When HR takes over and the offer that seemed to be a "sure thing" loses it's steam...
One Misstep Can Cost
You the Offer
Here's How to Stay in the Game
You're in the running for a role that could change the trajectory of your career. The conversations have gone well. The hiring authority that you know from within your network is engaged. Things are moving.
Then the process shifts — HR steps in, asks for your patience as they consider aspects of the role you're positioned for, and suddenly the direct line to the decision-making CEO goes quiet.
This is exactly where one of my executive clients found herself.
After a direct connection and meeting with the CEO, they both confirmed mutual interest as the role was still being defined. Then... HR stepped in to communicate a delay in moving forward and asked my client to be "patient" while decisions were formalized.
They were letting her know they had some work to do on their end and would be in touch in a few weeks.
Was it reasonable to accept the delay or an indication that the opportunity was slipping away?
Here's what most candidates do at this point: they wait.
They follow the process dictated by HR. They assume that patience and professionalism will be rewarded.That could be true — but many times the deal quietly slips away while you're patiently "sitting on your
hands".
How to Navigate When the Opportunity is Drifting Away
My guidance was clear and immediate: take decisive action and re-establish direct contact with the CEO---the hiring manager, your direct connection.
This contact won't be a check-in or a follow-up email asking for a status update.
It will be a strategic communication referencing a specific topic discussed during the interview along with a proposed solution, a relevant insight, something that delivers value to remind them exactly why they need
you in the company.
Don't Trade Relationships for "a Process"
The HR team has a role to play but your relationship with the person who has the challenge and makes hiring decisions is your focus.
How you navigate a complex, ambiguous hiring situations is a preview of how you'll lead inside the company. The best hiring managers notice that.
Reaching out with thoughtful, value-driven communication and demonstration as this client did, is not pushiness. It's leadership in real time.
And if you're not sure what move to make, a coach's perspective in the moment has an immediate ROI.
The right strategy at the right time doesn't just save one opportunity — it becomes part of your instincts for the rest of your career.
