How To React If A Job Offer Is Put On Hold

Occasionally, a corporation will start the hiring process for an open position only to put it on hold later. This can happen at any point during the hiring process, from collecting applications to deciding who to hire and even after an offer has been made to a candidate. There are a variety of reasons why a company would put a position on hold, and not all firms will inform applicants.

In this article, we'll explain what "position on hold" means and what you should do if the job you applied for is subsequently put on hold.

What does it mean when your position is on hold?

When an employer states a position is on hold, it usually means that the hiring process will be put on pause for a while. Although it's possible that the hiring manager wishes to start over with a new pool of applications, this normally has no bearing on the individuals who are being considered for the job. The following are some of the most common reasons why a corporation can decide to put a job on hold:

Change of mind

A hiring manager could have issued the job description after receiving notice from the employee who planned to leave the position. If the individual changes their mind and decides to stay with the company, hiring for the role may not be necessary straight away.

Budget

Both a large corporation's and a small business's budgeting can change at any time. While the position you're looking for may have received budgetary approval a month ago, something may have occurred that necessitated a budget reorganization. For example, the organization may have failed to secure a key client or experienced a major project failure.

Company restructuring

It's possible that the organization has undergone some restructuring during the time you were in the employment process. Employee layoffs, a merger, an acquisition, or the necessity to take a break from work in the department where you were looking for a job are all examples of this.

Internal interest

When an internal employee expresses interest in the post and applies for it, a company may place it on hold. The hiring manager may be familiar with their work and would like to take the time to thoroughly examine whether or not they'd be a suitable fit.

Uncertainty

Despite the fact that this is rarely the case, a hiring manager may be concerned about your capacity to succeed in the role. It's possible that they'll require more time to assess if you're a suitable fit. They may also be unsure about the position as a whole. It's possible that a recruiting manager is unsure of what they want from the candidate they employ.

What should you do if your job offer is put on hold?

No matter where you are in the hiring process, an employer can put a job on hold. If you've learned that a position you applied for has been put on hold, take the following steps:

Continue searching for jobs

Consider the chance that the post will never be filled, or at least not in a timely manner, and keep looking for work. You don't want to miss out on other excellent possibilities for a job that may or may not materialize, regardless of how enthusiastic you were about the position. When looking for a job, it's critical to stay motivated, and if you take a break before receiving a job offer and knowing the position is moving forward, you may have to re-motivate yourself.

Let your contact know that you've received a job offer if you find a new job before hearing back from the first employer regarding the employment that's on hold. They may choose to either remove you from the list of candidates or speak with you about how you may still be a part of the firm.

Tell your employer about your continued interest

Make sure the hiring manager understands you're still interested in the position and want to be considered when they give the news. You can demonstrate your commitment to the organization by following up to determine if the status of the position has altered.

Don't take it personally

Try not to take this unexpected news too seriously. The employer is likely to have put the position on hold for reasons outside your control, as well as factors beyond the hiring manager's control. The most likely situation is that the organization is unable to hire you or any other candidates at this moment due to budgetary or restructuring constraints. When the employer approaches you to inform you of the news, remain professional and offer your understanding.

Ask for a time frame

Consider asking the recruiting manager when they expect the position to open up again so you can get a better sense of where you're going. You might discover that the hiring manager is simply waiting for a huge invoice from the company's largest client to be paid or that the company is supporting your position with grant money and is suffering a delay in getting the funds. In these situations, the hiring manager may only expect to wait a week.

However, if there are larger company concerns, you may hear that the position is on hold indefinitely, which may alter your next moves. Keep in mind that your contact may choose to withhold information about the position's resumption date.

Check-in with your contract

If you're still interested in the job, write down the estimated timeline so you can check in with the recruiting manager at that time to see how the position is progressing. If you follow up too frequently, the hiring manager may question whether you're a good match for the job.

Ask if there is an opportunity to be a contract employee

Bringing in a contracted professional is frequently less expensive than hiring a full-time employee. This is due to the fact that full-time employees are entitled to benefits that freelancers are not, and this costs the company money. Inquire with your contact at the organization about the possibility of doing some of the same types of work on a freelance basis. While the company may not have the funds to hire someone full-time right now, they may have some funds available for someone who is skilled and enthusiastic about the company.

Understand the reason

It's useful to have some understanding of why an employer could put a job on hold. Knowing that the change in your position status has nothing to do with you can help you relax and stay confident in your job search. Understanding the cause can also help you reply to the employer in the best way possible.

If you learn that the position is on hold because the hiring manager has to rethink the job description, let them know that you'd appreciate the chance to review any adjustments they make so you can show them how you're still qualified for the job.

Another possibility is that the position you applied for is the only one on hold. If that's the case, take a look at the other open job listings to see if there's anything else you're qualified for and interested in.

Say thanks

It's critical to maintain a professional demeanor and express gratitude for any communication regarding the position. Express your gratitude for their willingness to be open and honest about the job.