[CPA is a WIP]

Hello All,

I would like your opinions on the situation I am in. A week ago a recruiter from a company in Ohio reached out to me via LinkedIn for the position of a senior accountant with growth potential. I replied that I was interested and we proceeded with the phone interview. Our conversation went well and I was invited for an on-site interview.

A few days later I met with two managers within the accounting department. I had a good vibe and inquired about the role, their mgmt styles, and work environment. I took notes so that I may review them later.

The following day, a Friday, I received a call from the company’s recruiter (the same person who reached out to me on LinkedIn) inviting me for a second interview with the controller and cfo.

However, during the weekend I reflected on the interview and notes. And the one thing that stood out to me as an issue was the “fast=paced” work environment. I would be transitioning from a different industry that is a laxer than corporate accounting. That said, I thought that the work environment would be to fast pace for me. So I proceed to send an email to hr and the hiring managers to withdraw my candidacy for the role.

The following morning, HR called me saying that she received my email and one of the managers stated that she was “sad to hear” of my decision, but wished me luck in future endeavors. The recruiter left a vm stating she would like to know my reason as to why I decided to withdraw.

I called here back within 30 minutes of her call. She was polite and eager to find out why. I proceed to explain my decision. She listened and then proceeded to inform me that she received high marks from the hiring managers and that I should reconsider my decision to withdraw. She further explained that I was a good fit and all feedback was very positive and that I was their number 1 candidate! She further divulged details of compensation, benefits, work/life balance, culture and that I should return for a second interview.

I heard her out and reconsidered my withdraw and confirmed my second interview with her.

All that being said, am I tainted with the hiring manger/future boss for withdrawing then reconsidering my decision and ruining a potentially good job and future? HR was very attainment for me to say yes to the second interview and pushed that I asked more inquiries about the company and role. The recruiter reiterated that I am a good fit for the role. I believe I acted in haste without giving myself a chance and I am beating myself up for that.

[jeff]

“Fast-paced” means things can get crazy at times … quarter-end, year-end, etc.

If you want the job, you can tell them that your hesitation was that you were coming from a different industry and were concerned that the expectation would be that you’d hit the ground running…you’re a fast learner, but would still need some training, yada yada.

You may have set yourself up for higher pay since you turned them down initially and don’t look desperate.

Play it cool – sell your story and get the job if you want it still.

[CPA is a WIP]

Thank you for the reply and advise. Today I received the dreaded “thank you for your interest in our company…” email.

That said, I reached out the company's recruiter for feedback and she stated that the team could not look past that I canceled the 2nd interview, and my governmental accounting background was a concern too. The job seemed pretty good with growth potential and nice salary to boot.

It sucks that I shot myself in the foot, so to speak. What is meant to be will be?

Regards,

CPA is a WIP

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