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Anyone ever had a phone call from a potential employer turning them down? (Update in OP)

Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:09 pm
Posted by Tigerfan56
Member since May 2010
10520 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:09 pm
I’ve been through all the interview rounds necessary for a job I’m very excited about. I’ve been waiting to hear if I would get an offer or not for a few days. My potential boss, who is doing the hiring process himself throughout this, just reached out to schedule a phone call with me this evening. No indication as to what it would be about.

This is a senior level position at a F500 company. I’ve never been turned down through a phone call, always email. On the other hand, I’ve never made it through every interview stage of the process without it resulting in a job offer. So maybe this is customary?

This is also unusual since it isn’t being handled by HR, making me further unsure as to what it’s about.

I’m going to find out either way in a few hours I suppose. But just wondering if anyone has ever received a phone call saying thanks but no thanks

ETA UPDATE
I did not get the job. The call was because he felt they owed me an explanation and wanted to express that I made this a very difficult decision for them and they saw a lot of potential in me. Ultimately, they decided it was best to go with a candidate with more experience but will keep me in mind for future openings.

It could be BS niceties but nonetheless I did appreciate the phone call to tell me rather than an email.
This post was edited on 9/15/21 at 4:32 pm
Posted by deathvalleyfreak43
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2008
13216 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:11 pm to
Sounds like you got the Job.. Congrats
Posted by YumYum Sauce
Arkansas
Member since Nov 2010
8296 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:11 pm to
quote:

But just wondering if anyone has ever received a phone call saying thanks but no thanks


May not be the case any more, but I believe if they're calling you its to tell you they know you're gay.
Posted by Elleshoe
Wade’s World
Member since Jun 2004
143616 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:11 pm to
quote:

I’ve been through all the interview rounds necessary for a job I’m very excited about. I’ve been waiting to hear if I would get an offer or not for a few days. My potential boss, who is doing the hiring process himself throughout this, just reached out to schedule a phone call with me this evening. No indication as to what it would be about.

This is a senior level position at a F500 company. I’ve never been turned down through a phone call, always email. On the other hand, I’ve never made it through every interview stage of the process without it resulting in a job offer. So maybe this is customary?

This is also unusual since it isn’t being handled by HR, making me further unsure as to what it’s about.

I’m going to find out either way in a few hours I suppose. But just wondering if anyone has ever received a phone call saying thanks but no thanks



assistant night time manager of the McDonald's on Lee?
Posted by Mid Iowa Tiger
Undisclosed Secure Location
Member since Feb 2008
18565 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:11 pm to
Phone call may be scheduled for this evening because he has two other offer calls ahead of you.

He will offer the first call, if they decline he will off the second if they decline he gets to you.

If option 1 accepts both following calls are we selected another candidate who is a better fit calls.

Posted by fancy like applebees
Member since Sep 2021
179 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:12 pm to
Off the books call to determine how far you will go to get this job.
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:12 pm to
Yes. I just did for the first time a few weeks ago. It was for the job I interviewed for that I started a thread about we all had a good laugh over at my expense because I thought I bombed the interview. They called to tell me they made an internal hire, but really liked me and wanted me to apply for another position that was coming available soon. It hasn't posted yet though.
Posted by Jebadeb
Member since Oct 2017
4742 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:12 pm to
Yes, I can think of one where the person in charge of hiring called me to let me know that they selected someone else.

But I can also think of 30+ interviews where I never heard a word back.
Posted by TheDrunkenTigah
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2011
17314 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:12 pm to
I had this happen when, in hindsight, it was down to me and another person. I got the job, but later found out it was because I did well on the last solo call.


No pressure.
Posted by RogerTheShrubber
Juneau, AK
Member since Jan 2009
259865 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:12 pm to
They're probably scouring your social media pages.

Youre screwed
Posted by Adam4848
LA
Member since Apr 2006
18937 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:14 pm to
Offer to share you wife before he gets a word out
Posted by SkintBack
SoLo
Member since Nov 2015
1656 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:17 pm to
Just had this happen about a month ago. The woman who I communicated with during the whole process (no pics, but I tried), scheduled a call with me. It was to let me down easy. She said she wanted to personally call me and discuss it and not just send an email. I appreciated that. She felt bad and that any employer would be lucky to have me, they just had an internal person with more experience for this particular position. It was a little out of the norm for me.

But low and behold as one door shut, the next day I get a call from what I consider the holy grail, my dream job, telling me they are putting an offer together to bring me on board. Everything has been hammered out and we are just finalizing the start date. Employer #2 is a better fit, better scenario and all.

So my two cents is if you do get that dear John call, don't worry, they aren't the only thing in town. Another door will open. Let us know how it goes.
Posted by supadave3
Houston, TX
Member since Dec 2005
30234 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:18 pm to
Not to discourage you, but I once got taken to lunch to be told that I didn’t get the job.

It was in 2000, first career type position after graduating LSU. 2 successful interviews, felt like the job was mine to lose. Next, they scheduled a lunch ‘meeting’. We left from the office, rode together for lunch at Fairway View Club, and over a burger he informed me that I didn’t get the job. I couldn’t believe it.

You want to have an awkward lunch, that’s how you have an awkward lunch.

But, you’ll be fine. You got this!
Posted by AUCE05
Member since Dec 2009
42555 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:33 pm to
Yes. A few times. I work for a f500 and it is standard practice to call you and give feedback on areas you were low in.
Posted by Tigerfan56
Member since May 2010
10520 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:39 pm to
quote:

Yes. A few times. I work for a f500 and it is standard practice to call you and give feedback on areas you were low in.


Damn. But honestly - either way I prefer that and would appreciate that type of feedback instead of the generic good luck email
Posted by AUCE05
Member since Dec 2009
42555 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:41 pm to
Not sure of your situation, but the winning candidate typically knows quickly. If you actually interviewed, there will be a bit of lag and you get a call from the hiring manager. Just general procedures. You could be the guy.
Posted by Tigerfan56
Member since May 2010
10520 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:44 pm to
quote:

Not sure of your situation, but the winning candidate typically knows quickly. If you actually interviewed, there will be a bit of lag and you get a call from the hiring manager. Just general procedures. You could be the guy.


My last interview was Friday. I have hit it off great with everyone but they have also been very upfront with me and I am on the lighter side of experience compared to other candidates. So my gut feeling is that I will not be getting an offer and the phone call is a courtesy of sorts to explain that they like my potential and would like me to consider them for future opportunities, but I was passed over for someone more experienced.
Posted by geaux88
Northshore, LA
Member since Oct 2003
16355 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:47 pm to
I’ve seen some of the responses here that said so, but I would venture to say that’s the minority and in most cases it’s a good sign.

Thoughts sent your way and I’m rooting for you; good luck and let us know!!
Posted by 777Tiger
Member since Mar 2011
73856 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:47 pm to
quote:

the winning candidate typically knows quickly.


my interview process lasted over six weeks, three phases and a pretty intensive background check, kept in touch with most of the candidates I interviewed with, the ones that got turned down got the word first, after a while it seemed every day that I didn't hear something was a good sign, was notified by registered mail backed up with a phone call
Posted by Ed Osteen
Member since Oct 2007
57443 posts
Posted on 9/15/21 at 1:52 pm to
I don’t think many people schedule a phone call just to tell an applicant they are going in another direction. It’s either an email or just a random call
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