URGENT : what does he mean?

I had an interview on Thursday last week . The interviewer emailed me yesterday saying I gave a strong interview but the position was offered to another candidate.

However he added this

"If our offer were to be rejected, we would get back to you".

What does this even mean?

You were second and if the person rejects the offer then you will be contacted.

But I don't think there was another person. I think I was the only candidate and the main issue is that I require a visa sponsorship for this role

But I don't think there was another person. I think I was the only candidate and the main issue is that I require a visa sponsorship for this role

Why not just tell you that you were unsuccessful then? How do you know how many candidates were considered?

People are often interviewed on different days.

The interview was 1 day only as it was written in job advert and they said it themselves

I went on campus to give the interview and I reached 2 hours earlier. I didn't see anyone before and after my interview. Unless the interview was on teams.

But they already know I require visa sponsorship so why still say that would reach out in case offer is declined?

But I don't think there was another person. I think I was the only candidate and the main issue is that I require a visa sponsorship for this role

Even when we interview multiple candidates over one day we stagger them so they don't interact with each other.



Because they thought you were a very credible candidiate and would be next in line? Again, no point them lying to flatter you, it's more likely they are being honest. Employers tell candidates all day long that they weren't successful. There's no point in them making stuff up. They don't need to make it easier for you or them.

So you think they’re lying when they say it was offered to another candidate? That seems unlikely to me.

Yes but at different times or different parts of the building. Even in school we do that to keep confidentiality.

I feel maybe it's because of the visa issues, they couldn't select me?

Did they not know you required sponsorship before the interview? Normally that’s found out prior.

But the person offered the job would take it anyway so why say this. It just gives false hope doesn't it

They knew as I had already told them

Candidates turn down offers all the time. In that instance you would be offered the job and (presumably) to sponsor you too.

So if you were the only candidate, why would they interview you knowing that you required sponsorship and then reject you because you require sponsorship? And then lie about the reason they rejected you?

It all seems a bit far-fetched to me. I would just accept that they are telling the truth and stop thinking too much about it.

But the person offered the job would take it anyway so why say this. It just gives false hope doesn't it