Some hiring managers need a lesson from Mom

Here are some of your questions:

I agree that thank-you notes may work sometimes, but I would like your insight on what to do with a company that, late in the job offering works, goes completely dead on you?  I interviewed for a position with the largest organic foods retailer in the US, was offered the position, and we were well into reaching an accord on salary, etc., when communications started to become infrequent and then stopped.  Who does one call or send notes to then?  I thought I had been offered a job.  Now, it looks like I have been left in the lurch.  I have tried to e-mail the vice-president who was sitting in on the interview as well as the person in whose department I was to have been based, but with a complete lack of response.  Should I assume I have been abandoned?  It’s a good thing I had not given notice or even let on that I was attempting to move.

Should I contact the CEO and tell him he has problems lower down?
—Alex, Texas

It’s never a good sign when communications stop. It could be that the employer found another candidate or they decided not to fill the position. You just won’t know until they tell you, that is, if they ever do.

I feel you deserve an answer, though, so I would call the vice president instead of e-mailing to find out what happened. At this point, if you seem annoying to them, who cares.

However, Gallagher suggests you not contact the CEO. “That's called an ‘end run’ and it is strictly verboten in all organizations.  He will be perceived as whining at best, and a snitch at worst.  He will make himself look bad in the eyes of the CEO.  Don't do it.  He should just lick his wounds and move on.”

And she and I agree that you should never give notice or even tell your current employer you’re looking for a job until you have an offer letter in your hand.

I really enjoyed your article on sending a thank-you note or e-mail after an interview. It does make perfect sense, but would the same protocol apply if, while in your current position, you receive a written outstanding performance appraisal from your boss?

This happened to me last week and I was considering sending him a thank-you e-mail for the kind words and recognition he gave me. Should I send a thank-you e-mail in this instance? We don't work at the same office if that makes any difference.
—Joseph Mercado, San Juan, Puerto Rico

This might be a case of thank-you letters going to far. Your boss gave you a great review because you deserved it,and he knows you’re appreciative. Forget the note.

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