Slow Hiring

I am applying for an internship. I understand that the job is low priority to them, as it is indeed an internship, not full-time. But the hiring process is very slow. I believe I had a successful phone interview with a member of their HR, then was told that HR was awaiting a response from upper management regarding the position. The wait has now been a month long. I have been in contact with my interviewer and she welcomes me to call back and check on my status, but the status is unchanging. Each call is the same, "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting. I will let you know as soon as .. . "

If they weren't interested in hiring me, surely I would get a verbal rejection when I speak with them, or the cold shoulder. But instead, I get the response that the hiring process has been halted, due to the need of feedback from upper management. Are they trying to turn me away?

If they are trying to turn you away, they've got the wimpiest recruiter this side of the Mississippi! (Please note, I don't actually know what side of the Mississippi you are on. For all I know this job is actually on an island in the middle of the Mississippi. You're going to be acting out Tom Sawyer for tourists! I knew it!)

Here's how the hiring process should go:

1. Manager decides there is a vacancy
2. Recruiter does what it takes to bring in several qualified candidates
3. Manager and friends interview candidates
4. Decision is made
5. New person accepts fabulous offer
6. Person starts job--total time, start to finish 4-6 weeks.

Here's how it ends up going many times.

1. Manager decides that there is a vacancy.
2. Recruiter starts looking for qualified candidates.
3. Boss disagrees. "Even though Jane left, you can do the work without another headcount. I'm transferring your headcount over to Heidi's department.
4. Recruiter sets up several appointments with qualified candidates
5. Manager says, "Ummm, I may be losing the headcount, but let's interview anyway."
6. Recruiter cringes, but goes forward.
7. First interviews happen
8. Boss finds out and is livid. Massive political nightmare ensues.
9. Recruiter puts all candidates on hold
10. Department misses important deadline due to lack of staff.
11. Boss agrees that headcount is needed.
12. Recruiter calls back all the candidates
13. It's been so long that 3 of the candidates have dropped out. She starts over again.
14. Round 2 of interviews. Candidate from first round is wondering "why is this taking so long?"
15. Heidi throws a hissy fit. "You said I could have the headcount! I've started recruiting!"
16. Heidi's recruiter comes in and yells at the other recruiter. Big political nightmare ensues.
17. Candidate calls back, "How are things going? Has a decision been made?"
18. Recruiter says nicely, "We're still in a holding pattern. I'll let you know."
19. Then a hiring freeze comes from the top. "No hiring without VP approval."
20. Manager and Heidi rush to fill out paperwork to get VP approval.
21. VP is a wimp and signs both approvals, not knowing there is only one headcount.
22. It keeps going until Evil HR Lady gets a headache.

So, in short (too late), they probably aren't trying to get rid of you. They are probably trying to make up their minds and there's all sorts of stuff going on behind the scenes. Just keep looking for another job. Never place all your eggs in one basket. You may get the job and you may not. Keep looking elsewhere.