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I've been a supervisor for about 5 years now, and have hired lots of people. For a current position I have vacant, I've finished with the interviews, and really liked two of the 7 people. My top choice person, she has been a little slow to respond to my emails and phone calls, than what I normally experience. After her interview I sent her an email and left a voicemail that we were strongly considering her and if she could verify her references. It took her 4 days to respond. I emailed and called her again this morning, to discuss offering her the position and asked if she can call me back today, and still no response. If she does not contact me tomorrow, it will be next week before I hear from her because we are closed on Good Friday. She told me in her email she was definitely still interested.
With this pace it will take me FOREVER to get her hired, because it takes a lot of communication with the applicant for paperwork, background check, salary offer, etc. My other top choice responds within a few hours. I need to get this position filled ASAP, since I will be on extended leave in 2 months. I'm wondering if I should try and stick with her, or move on to the next choice.
Why don't you just move on to another candidate? Obviously she is not taking this position seriously if she is not willing to respond within a timely manner. I'm actually shocked it took her 4 days to respond about the references. If she were really interested, it seems like she would be eager to get back to you.
She's waiting for another offer to come in. I was in that position last summer. Finally I had to take the first offer...the dream offer came in a day later! Grrrr.
Doesn't matter if candidate was waiting for another offer. That's irrelevant and no excuse at all not to respond in a prompt manner. I've always returned phone and emails the day after receiving contact.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I agree, it's a stalling tactic. It shows she is looking for a job that suits her, not that she wants to work for you. I have had that happen a couple of times and will have HR call and give a deadline to accept, and if not met, I move on. Last time, #2 was excited to get the offer, accepted immediately and worked out to be great.
Anyone that has spent any amount of time in this section of the forum, have seen the numerous threads from forum members so eager to find out when they might possibly be contacted back after a job interview.
These forum members are stressed out because they are so eager to start that job and would be more than ecstatic to hear back right away from the employer and a job offer.
Like I said, respect is a two way street.
Last year we hired a girl as a temp in our department. She took forever to get back to my supervisor, who wanted to discuss a job offer. For some reason they gave her a chance and still offered her the job though her response time indicated lack of enthusiasm. Not surprisingly, she was a dud. Lazy and unmotivated. Luckily she found another job, but she left without even giving a proper notice.
I'd rather offer the job to someone that shows by their action and not words their enthusiasm for the position.
She's stalling. And you're not her first choice. Wouldn't you rather have someone who really wants the job YOU are offering? I'd go with the other candidate. You want to fill the position right now, it's already taken a week to even get to this point with the first candidate.
I can't believe you are still considering her. Of she wanted the job she would be responding much quicker. Move on.
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