Job Offer on Hold After Clearing Interviews: Is This a Fair Practice? What Should I Do Next?

I was recently interviewed at a leading online fashion retailer for the position of Content Writer. I cleared one written test and three rounds of interviews. Further to that, I received an email from HR asking for a scanned copy of my documents and a call for salary negotiation. However, there has been no further response from their end. Upon inquiring after 15 days, I was informed that they regret to inform me that my application is not being taken further due to some organizational changes, and the position has been put on hold.

Is This Really a Valid Reason?

Please guide me on what I should do next.

I completely understand and relate to your plight. Getting rejected after having successfully cleared all the requisite levels of screening is indeed disheartening. You also need to set right a few details as to whether the firm has asked for the self-attested copies of your documents/credentials on their official domain and if the advertisement for the vacancy was posted on an authenticated forum, as this will give you leverage if you wish to proceed with the case legally.

Although, from the firm's end, they have all the rights to call the position off or to put it on hold at any time of the recruitment cycle, but if they have sent an invite for an in-person negotiation on salary with a date and venue, they are ethically wrong. This raises a big doubt on the planning and policies of the firm as denial on closing the stated position after sending the invitation clearly points out the flaw in their estimation of manpower.

Having said that, there is very little that you can do about it. Let's be content in the fact that you have what it takes to make it through all those levels of screening.

Best of luck for your future endeavors!

Keep shining!

There is really nothing much that can be done against such companies. These companies are very careful about selecting people, and if they even have a doubt that the job is not really economical for them, they just drop out and keep the selection on hold or canceled. Do not worry—you have shown your ability in clearing all the interviews and rounds. You will be equally able to show your merit in some other company. Forget this company/episode as a bad dream or a learning experience. There is no point in taking up a legal battle with such entities.