Why Do Companies Leave Job Seekers Hanging After Interviews? Let's Discuss Ethics and Practices

Dear All,

One of my friends has over 6 years of experience as a Generalist and is currently seeking a job change. Recently, he received an interview opportunity from a big multinational FMCG company. He attended and successfully cleared two levels of interviews, and the HR head expressed satisfaction, informing my friend that he had been selected. However, suddenly the recruiter, as usual, mentioned that they would get back to him shortly. After continuous follow-ups for 2 weeks, the recruiter now states that the position is on hold, and discussions are ongoing regarding whether to create the position or not.

Seeking Insights from Experienced Professionals

I believe there are many experienced professionals here, and I would like to understand:

1. Why are candidates being called for interviews without the company having reviewed next year's budget/strategic plan?
2. Is it ethical for the company to behave in this manner? Why don't they prioritize ethics?
3. Nowadays, companies often claim that positions are on hold or fail to provide proper interview feedback. Why do people treat job seekers like this?

Regards,
SAM

You never know what is going on internally within the company. Maybe the HR department is being suppressed by higher management to not continue the selection process. Alternatively, the position may have been filled internally through a reference, or perhaps the position is actually on hold.

Challenges of Ethics in Corporate Culture

Ethics are challenging to follow in today's corporate culture. The HR team is itself helpless in giving the candidate such a response due to company politics, as they need to adhere to the company's perspective.

Sometimes, a vacancy arises suddenly, and the position closes just as abruptly. The reasons may be that the budget was not realized, or perhaps the candidate is no longer needed.

It's fortunate that the company informed in advance; otherwise, your friend could have faced difficulties had he resigned and joined.

In the end, whatever happens, happens for one of the best reasons.

Regards,
MK

I agree with your points. But I wanted to know why these people are calling the candidate for the interview and wasting their time. Thanks for your replies.

Regards,
SAM

Please don't take this issue to heart. These are inevitable situations that happen, not under the control of HR or the candidate. No one is wasting time; your friend was called for an interview and given feedback as appropriate. Something must have happened in the company due to which the position went on hold or was closed, whatever. No one foresees the future and decides what to do. We live in dynamic and uncertain economies.

Many times, candidates also accept offers and then reject them before joining. There are many forums where you can read about our young, in-demand minds seeking opinions on declining offers. Isn't that unfair to companies and HRs? Isn't their time wasted by the candidates? So, my friend, as the famous saying goes, "there is a slip between the cup and the lip" and "all fingers are not the same."

Look at the positive side; your friend learned something from the interview. Another experience of having faced an interview is good for confidence. In the end, your friend will get a job where he is destined and most suitable.

Best Wishes