What happened? Please interpret for me.
greenturtle74
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Joined: 4 May 2009
Age: 49
Gender: Male
Posts: 495
Location: Greater Philadelphia
10 Oct 2010, 11:05 am
This past July I had the good fortune to interview with a prominent autism research organization. I sent my resume to their communications director as part of my networking strategy. To my surprise, she called me a few days later and invited me to come in.
They were not looking to fill a position at the time, but they were in a period of growth and saw a lot of potential in my background. My interview went exceptionally well. I met with 4 staff members, and the Director of the organization, briefly. All indications were, everyone was impressed. They all had seen my cartoons, and they even said to have a self-identified Aspie on staff was very attractive to them.
A few obstacles came up: First, that I live an hour away, but I expressed willingness to relocate. Second, when I mentioned what I make, they said they couldn’t match it. I said I’d be willing to negotiate. They asked for some time to consider creating a new job description that would draw on the full range of my experience, and advised me to keep in touch. I was ecstatic, and certain my dream job was going to become a reality.
Since then, over two months have passed, and I have not heard anything more. I checked in with my primary contact by email after one month, and no response. I did the same with a secondary contact after two months, and again no response. This is extremely frustrating. I am not sure whether they changed their mind, or their idea of “taking some time” is longer than mine, or what. I have been searching for an opportunity like this for close to a year, and nothing else comes remotely close in terms of what it could do for my career. I’d just like to know the door is still open, and if not, why not?
What would you advise me to do? Should I still hold out hope I’ll get a call? Please also read the letter below, which reinforces my conviction that they were interested. This was their response to my post-interview thank you note.
Thanks for your note and for taking the time to visit [our organization] yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet you. You left a very positive impression with each of the folks that you met.
As I think we told you, we don’t yet have a clear job description, and in fact did not necessarily have in mind creating a new job, until we learned about you and began to brainstorm. We are thinking opportunistically here, while being mindful of overall budgetary issues.
You clearly could add great value to our organization. We still need to think through exactly how adding someone like you would fit into our overall business model – how do we sustain a position such as one we would be trying to put together for you in terms revenue streams. We live off grants and donations, two areas that you have good prior experience; and so I am not saying this is particularly hard to figure out, but we need a concrete plan, and will be working on that over the coming weeks.
I am out of town on summer vacation for the next two weeks. It is good that you also are being opportunistic and that you are in no particular rush to move into a new position. Please stay in touch with [contact 1] and [contact 2] (cc’d).
Best wishes,
[Director]
sinsboldly
Veteran
Joined: 21 Nov 2006
Gender: Female
Posts: 13,488
Location: Bandon-by-the-Sea, Oregon
10 Oct 2010, 11:24 am
They were not looking to fill a position at the time, but they were in a period of growth and saw a lot of potential in my background. My interview went exceptionally well. I met with 4 staff members, and the Director of the organization, briefly. All indications were, everyone was impressed. They all had seen my cartoons, and they even said to have a self-identified Aspie on staff was very attractive to them.
A few obstacles came up: First, that I live an hour away, but I expressed willingness to relocate. Second, when I mentioned what I make, they said they couldn’t match it. I said I’d be willing to negotiate. They asked for some time to consider creating a new job description that would draw on the full range of my experience, and advised me to keep in touch. I was ecstatic, and certain my dream job was going to become a reality.
Since then, over two months have passed, and I have not heard anything more. I checked in with my primary contact by email after one month, and no response. I did the same with a secondary contact after two months, and again no response. This is extremely frustrating. I am not sure whether they changed their mind, or their idea of “taking some time” is longer than mine, or what. I have been searching for an opportunity like this for close to a year, and nothing else comes remotely close in terms of what it could do for my career. I’d just like to know the door is still open, and if not, why not?
What would you advise me to do? Should I still hold out hope I’ll get a call? Please also read the letter below, which reinforces my conviction that they were interested. This was their response to my post-interview thank you note.
Thanks for your note and for taking the time to visit [our organization] yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet you. You left a very positive impression with each of the folks that you met.
As I think we told you, we don’t yet have a clear job description, and in fact did not necessarily have in mind creating a new job, until we learned about you and began to brainstorm. We are thinking opportunistically here, while being mindful of overall budgetary issues.
You clearly could add great value to our organization. We still need to think through exactly how adding someone like you would fit into our overall business model – how do we sustain a position such as one we would be trying to put together for you in terms revenue streams. We live off grants and donations, two areas that you have good prior experience; and so I am not saying this is particularly hard to figure out, but we need a concrete plan, and will be working on that over the coming weeks.
I am out of town on summer vacation for the next two weeks. It is good that you also are being opportunistic and that you are in no particular rush to move into a new position. Please stay in touch with [contact 1] and [contact 2] (cc’d).
Best wishes,
[Director]
it sounds like your dream job is their dream employee, however. . . after they came back from their summer vacations, and the work swung into reality, the budget is the bottom line. If something is not necessary when faced with a budget it just isn't under consideration anymore. As for why no one wants to let you know that it was a nice idea but they have no way to implement the plan I have no idea. Most people don't want to give distressing news, and they forget that you are not the 'most people' that could take a hint.
I am still waiting for my creative writing professor to review a chapter of my book. It has only been three years since I sent him the chapter and every six months I send him another email about it. I have stopped getting emails back from him after the first year, though. . . I am certain he has long ago forgotten, but I haven't . . .and there in lies my problem as an Aspergian. . we never forget.
good luck in all your endeavors,
Merle
greenturtle74
Velociraptor
Joined: 4 May 2009
Age: 49
Gender: Male
Posts: 495
Location: Greater Philadelphia
10 Oct 2010, 6:13 pm
I think this is true, but the "silent treatment" seems to be a widespread HR practice. When they won't answer your calls or respond to your emails, it usually means you didn't get the job. Eventually you might get a form letter weeks later confirming this.
I would prefer they'd at least say no, because there are so many ways to say no. "No" could mean "Not now, but try back at a later time." "No" could mean, "We can't use you here, but let me give you some contacts elsewhere."
The silent treatment, on the other hand, is like having a door slammed in my face from someone who, just a minute ago, took a genuine interest in me and my talents. It says to me, "Don't come back, don't try to contact me, I don't want anything more to do with you."
11 Oct 2010, 6:14 pm
Hi - NT corporate type here. I usually spend my time on the parenting boards, but found myself here for some reason....
Anyway, I disagree that the silence definitivly means no. Adding a position at a non-profit is a big deal. they likely have to find the money in the budget than get board approval. What I got from their email was that neither of you were in a rush. I would either write again or call and I would address thier points about budget and timing. Once, I was applying for an internal corporate transfer and it took FOUR MONTHS and they weren't good about communicating with me.
By their email, they are acknoweldging, a timing and budget issue. Of course you should spell check (which I didn't) and change into woulds that you would use. I would say something like:
Dear ......
After our meeting of 01/10/10 and receipt of your 12/12/12 email, I was convinced that I had found a good match with (name or org.), if only we can make it work! While I understand the budgetary limitations of a non-profit, I would like the opportunity to talk through potential solutions. I was excited about your orginization and am hopeful that your silence only means that you are working to create the position. While I am in no immediate need to make a move, I would like to keep communication open. I am always exploring opportunities and would hate to accept another if working with you is still possible.
Please advise at your earliest where you are in the process, I look forward to hearing from you.
greenturtle74
Velociraptor
Joined: 4 May 2009
Age: 49
Gender: Male
Posts: 495
Location: Greater Philadelphia
11 Oct 2010, 6:44 pm
Thanks for your thoughts, Kailuamom. I certainly agree that the silence isn't necessarily a no. I also understand it takes time to create a position. I have worked for a non-profit for close to 9 years. This organization I applied to has grown from less then 10 staff to several dozen in 2-3 years, so they are definitely in a growth phase.
It's also true I told them I was not in a rush. I know this could be interpreted many different ways. I said this because I have a stable job, and I didn't want to push them into a decision. To me, not being in a rush meant, I'm willing to wait 1-2 months rather than get an offer on the spot. Of course, they could have heard I'm willing to wait 3, 4, 6 months. And, after the interview went so well, I of course got excited and more anxious to leave where I am.
As I said, I've already sent two follow-up emails to two people. I reaffirmed my strong interest and alluded to the "needing some time" issue. I encouraged them to take as long as they needed, but requested an update on where we were in the process. It doesn't seem unreasonable to expect a response of "not yet, we're thinking about it, give us x amount of time."
