Applied for a position that is now on hold

[advsmuch08]

I applied to a job posting that opened when someone retired as positions open very rarely in this department. The phone interview went well and I was told it may take a few weeks for the hiring manager to get back to me. I followed up with the recruiter after waiting for awhile and I found out the department is facing some changes. Hiring for this job is on hold till they see if it’s affected. No further information was offered. A friend who is familiar with the position said they face budget cuts every few years and people are nervous.

My gut reaction is that these are red flags: budget cuts and not notifying applicants of the hiring hold. In some ways, I am tempted to wait it out to see what happens as this would be a step up for career advancement and pay. Realistically, I think I should withdraw my application and look for other opportunities. What are your thoughts on this?

Thank you for your responses!

[Guest123456788, MSN, RN]

If I were in this situation I would start looking for other opportunities but still keep your application in their pool. There is no rule that you can't pursue other job openings while you wait to hear about the hiring hold so it doesn't hurt to keep all of your options open. If you end up getting another offer and accepting it then you could withdraw your application for this position.

[cleback]

You have nothing to lose by keeping your hat in the ring. I assume the position is away from the bedside? I think it's pretty common nowadays to have re-evaluations of positions, particularly nonbedside ones. It bodes well that they cut back by attrition vs letting people go.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

You don't have to withdraw the application to apply for other positions, correct? Has it been more than two weeks? Move along and good luck!

[RNperdiem, RN]

As long as your life is not on hold waiting for this job which will likely never happen, then there is no need to withdraw your application. Keep looking for other opportunities.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Keep your hat in the ring but keep looking. It is highly unlikely this job will pan out.