Am I being strung along or misinterpeting potential employer?

Am I being strung along?

Updated:   Published

Been a while since I've posted on here but  am needing feedback on a potential employer situation.

Mid Jan I applied for a position & was interviewed. The interview went very well & I was told the position was mine ..they just needed the final approval from the CEO for the position which they expected within the week. 

Fast forward to now..I have been told three times since mid- Jan. the position is still in the process of  being approved.  The manager apologized stating the delay has been key people being out sick or on vacation (including him) & has asked me to hold tight as he really wants me to come on board. My last communication w/him a few days ago was "promise" of an answer within the week.

Normally I wouldn't hold on but the position is exactly what I am looking for short & long term  but I am now beginning to feel like I am being strung along w/the manager hoping he can get the position approved but no real time frame or guarentee.

I  work elsewhere so I'm not desperate for a job but my current position not a good fit for a lot of reasons & I don't want to stay where I am for much longer but I also don't want to go through the hassle of applying/interviews only to end up in a situation of "wait & see"  - 

Thanks for reading ?

6 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Very disappointing. It sounds like what you suspect- the manager really wants you but doesn't yet have approval for the position. 

You have nothing to lose, so consider having a frank conversation with the manager. Be transparent about your current employment and reasons for seeking a change.

Tell the manager that the prolonged process is having an impact on your decision-making. Politely express your understanding of their challenges but request a more specific timeline for a final decision.

It's reasonable to seek clarity on when you can expect an answer.

Depending on how the conversation goes, you may want to discuss the possibility of interim solutions. For example, could you start in a different capacity or on a temporary basis until the final approval for the desired position is obtained?

Ask if any other positions within the organization align with your skills and interests.

At the same time, given the uncertainty, continue your job search as @Been there, done that said.. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Keep applying to other positions that align with your career goals. Good luck!

You are not happy in your current position. You are being jacked around with this job "offer". Keep looking.

Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

I'd call their bluff, so to speak.  Tell them that you have another job offer.  You still rate them as your top choice, but you need to make a decision in a timely fashion.  Give them 1 week to make you a firm offer.  If they can't do that, then I'd forget about this job.  Believe me, if they really want to hire you, they can get you an offer.

Marshall1 said:

I am really hoping there are no futher delays and forward movement will continue as I do want to work at this facility but given the past few weeks/month I'm still a little leery.

Good job maneuvering through this and good luck w/ the new job!

I took all the above advice and late yesterday spoke to the hiring manager again. The position he was hoping to get  approved  upper leadership doesn't think right now is justifiable based on current business needs. It sounds like he was trying to wait them out on it. He said he understand my position completely and didn't want to lose out on me as an employee so after discussing other, currently open positions we found one that is agreeable to us both. He contacted HR and let them know to move forward with an offer. I plan to continue interviewing other places as well as only giving him/HR 1 week to send the offer letter. 

I am really hoping there are no futher delays and forward movement will continue as I do want to work at this facility but given the past few weeks/month I'm still a little leery.

Thank you all for the advice. I truly  appreciate it.

Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
Marshall1 said:

Thank you all for the advice. I truly  appreciate it.

Good luck!

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