Getting played by recruiter?

So title basically - doing off cycle for a boutique firm with a decent rep. Went in a couple times and met everyone, founder said he liked me but no promises. My recruiter who, until now, has been very forthright, told me that an offer was imminent, that my asks were within range and the founder wanted me. She said to look out for a call within 24 hours basically. That was over a week ago, and now she’s ignoring me/hitting me with “they’re wrapping things up” or “they’re reviewing the details”. Am I a sucker who’s been put on ice or just impatient?

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Not necessarily getting played.

Especially at a boutique firm, the timeline cited by the recruiter could have merely been her estimate/assumption, which really doesn't mean anything to the decision-makers at the firm.

Her timeline, isn't necessarily their timeline.

Especially at some boutique firms, it might take them a moment, based on internal workload, or someone perhaps slacking/falling behind along the way.

If it's only been a week, I don't think it's necessarily a bad sign; especially off-cycle, they might be focused on other things, etc.

Give it a bit more time. Good luck. :)

Investor (30+ years); IB/RE/PE/Corp (MD level); currently, head of boutique private equity firm; principal of family office.
 

One lesson that you'll learn the hard way is that ALL recruiters (yes, 100%) are conniving snakes that serve no purpose other than spamming anyone who remotely meets any potential fit and getting an immediate paycheck from candidates who meets their employer's specific requirements. Never take any one of them seriously until you have a written offer letter from the firm. 

 

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