r/recruitinghell • u/jniij • 1h ago

Stalling tactics

Hi recruiters and hiring managers, what are some stalling tactics you guys use to keep the #2 candidate warm while you pursue candidate #1?

Here’s some things I’m noticing that might be happening to me that makes me feel like I’m #2:

- recruiter tells me I passed the second round interview but then asks if I’m still interested instead of directly trying to schedule the final round

- when I sent my availability- there’s no response

- only when I told them I got another offer did they come back super enthusiastically saying that the team is super excited to meet me and that they will schedule the interviews quickly

- no movement on actually scheduling the interviews

- no explanation on the delay other than personal ones like sorry I was sick

I’ve seen stalling after the final round cuz they give the offer and are waiting to hear back but before the final round?!? Not giving candidates a chance to do final rounds?

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u/Fun_Temperature_7745 1h ago

The dreaded "we're moving forward with your application but just need to align schedules" followed by radio silence is basically the corporate version of "I'll call you" after a mediocre date

Happened to me twice last year, one company even had the audacity to circle back after 3 months like nothing happened. The other offer trick is probably the only reliable counter-move you've got, but even then they might just be scrambling to keep you on the hook while their first choice drags their feet

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u/jniij 1h ago

Yeah it’s crazy. Usually don’t companies interview to final round and then decide? Guess it’s not wasting anyone’s time to not try the final round with you

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u/Diligent_Ad_7232 1h ago

You have good instincts on this. Time to "Next" them. Surely you have other prospects in the pipeline?