So you've gone through the steps from job search to job interview and now are in the waiting phase. What happens after your interview and why are you left waiting?

Perhaps the employer said they would make a decision by the end of last week, but you haven't heard back from them yet. There are various reasons why the wait can be longer than usual. Don't jump to conclusions, stay calm, and keep job searching.

1. Someone is Missing

There could be an important decision-maker halfway through the interview process. There is a possibility that a project deadline got pushed forward. Their job is still their priority over hiring, so your candidacy could have taken a back seat. Other reasons can include falling ill, vacation, business travel, or compassionate leave. If someone has left the company, there is also a missing piece to the puzzle. The company may be deciding on what happens next in this instance.

2. Interview Duration

Some interviews take longer than others. The initial phone screen aka phone interview may be short and sweet. But the next interview whether digital or face-to-face will likely take longer. Is an assessment involved? This will also take time. There is also the scheduling and rescheduling of candidates. All of this takes time to organise and prioritise with the employer's schedule.

3. Multiple Interview Rounds

Are there several hoops to jump through? Perhaps there are several interviews involved. The employer could be assessing who gets through to the next round. This usually involves internal discussions amongst various parties which means meetings and emails.

4. Job Restructure

There could have been a change in the job role. Perhaps they combined two roles into one. Or the position is tied to profits and so multiple roles can be created. A higher level position could also be offered instead which requires more skills.

5. Hiring Freeze

The business could also have suffered a loss and so all hiring is put on hold. Or headcount could have moved around and shifted to a different department. So this could have nothing to do with you, but more to do with the company itself.

6. Back-Up Candidate

No one wants to be second, but in all honesty, the company could well be holding out for the perfect candidate. If they have a real ideal candidate in mind, they could be number one. Or maybe they haven't even come along yet.

What You Can Do In The Meantime

Don't give up hope just yet. There are so many reasons you may not have heard back from the employer. This can also mean just needing to wait a bit longer if more urgent matters have arisen.

1. Keep Job Searching

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Some recruiters or employers never get back to candidates who don't make the final cut. There's waiting and waiting for too long. if there aren't several interview rounds, the process shouldn't take more than a few months. If an assessment is involved or there are multiple hires, this can take longer. Understand the process. Ask about it and be realistic. Still employed? Here's how to do it.

2. Follow-Up

Not sure how long the interview process would be? Didn't get a chance to ask this question at the end of the previous or first interview? Now's your chance. The best way to follow up is with questions about the interview or even the role itself. There can be some questions that come up afterward that you forgot to mention. make a phone call or email along with a thank you.

3. Job Interview Skills

Focus on your job interview skills. There are plenty of ways to improve and expand on your job interview skills. Practice for the next one and you can get one step closer to nailing that job interview each time!

All-in-All

Cast your net wide but not too wide. You want to keep your options open and have various opportunities for interviews. Going to an interview is not only great practice but also will tell you whether the job is a good fit or not. Don't limit yourself in the meantime.