Is this a major red flag (not getting back to me after interview rounds)

[Anonymous]

I've posted before. Was recruited for this job (they came to me, via a former supervisor). Really, really wanted me in for the interviews ASAP because they need to fill the position soon. Had two good interviews. Last interview was 5 weeks ago. They emailed me once since then at the beginning of August to let me know they hoped to make a final decision within one week. Haven't heard anything, so sent a quick note one week ago today. Haven't heard anything.

At this point, I'm not sure even if I do get the job, I should take it? It seems unorganized. I don't think they filled the job because my friend within the organization would tell me (reached out to her before I reached out to the HR contact, and she encouraged me to reach out as she did not know anything).

[Anonymous]

It's vacation season, getting all the right people for sign offs might be an issue. I would not write off the position because of this. Follow up again next week after Labor Day when people will be back in the office.

[Anonymous]

Much like PP said, it is (or was) vacation season, so it's possible that some key decision makers were not around. I ran into this issue recently when hiring someone, we gave an offer and he wanted more, and the increase had to be approved by a VP who was on a lengthly international vacation and un-reacheable. So we had to keep the candidate waiting for almost two weeks. I felt really bad but there was nothing I could do.

Having said all that, I would guess that you are not their #1 choice. Probably good enough to not be rejected outright, but not a slam-dunk. They are trying to keep you interested (hence the email), so I would look at that as a positive sign. Sorry to be a downer, but I've seen (both as a hiring manager and as a candidate) how quickly things move when you are THE candidate and they want you RIGHT NOW.

[Anonymous]

I would be irritated at being aggressively recruited and then put on hold for so long.

It does sound like you might not be their top choice, which seems ridiculous because they aggressively recruited you and supposedly needed you ASAP.

I would assume the job is a no go. If you are actively looking for jobs, then continue on as if this one weren't a possibility.

If you are not actively looking but only applied to this one b/c they recruited you, then I would definitely reject the job if offered. I wouldn't leave a solid job for such a strange situation.

Even with it being "vacation season," if they indicated they wanted you and wanted you ASAP, it is a bad sign and reflects poorly on them that they have strung you along.

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP above. I should add, I had a similar situation (albeit a decade ago) where I felt sort of strung along (3 interviews, all with them saying how perfect I was for the job, lots of delays). Finally, the offered me a job. I took it, and it turned out to be a horrible job. I realized why it took them so long to do anything... because there was a lot of internal problems, communication issues, tensions, competing visions for the department.

I left that job 9 months later.

Remember, the interview process isn't just for the company/organization to figure out if you are right for the job; it's also an opportunity for you to sort out if it is the kind of place you want to work. So pay close attention to red flags (i.e. being strung along, mislead, told they'd get back in a week and then hearing nothing). Because that is a synopsis of what it will be like working there and trying to move up the ladder.

If the problem is that it is vacation season, then a good employer would communicate that to applicants. They should know if August is a difficult month to get things processed and communicate that hiring decisions will be held until September because of it.

It just looks to me like either they are disorganized or slightly dishonest (i.e. they have a candidate in mind and are waiting to see if that candidate will accept). Either way, if you already have a solid job, I wouldn't jump ship for this one.

If you are in need of a job, that is a different story.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. I am actually decently happy in my current job, and wasn't looking, which makes this somewhat more irritating! But, the upside is that when small talking with people that I've been interviewing for this position and am waiting to hear, I snagged another interview, when another former colleague found out I was looking. Probably not a job I will consider, but I am thankful...I've been with my current job for 8 years and it's nice to brush up on interview skills.

[Anonymous]

After this much time, it is unlikely the other position will materialize.