Is no news really bad news in a job search?

I tell people all the time that no news is no news when awaiting feedback.  Seems simple, right?  Far too often, however, the idea that there is no news is usually perceived as bad news.  In a job search it can seem even worse as you wait for your phone to ring with feedback.

I could turn this blog into a ten-part series to outline all of the crazy reasons why employers and candidates alike have failed to provide feedback or thoughts in a timely manner.  The idea that time kills all deals is something that hovers in the back of your mind.  Especially when someone says they'll be back to you in a few days and a week or more has already transpired.  Of the many reasons why no news could simply be no news, here are some of the most popular ones I have seen lately:

1)  Life happens.  Okay, this may seem broad, but it is honestly quite common.  A hiring manager gets called out of the office unexpectedly for a personal reason.  Another matter in the department becomes top priority, and that is the short-term focus.  A client needs something and that is the first thing to take care of before looking to fill a position.  Of the millions of reasons that fit into this category, there are likely a few that are less explainable than others.  But if you can accept the fact that this is a possibility, it will help you sleep at night when a few extra days have gone by without any feedback.

2)  The company is interviewing other candidates.  Sometimes they will tell you this, sometimes they won't.  You have to remember it isn't necessarily a bad thing.  It is only a bad thing if you are the only candidate they have interviewed so far, they have no one else in the pipeline, but then say they want to talk with ten more people before they proceed to next steps.  That could be a red flag.  But if they have four resumes and want to meet four people, that is going to take some time.

3)  There is another position that is a better match.  I have had clients in the past that take longer than normal to provide feedback because they are talking internally about another team or division that would be a better culture match.  They still really like the candidate, but feel like going in a different direction will benefit both parties.  Sometimes these discussions take some time and employers want to have their ducks in a row before making those decisions.

4)  The employer is waiting for feedback from a panel member.  Perhaps you met with five people, four really liked you and told the hiring manager or HR contact, but they want to make sure the fifth person has a chance to respond.  This can be maddening because the chances are usually good that the last person will give the thumbs up.  Until that happens everyone is waiting.

Have you ever waiting longer than expected for news, only to find out it was good news?  I would love to hear stories of people that have had something unusual happen to add to my long list that never cease to amaze me.