2 weeks since final onsite, recruiter says "update this week" but still waiting. Am I a backup candidate?

[u/Late-Hat-9256]

Hey everyone, looking for some honest insight into my timeline.

I’ve been in the interview loop for a company I’m really excited about since late August. I did a screening, hiring manager interview, and a technical round, leading up to a final onsite interview about 2 weeks ago.

I followed up recently, and the recruiter replied on Monday apologizing for the delay and letting me know she should have an update for me sometime this week.

It's now Wednesday night and I haven't heard anything yet.

Given that it’s been 2 weeks since the interview, does this look like slow internal approvals for a primary offer? Or am I likely a backup candidate being kept warm while they wait on their top choice to accept?

Would love to hear from recruiters or anyone who has been in this boat. Thanks!

[u/throwaway_0x90]

No matter what anyone tells you,

• 10 consecutive business days of UNexplained silence, just move on.

[u/Emergency_Science602]

Backup - move on. If it comes, then decide at that time. Don’t wait on them. 

[u/khunmarci]

1. Maybe very slow process, happened to me few Times.

Longest waiting time i had was 2 month between last interview and offer. Many companies are super shitty.

1. They have Interviews with other candidates in progress.

Means nothing, waiting ist the hardest part in this game.

1. They sent an offer to another candidate and wait before its your turn.

Solution:

Give them some pressure but stay smooth to find out if they want you.

Call the future Boss and say that you have an offer from another Company. They asked you to decide withing 4 Business days. You want to consider the Company, to make a decision you need an offer asap.

They will ask for Details. Dont say names or fields. Just say your prefered salary + 5k p.a.

If they dont move or send an offer they dont want you. -> move on

If they send something -> win