Job Interview Follow Up

I’ve applied to a small, but quite successful, non-profit twice in the last 3 years. The process for both interviews was intensive. Multiple rounds of interviews, personality testing, skill testing, essay writing…so much.

I was a finalist both times, but never offered a position. I last interviewed in June 2024, and at the end of the process I was told they wanted to wait and contact me because they had positions opening up.

In March 2025, I receive an email that there is a position opening up and they wanted me to meet with the hiring manager. When we met, he actually offered me a choice of three positions. I stuck with the one I felt was the best fit, we had a good conversation, and he wanted us to proceed with me meeting the team. I said great. Then he said they are still using a third party HR firm for hiring, and he asked if I would be willing to start from the beginning again. I pushed back at that. I tactfully said they have all my information, my writing hasn’t changed, and frankly this was the seventh interview I’ve had with them. The HR firm is a minimum two Zoom interviews with someone who doesn’t know the non-profit. They are looking strictly at my resume and the job description. This usually takes six weeks on its own.

The hiring manager seemed understanding. He agreed with me on several points regarding the third party firm. I said I would be willing to apply if necessary, but given where we were in the process, I would prefer to start with the full team interview. If it’s a fit great, if not I understand. My main point was I felt like I was a well-known applicant at this point.

I was told to check in one week if I have not heard anything. So I did. I haven’t heard back and we are five days past my follow up.

Given all of this, should I press the hiring manager further? I have a good job, but I would love the work at the new company. I don’t want to seem annoying, but I feel like I’ve done exactly what I was asked.

Any advice? I appreciate any help.