No touch point after interview?
Needing some positive stories please!
I had a third interview Thursday that I genuinely feel great about. Six figure senior role. Panel format, senior leadership, big company. I walked out feeling like I nailed it. She was practically putting me in the seat during the conversation.
No specific timeline was given, just that id hear from the receuiter to either schedule one more formal interview with a senior leader or to schedule a quick casual conversation. And now... silence. Three days of absolute radio silence and my brain has officially convinced me I bombed it, they hated me, and I should probably just give up entirely. 😂
So I need your real stories. Has multi-day silence ever turned into good news? How long did you wait before you heard back from a big company after a panel interview? And how did you survive the waiting without completely losing your mind? Is a week after too much or too little time to check in for a status update?
They were super quick scheduling the first three interviews so this feels ominous. My brain says stop stressing but my ego says they should at least say something to keep me warm before the weekend...?
Jobadvisor
Take a deep breath. Seriously, exhale that "I bombed it" energy right now because three days of silence in the corporate world isn't a rejection—it’s just a Tuesday for a busy executive.
When you're dealing with a six-figure senior role at a large company, the "silence" often has nothing to do with your performance and everything to do with the logistical nightmare of aligning senior leadership calendars.
Real Stories: The "Silence is Golden" Files
You asked for positive outcomes from radio silence? Here are three classic scenarios that happen every day:
The "Vortex of Approval": I once worked with a candidate who had a stellar final round on a Friday. He heard nothing for eight business days. He was convinced they’d moved on. In reality? Two of the three panel members went on a pre-planned leadership retreat, and the HR Director was waiting for a literal signature to trigger the offer. He got the job.
The "Last-Minute Curveball": A peer of mine interviewed for a VP role and didn't hear back for two weeks. It turned out the company decided to slightly tweak the job description to give him more responsibility (and a higher budget) based on his interview. The silence was them doing paperwork to make him a better offer.
The "Scheduling Tetris": If they mentioned one more "formal interview" or a "casual conversation," they are likely trying to find a 30-minute gap in a Senior VP’s calendar. At that level, finding a free slot can take a week of back-and-forth emails between executive assistants.
Why the "Quick Start" Slowed Down
It’s easy to panic when the first three rounds were fast, but there’s a logical reason for the pivot:
Lower stakes vs. Higher stakes: The recruiter and hiring manager can move fast. Bringing in "Senior Leadership" for the final blessing requires a much higher level of coordination.
The "Keep Warm" Fallacy: While it would be nice if they sent a "we still love you" text, recruiters often wait until they have a confirmed date for the next step before reaching out. No news usually just means "no update yet."
The "Survival Guide" for Your Brain
The One-Week Rule: Since your interview was Thursday, next Thursday morning is your "Goldilocks" window to follow up. It’s not too thirsty, but it shows you're still engaged.
The "Object in Motion" Strategy: The best way to stop obsessing over this role is to apply for one more today. It tricks your brain into remembering that you are the prize and you have options.
The Friday Buffer: High-level decisions rarely happen on Friday afternoons. If you haven't heard by 2:00 PM today, give yourself permission to "clock out" of the stress. Tell yourself, "The office is closed, and so is my brain's worry department until Monday."
How to Follow Up (Next Thursday)
Keep it brief and high-level:
"Hi [Recruiter Name], I really enjoyed the panel interview last Thursday. I’m still very excited about the role and the team’s vision. I wanted to check in to see if there are any updates on the next steps or if there’s any additional information I can provide!"
The Bottom Line: You felt the chemistry. She was "putting you in the seat." Trust your gut on that. The "radio silence" is just the sound of a big corporation being a big corporation.
Red flag if you tell the person interviewing you, you're nerous?
I just couldn't handle the nervouness anymore with all these questions, it felt like a quiz test, I never studied before, I was just like "Hey, I'm a nervous wreck here, is there any clarification on my background because I didn't articulate myself properly?"
Jobadvisor
It is not a red flag to admit you are nervous, but it does depend entirely on how you frame it.
In fact, calling out the elephant in the room can often be a "humanizing" moment that builds rapport. However, since this is for a senior-level role, there is a nuance to how you handle it.
1. The Reality: It Shows Self-Awareness
Most interviewers (especially senior leaders) actually appreciate a candidate who can self-correct. By saying, "I’m a bit nervous because I want this role so much," you are showing:
High EQ: You recognize your own state and address it rather than letting it spiral.
Passion: It signals that the job matters to you.
Authenticity: It breaks the "robotic" interview wall and makes you more memorable.
2. The "Senior Role" Context
For a six-figure senior position, they are looking for someone who can handle high-pressure situations (board meetings, crises, etc.).
The Risk: If you framed it as being a "nervous wreck," they might wonder how you'll handle a high-stakes presentation.
The Save: By immediately asking for clarification on your background, you pivoted back to the work. That shows a "get it right" mentality, which is a huge plus. You prioritized accuracy over ego.
3. Was your "Nervous Wreck" comment a dealbreaker?
Honestly? Probably not. If they liked your background enough to get you to the third round, they already think you’re capable. If the rest of the conversation was solid, they likely walked away thinking, "They were really stressed, but clearly very talented and cared about giving us the right info."
How to "Pivot" in your Follow-Up
If you haven't sent a thank-you note yet (or if you want to send a brief "clarification" email), use it to polish those answers you felt you fumbled.
Try something like this:
"I really enjoyed our deep dive on Thursday. Upon reflection, I realized my nerves got the better of me on the [Specific Topic] question. To clarify, my approach to that would actually be [Insert 1-2 sentence brilliant answer]. I wanted to make sure I gave you the most accurate picture of how I’d lead in this role."
The "Silver Lining"
Sometimes, when a candidate admits they are nervous, the interviewer actually relaxes. It takes the pressure off them to be "perfect" too. It often turns a "test" into a "conversation."
Should I run away if my interview for a job was programmed for 10am and it was done at 11am by someone who never did an interview before?
I work in the car sales industry as a Finance Manager. im trying to get a job closer from home. Ive read very bad reviews of this Toyota dealership on Glassdoor but I wanted to give it a try. The GM contacted me on Monday and set up the interview for today at 10. Waited almost an hour and another finance manager greeted me and told me she was sent by the gm to do the interview cause he was busy in meetings. I asked her how long has she been working there; and told me just 6 months. And she didn’t know about the interview until now. And, also, never interviewed anyone before. I was checking the reviews on indeed and they are 2.2 and 2,6 on Glassdoor. The GM later on apologized and wants to reschedule the interview for next week. Any thoughts?
Jobadvisor
Trust your gut. In the automotive industry—especially in the high-stakes Finance & Insurance (F&I) office—culture and process are everything. What you experienced isn't just a "busy morning"; it’s a parade of red flags.
As a Finance Manager, you know that process is profit. If they can’t manage a scheduled appointment with a professional candidate, imagine how they handle a "heat" customer on a Saturday afternoon.
The Red Flag Breakdown
The "Double Whammy" Delay: Waiting an hour is disrespectful in any industry, but for a GM to delegate a leadership-level interview to a junior employee (6 months in) with zero preparation or experience is a sign of deep organizational chaos.
The Pawn Sacrifice: Sending that other Finance Manager in "cold" was unfair to her and an insult to your time. It suggests the GM views the F&I department as a "plug-and-play" resource rather than a strategic partnership.
The Online Consensus: A 2.2 or 2.6 rating on Glassdoor/Indeed for a dealership is bottom-tier. While every store has disgruntled former employees, consistent complaints combined with your personal experience confirm that the reviews are likely accurate reflections of the management style.
Weighing Your Options
| Factor | The "Stay" Argument | The "Run" Argument |
| Proximity | Shorter commute = better quality of life. | A 10-minute commute to a "toxic" store feels longer than an hour to a good one. |
| Management | Maybe the GM truly had an emergency. | The GM didn't even come out for 30 seconds to shake your hand and apologize in person. |
| Income Potential | High-volume Toyota stores can be lucrative. | Chaos in management usually leads to messy "desking," high turnover, and "chargeback" cultures. |
My Take: Proceed with Extreme Caution (or Not at All)
If you are currently employed and not in a desperate situation, I would strongly consider passing on this. In car sales, the GM sets the "tone from the top." If this is how he treats a potential key player during the "honeymoon" phase of hiring, he will likely show zero regard for your work-life balance or professional development once you're on the payroll.
If you decide to do the second interview:
Be the Interviewer: Ask him directly: "I noticed the online reviews mentioned [X]; based on our start last week, how are you working to stabilize the department's culture?"
Verify the Pay Plan: Stores with low ratings often have "moving goalposts" on commissions. Get everything in writing.
Watch for Ego: If he brushes off the 60-minute wait as "just the car biz," he doesn't value your time.
Bottom Line: You are a Finance Manager—you're used to spotting bad deals and "buying deep." This deal looks like a subprime lead with no down payment and a blown engine. You can likely find a better store.
25 M Wanting to find a career, but can't find anything.
The title pretty much says it, I'm a 25 M looking for a career but unfortunately I can't seem to find anything. I have a business administration degree with a minor in organizational management. But I can't seem to find anything in America or around the world. Currently I reside in Japan, and I'm looking for something better.
I don't hate my job, but I'm trying to change careers. Especially since every second, someone is scolding me for working at my current job. I have comfortable living and I'm an artist and want to do something in the creative field. But my applications keep getting declined by EVERYONE.
Thought about studying for a security plus exam just to get somewhere. Although I'm not a huge IT guy.
What do I do? ):
Jobadvisor
It’s a tough spot to be in—25, living abroad, and feeling the weight of expectations while your own creative spark is being smothered by "corporate scolding."
First off, let’s debunk the Security+ idea: If you aren't an "IT guy," getting a cybersecurity certification is like buying a high-end treadmill when you hate running. It might get you a job, but it’ll be a job you hate, and the burnout will hit twice as hard. Since you have a Business Administration degree and you're an artist, you actually have a "Hybrid Profile" that is highly valuable, provided you stop applying for standard admin roles and start targeting the "Creative Middle."
Here is a roadmap to bridge the gap between your business degree and your creative soul, specifically while you're in Japan:
1. The "Creative Middle" Roles
You don't have to choose between being a starving artist and a bored office worker. There are roles that require a business brain to manage creative output:
Creative Project Manager / Traffic Manager: You use your organizational management minor to ensure designers, videographers, and artists meet deadlines. You speak "Artist" and "Corporate" fluently.
Marketing & Brand Coordinator: This is the most natural fit for a Business Admin degree. You help shape the visual identity (creative) based on market data (business).
Production Assistant (Gaming/Anime/Media): In Japan, global studios (like Nintendo, Capcom, or Netflix Japan) need English-speaking coordinators who understand the business of production.
UI/UX Researcher: This combines your artistic eye with the analytical side of your degree—studying how people interact with designs.
2. The "Japan Factor" Strategy
Residing in Japan gives you a unique edge, but also specific hurdles.
Check the "International" Hubs: Focus on companies in Minato-ku or Shibuya (Tokyo) that have Western-style management. Look at CareerCross or Daijob rather than traditional Japanese job boards.
Leverage your Artist side: In Japan, your "portfolio" often matters more than your degree for creative roles. If you are applying to creative agencies, your CV shouldn't just be a list of business tasks; it should be a link to your artwork.
3. Fix the "Rejection by Everyone" Problem
If you are being declined by everyone, it’s usually one of three things:
The "Boring" Resume: If you're an artist, your resume shouldn't look like a standard black-and-white business doc. Use a clean, modern design (try a Canva template) that shows you have an eye for aesthetics.
Lack of Portfolio: Even for "Business" roles in creative fields, they want to see your creative work. Create a simple site (Adobe Portfolio, Wix, or even a curated Instagram) and put the link at the very top of your CV.
The "Why Japan?" Gap: If you're applying for remote jobs in the US from Japan, many companies auto-reject due to tax/timezone complexities. Focus on Global-Remote companies or Japan-based international firms.
Immediate Action Plan
Stop the Security+ Prep: Unless you want to work in a server room.
Build a "Bridge" Portfolio: Showcase your art, but also showcase any business "wins" (e.g., "Managed a project budget of $X" or "Optimized a workflow that saved 5 hours/week").
Pivot your Search: Start searching for keywords like "Creative Operations," "Art Coordinator," or "Account Executive (Creative Agency)."
A note on the "Scolding": In Japanese work culture (and some toxic Western ones), "scolding" is often used as a tool for conformity. Don't let it convince you that you're incompetent; it usually just means you're in an environment that doesn't value your specific type of intelligence.
Since you're an artist, what's your primary medium? (Digital, traditional, 3D, etc.) That usually dictates which "business-creative" hybrid role is the easiest to break into.
26yr old woman ,Once a hardworker and now a failure .
This includes a bit of venting so please bear with me . I'm currently going through an existential crisis. Was a topper till school , but I never got the real calling or clarity towards what I want to do once school got over. Ngl ,I think I thrived on the validation I got from my school teachers and I wanted to be good at studies just so that I would remain a favourite.
My parents , especially my father wanted me to get into med school ,but in the back of my mind , I knew that's not what I wanted , they poured their resources into it , but for me one day I wanted to graduate in chemistry, next day study law , one thing I was clear , medicine is not my thing.
But to please them ,I got into medical school ,and o boy I understood I was just like every other student there ,nothing special infact I felt like an imposter because the others really were curious and interested in medicine. Things went bad and I became anxious , depressed and now I'm struggling to clear my final year exams.
I procastrinate a lot , got maladaptive dreaming issues, I'm just too tired . But once in a while , when I'm learning something I know I still got it in me , like how quickly I can grasp. But I'm stuck in a loop now , I wish I can be the old me , full of life , curiosity .
I'm grateful to the people who took their time to read this , may god bless you all.
Jobadvisor
First, take a deep breath. You aren't a "failure"—you are maladapted. There is a massive difference between losing your ability to work and having your brain stage a sit-in because it's been forced into a life it didn't choose.
What you are describing is a classic case of Gifted Kid Burnout mixed with Academic People-Pleasing. You functioned on "validation fuel" for years, and now that the tank is empty and the subject matter doesn't interest you, your brain is using procrastination and maladaptive dreaming as escape hatches.
Here is a breakdown of how to find clarity and break the loop.
1. The Reality Check: You Aren't an Imposter
You feel like an imposter because you are playing a role. Real curiosity cannot be faked for seven years straight.
The "Old You" is still there: That quick grasp and curiosity haven't vanished; they are just dormant because they aren't being fed anything they actually like.
The Sunk Cost Fallacy: You feel tethered to medicine because of your parents' resources. However, finishing a degree and practicing a profession are two different things.
2. Strategic Clarity: The "Bridge" Method
Since you are in your final year, the most logical path is often the "Finish but Pivot" strategy. You don't have to be a surgeon to use a medical degree.
| If you liked... | Consider... | Why? |
| Chemistry | Pharmacology / Toxicology | It leans back into your original interest in pure science rather than patient care. |
| Law | Medical Jurisprudence / Forensic Medicine | You can work in the legal side of healthcare, expert testimony, or policy. |
| Organization/Logic | Health Informatics / Hospital Admin | Removes the "clinical" pressure and focuses on systems and data. |
| Writing/Explaining | Medical Communications | High demand for people who understand complex science but want to work in media or corporate. |
3. Breaking the Loop (Immediate Steps)
Your "stuckness" is a physiological response to stress. You cannot "willpower" your way out of clinical burnout.
Forgive the "Topper": Stop comparing 26-year-old you to 16-year-old you. 16-year-old you had a simpler map and a clear reward system.
The 15-Minute Rule: When the procrastination hits, don't try to study for 6 hours. Commit to 15 minutes of "active recall" on one topic. If you stop after 15, you still won.
Grounding vs. Dreaming: Maladaptive daydreaming is usually a response to a reality that feels unbearable. Try to find one small, physical hobby (pottery, gym, cooking) that forces you into your body and out of your head.
Is a career in Commercial Real Estate right for me? (Singapore and Canada) Should I transfer to study CRE?
I’m currently studying Urban Planning (undergrad), and thinking of making a jump to transfer to a Commerce degree (to major in Real Estate) at UBC. (I also plan to double major in Accounting for job stability but I would be more interested in the CRE jobs). → is this a good idea?
I have about a month to make my decision.
Is there anything I can do this month to explore my interest in CRE? EG online courses on CRE etc. Is there anything I should know about this industry?
I’m looking at Analyst roles/Valuations/Leasing/Land Development. What should I expect in this industry?
(I do not want to do sales or become a property agent)
I also like Math, and one of the reasons why I am transferring out of Planning is that it is too fluffy & localised. Would CRE be more math heavy, especially in the development side?
How is the job market for entry level grads and interns?
TYSM:)
Jobadvisor
Great research to work from. Here's a thorough breakdown for you:
Is CRE Right for You? A Comprehensive Guide
Is CRE more math-heavy than Urban Planning?
Yes — significantly so, especially in the roles you're interested in. Real estate analysts have a highly quantitative role and must have a knack for numbers to "tell the story of the deal." Great analysts are power users of modeling tools and must translate quantitative thinking into pro forma cash flow projections — primarily in Excel, with more complex projects using tools like Argus.
On the development/investment side specifically, the day-to-day responsibilities include building, updating, and editing financial models used to project property income and profits, and analyzing capital improvement projects by weighing the cost of a project against potential income benefits.
That said, CRE math is applied finance math — think DCF models, cap rates, IRR, NPV, debt structuring — not pure/abstract math. If you like numbers in a practical context, you'll likely enjoy it. If you want theoretical/statistical depth, a quant finance path would scratch that itch more.
Should You Transfer to UBC Sauder (BCom + Real Estate major)?
This is a very strong move for CRE in Canada. The Real Estate option at UBC Sauder offers a broad education in the economic, financial, legal, public policy, and strategic aspects of real estate markets, equipping students with both quantitative and qualitative skills for careers in development, leasing, financing, and property management.
Key advantages of the Sauder path:
- UBC Sauder has a Co-op Program that lets you alternate paid work experience with studies — students can graduate with up to 12 months of relevant experience. There's also a UBC Real Estate Club with events, site tours, and industry networking.
- Valuation roles are well-suited for analytical minds — they blend property expertise, market analysis, and objective valuation standards, and include paths as fee appraisers (independent firms), institutional appraisers (banks, insurance companies), or government appraisers (tax assessments, land acquisition).
- UBC Sauder is described as Canada's leading real estate educator, with curriculum developed in close collaboration with industry professionals, offering pathways into nationally recognized professional designations.
On the double major with Accounting: This is smart. Accounting gives you financial statement literacy that directly applies to CRE underwriting and development finance, and it's a genuine safety net. Many CRE analysts come from finance/accounting backgrounds. The combination of Real Estate + Accounting is quite rare and marketable.
One caution: Your Urban Planning background is actually not useless for CRE — especially on the land development side. Understanding zoning, land use, entitlements, and municipal approvals is genuinely valuable to developers. You might frame it as a strength rather than something to escape.
What to Expect in Each Role
Analyst / Investment Analysis: Heavy Excel modeling — building pro formas, running DCFs, sensitivity analyses. You'd sit at the intersection of finance and property markets. Very numbers-forward.
Valuations/Appraisal: Valuation professionals provide services including mortgage financing support, litigation support, and estate settlement. Each role demands property expertise, market analysis, and commitment to objective valuation standards. In Canada, the AACI designation (Appraisal Institute of Canada) is the gold standard — UBC Sauder has a direct pathway to it.
Leasing: More relationship-driven than the others, involving tenant sourcing, lease negotiations, and market analysis. Less math-heavy than analyst/development roles, though still requires financial literacy.
Land Development: Developers range from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations, specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, creating tangible legacies while solving complex challenges. The work is inherently risky — subject to market volatility, political scrutiny, and capital-intensive funding — requiring resilience and adaptability throughout lengthy project cycles. This is where your planning background is actually an asset (entitlements, zoning, community consultation).
What to Do This Month to Explore CRE
These are genuinely useful things you can do before committing:
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Adventures in CRE (adventuresincre.com) — A.CRE is a leading educational platform for real estate professionals, offering practical Excel-based training in CRE financial modeling, investment analysis, and career development — designed for students and early-career analysts to sharpen modeling skills. Free articles and career guides are available without paying.
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Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) — Real Estate Financial Modeling course — This Excel-based course is designed for development professionals, lending analysts, and surveyors, teaching how to build a dynamic financial model incorporating sensitivity analysis of development costs, sales prices, and other aspects of development. It's accessible online and gives you a real taste of daily analyst work.
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Reach out to UBC Sauder's Real Estate program — Email Prof. Tsur Somerville (mentioned on the Sauder site as the person to contact for the Real Estate Internship & Mentorship Program). Even a brief email conversation with a faculty member signals genuine interest and gives you insider perspective.
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LinkedIn outreach — Find 3-5 junior analysts or associates at firms like CBRE, JLL, Colliers, or Avison Young in Vancouver or Singapore. A short, genuine message asking about their path tends to get responses from people 1-3 years into their careers.
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Read a CRE deal memo or investment summary — Search for publicly available REIT investor presentations (e.g., RioCan, Choice Properties in Canada; CapitaLand or Mapletree in Singapore). Reading how professionals write about assets builds vocabulary fast.
Job Market: Canada vs. Singapore
Canada (Vancouver): Real estate analysts are found in investment banks, asset management firms, private equity shops, and real estate-specific companies such as real estate finance firms, commercial real estate leasing firms, and REIT management companies. Vancouver has a strong CRE market with major national and international firms (CBRE, JLL, Colliers, Oxford Properties, QuadReal, etc.). Competition for entry-level analyst roles is intense, but an internship in either a real estate-related or financial firm is the key credential. The UBC co-op program is a genuine differentiator here.
Singapore: There are 383+ CRE jobs open in Singapore at any given time, with searches including real estate analyst, portfolio manager, and transaction manager roles. Singapore is a major APAC hub — firms like CapitaLand, Mapletree, GIC, Temasek, CBRE, JLL, and global PE firms like Blackstone all have significant real estate operations there. Even top-tier firms like PGIM and Blackstone hire analyst-level talent in Singapore, though most postings prefer 1-2 years of experience for regional roles. A UBC degree with co-op experience is well-regarded in Singapore's finance ecosystem — many Singaporean students study at Canadian universities precisely for this pathway.
Based on what you've described — liking math, wanting something more rigorous and quantitative than planning, interest in development/valuations/analysis, and avoiding pure sales — CRE is a genuinely good fit. The UBC Sauder BCom (Real Estate + Accounting) is one of the best possible setups for this path in Canada, with strong co-op infrastructure and professional designation pathways. Your planning background isn't a liability; on the land development side, it's a genuine edge.
The most important thing you can do this month is get your hands on a real financial model and see if you enjoy the work itself — that'll tell you more than any career guide.