What happened - how to interpret this situation?

[Anonymous]

After a day of five interviews (and two prior phone interviews) I got a call from a recruiter telling me that the company (Fortune 100 in DC area) wanted to "move to the next step" and that I could expect an offer in the following week. I was thrilled. Great job, great location, and I was over the moon. That was last Wednesday.

On Friday I received an email from the same recruiter telling me that everyone was "so excited" about me and asking when could I come back in this week but no details. I asked if this was for another round interviews and the recruiter indicated it was "just to meet some people" including a c-suite leader and the rest of the folks, TBD.

I guess I'm wondering how to interpret that on Wednesday I was poised to get an offer this week and by Friday I'm being asked to come back in to "meet some people". I'm confused and, candidly, a bit let down. I should note that when I left the day full of interviews last Tuesday I was told by the VP that I wouldn't have any further interviews and that I could expect to hear one way or another by the end of the week. Now I'm going back in ....

Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

It's not a "no." Count your blessings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not a "no." Count your blessings.

Wrong. If a no, why bring back in? Somebody internal needs more info. Good luck OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's not a "no." Count your blessings.

Wrong. If a no, why bring back in? Somebody internal needs more info. Good luck OP.

Sorry, misread!

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP. Guessing that you are right. Frustrating.

-OP

[Anonymous]

Is it an internal recruiter or a firm? If a firm Ask the recruiter what up.

[Anonymous]

Stay enthusiastic until they tell you they've gone "in another direction."

[Anonymous]

It's an internal recruiter and on Friday she was evasive when I asked whether this was another round of interviews, responding this was just to "meet with some people".

-OP

[Anonymous]

There is an internal power play going on. All the people that would be directly involved with you like you and want you for the job. Someone who is powerful, but initially not involved with the previous rounds suddenly realized that his/her candidate did not make the cut.
(Or I've even had it where they can't get the funding they want for a position they want and are using their power to force this position to fulfill 2 different slots. I went round for round when the position was to be an instructor, but someone higher up wanted a software developer. I was qualified for one, but not the other.)

At this point, it's no longer about you. It's an internal power play that just has to work itself out. If you know someone in the company, contact them (or the recruiter) to see if you can get a feel for what is going on or what this new powerful person wants. If not, just be yourself and put your best foot forward. And keep your fingers crossed that the powerful person in your court wins.

[Anonymous]

What she says above.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes it IS about you.
In a recent search we were down to a final candidate, but still had some uncertainties. Candidate was invited back in, even after what would have been a *final* interview with the boss' boss. We ended up going in a different direction following that meeting. Hope your meeting goes well OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is an internal power play going on. All the people that would be directly involved with you like you and want you for the job. Someone who is powerful, but initially not involved with the previous rounds suddenly realized that his/her candidate did not make the cut.
(Or I've even had it where they can't get the funding they want for a position they want and are using their power to force this position to fulfill 2 different slots. I went round for round when the position was to be an instructor, but someone higher up wanted a software developer. I was qualified for one, but not the other.)

At this point, it's no longer about you. It's an internal power play that just has to work itself out. If you know someone in the company, contact them (or the recruiter) to see if you can get a feel for what is going on or what this new powerful person wants. If not, just be yourself and put your best foot forward. And keep your fingers crossed that the powerful person in your court wins.

Not always. I'm a C-level exec and often I will ask to have the chance to meet a candidate before HR makes the offer. I do that for a number of reasons but never for the reason stated above. My guess is they brought the offer up the chain and the C-level asked to meet the candidate and give the hire the final blessing.

[Anonymous]

Somebody else wants to meet you. That's all it is. Keep your game face on. Stay positive and energized. Everything is still a go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Somebody else wants to meet you. That's all it is. Keep your game face on. Stay positive and energized. Everything is still a go.

Thanks PP. I will and appreciate this perspective. Felt really deflated but you're right, I'm still in the game and need to stay focused and energized.

-OP

[Anonymous]

It could be a power play or second thoughts, but it could also just be that they wanted to make people feel more included in the decision and have the chance to think that they had a role in interviewing and hiring you.