue can result in a short delay, a long delay or no job role anymore.
6. More approvals needed
When economic circumstances are tough employers can add extra people into the job selection process. You could face extra interviews or the hiring manager may be required to justify why the job role is needed to more people.
7. Your references do not check out:
The references you provide are either not available when contacted, or worse they do not give the needed assurance about your capabilities. Alternatively the hiring manager knows someone you worked with and contacted them without you knowing. Or your online profile in a business network is not consistent with your CV details.
Being aware of these threats puts you into a better position to do something about them. More than that it reduces the feeling of helplessness when you are told there has been a delay. You can take positive action to get back into control of the timescale.
