I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been first in line.
Through a referral.
A connection.
Someone who vouched for me.
You’re the top candidate.
We’re moving forward.
Just waiting on final approvals.
Then eventually, the email or text comes.
Or silence.
We’ve decided to go in a different direction.
We’ve opted not to hire for this position.
When it falls through
A friend had it worse.
Full cycle interviews.
Submitted business plans.
Told the offer letter was coming.
Then they pulled it.
Without a call or email.
Nothing is guaranteed until you show up that first day.
And even then, it can change.
What it costs
The hours you spent preparing.
The plans you made.
The relief you felt.
All of it, gone.
A different way to see it
But those near-misses aren’t rejections.
They are redirects.
Every single one clears space for something better.
The ones that fell through weren’t a fit.
Or the timing was off.
Not because you weren’t capable.
A message for you
If you’re waiting on an answer or recovering from a no, you’re not the problem.
A message for companies
This is your wake-up call.
Review your hiring practices before you lose your best talent in the interview process.
Reflection
What’s one opportunity that fell through that you’re now grateful didn’t happen?
If you’re feeling off your game or your leadership edge isn’t where you want it to be, the next step is at the top of the page.
