On hold while they interview others

I got to the final stages of an interview. I was pretty optimistic before the final stage, but made a couple of mistakes in the final round (4 interviews) that I started to feel a bit nervous. Justifiably enough, they called me today to say that while they thought I was a good candidate, they were not quite convinced and said they were not rejecting me but instead putting me on hold while they interview others.

Should this not just as well be a rejection? I cannot see how they would possibly hire me after not going for it straight away, I am telling myself to just mark it down as a loss but a (stupid) part of me still retains hope I could have a chance. Do you know anyone that has been hired under these circumstances? Is there any advice you could give to perhaps twist things in my favour?

Lets just hope the other candidates they interview are not as qualified as you

Lets just hope the other candidates they interview are not as qualified as you!

The absurd thing is they are telling me to wait 6 weeks because they are starting their interview process all over again. Do you think there is any possible way whatsoever to convince them to reconsider me again, try to convince them that they don't have to wait that long to give someone an offer when they have me?

httrader in Amsterdam, Netherlands said: The absurd thing is they are telling me to wait 6 weeks because they are starting their interview process all over again. Do you think there is any possible way whatsoever to convince them to reconsider me again, try to convince them that they don't have to wait that long to give someone an offer when they have me?

I read somewhere that you can "fix" interview mistakes by sending a follow-up letter to the employer. In the letter, you address the mistakes, and explain how you have/will fix(ed) them. You can also re-state your interest in the position, and mention the strengths you have that will make YOU the best candidate for the job. You have to be specific, and not too wordy.

GOOD LUCK!

Hi There, this situation happened to me today coincidentally. I was told that i was very strong in my interview and an excellent candidate but they decided to have two other candidates proceed to the next stage. They said if anything changes, they would let me know. On the one hand i am feeling like 2nd pickings LOL....i asked for constructive feedback and they said i couldn't have given a better interview...hmmm ok...obviously the other candidates must have had something i didn't have but for whatever reason they didn't get into the specifics with me. Perhaps they don't want to burn their bridges with you in case one of the candidates doesn't accept the job. That is how i'm looking at it, but think of it this way, it is only for 1 position so competition is tight i'm sure, so i am trying not to take it personally and staying as optimistic as i can.

Best of luck my dear, and keep plugging along.

If they tell you that they are interviewing others, that is your hint that they are not interested in hiring you. I have heard that on several interviews as phone interviews and none of them has ever contacted me again. Just move on. Next time I hear that I won't even bother with a thank you note, as I know that they have already made up their mind before the interview was over.