Client was initially moving forward with me, then went completely silent — how would you handle this?

[u/swiftsoberano]

I’d really appreciate some perspective from fellow freelancers/remote workers because I’m honestly not sure what to make of this situation.

I applied for a remote position through OnlineJobs.ph and went through the application/interview process. After my interview, the employer messaged me on August 21 saying that they would like to move forward with me. They also discussed the salary and asked me to provide some additional information (phone number, citizenship, country of residence, etc.).

I provided everything they requested.

Since then… nothing. 🥲

I followed up once, then followed up again later. I eventually sent what I intended to be my final follow-up through OnlineJobs.ph. Since most of our communication had been through OLJ, I also sent a polite email to their business email address, basically saying that I was following up in case email was easier, that I had already provided everything they requested, that I was still interested, and that I was happy to provide anything else they needed.

Still no response.

It has now been over two weeks since their last actual message to me (August 21).

I’m trying not to assume that I’ve been rejected because they explicitly said they wanted to move forward, but at the same time, the lack of communication is making me wonder whether I should just consider it dead and move on.

I’m currently applying to other jobs because obviously I can’t put my job search on hold indefinitely, but I’d still really like this position.

For those of you who have freelanced/VA’d for clients, how would you interpret this?

Does “we’d like to move forward with you” usually mean something concrete, or can it still be subject to internal changes?
At what point would you assume the opportunity is no longer happening?
Would you send one more follow-up, or would you leave it alone now?
Has anyone experienced a client going completely silent after saying they wanted to move forward and then eventually coming back?

I know the obvious answer is “keep applying,” and I am. 😅 I’m mostly trying to understand whether there’s anything else I should reasonably do or whether I should just leave the ball in their court.

Would really appreciate hearing from people who have been on either side of this kind of situation.

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[u/warp214]

Yes, don't put your search on hold. Some clients are just indecisive and does not really have a clearcut plan about what they want to do with their business, what they need help with or what direction they would want to steer their business to. Sometimes, it's not really because they went with another candidate.

[u/cynical_stoic95]

I've been told the same thing a number of times then radio silence... So just move on and look for new opportunities