Another call I received immediately after my publicity was from an attorney at a prestigious boutique investment bank. He told me he had read my story in the newspaper, empathized with my situation—he had been there before—and would help me out.
A week later I had an encouraging interview with the COO of the boutique investment bank. I was so excited and the COO seemed impressed with my experience. The firm was growing, he said, and he would see if he could fit me in. The only hitch was that there was no clear job opening or job description—and as a next step, he wanted me to meet with the firm’s two managing partners.
For weeks, we tried to arrange the meeting, but it was summer and the managing partners were both traveling for business and then on vacation.
Week after week, I checked in with the COO to see if we could schedule a meeting, but I soon stopped getting responses to my emails and calls. I didn’t want to be a nudge, but I also did not want to let a great opportunity slip by.
What was going on?
Finally, toward the end of August, almost two months after my initial and promising interview, I received an email from the COO:
Hi Josh,
I apologize for being unresponsive in this process. Given the uncertain state of the markets, we have actually begun to trim staffing and hunker down for what may be a bumpy ride. I’m sorry to report that there are currently no opportunities at _____________. I will keep your resume on file and will contact you when we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Regards,
I was so disappointed, especially after being invited for a second meeting, waiting nearly two months—and then having the company’s situation change before the meeting could take place. How frustrating!
Yet, I knew not to take it personally. At least the excitement of the potential position had helped keep up my spirits during my frustrating search.
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