What does the approval chain mean?

[u/Caribe92]

I applied for a job with Company B through their parent company, A. Company B is now building themselves in this area, so they were using Company A’s HR.

Interview was great. My potential immediate boss liked me, then met with the higher ups, and they liked me. I was told I was one of the final two candidates. Then crickets for a couple of weeks. I made an inquiry with HR and didn’t hear back, then emailed my potential boss. He told me there were some layoffs with company A that halted things but they were proceeding with my position.

HR told me I was their top pick and has been keeping me updated for the past 6-ish weeks, telling me that my application was going up on the approval chain. So, I guess my question is, what does the approval chain entail?

My potential boss approved and his boss approved. So any further would possibly be the CEO/COO. They didn’t tell me that I got the job, so I doubt it’s drafting paperwork. So why would it take 6-8 weeks?

Also, 2 weeks ago they asked if I had a deadline, and I said that I would appreciate an update by the end of this month and the deadline is today and no reply.

I was hoping someone here has been through this or is a part of the process and can explain.

[u/the_elephant_sack]

The hiring process is often very linear. First person A has to approve and sign off and then person B, etc. If someone is out, it can stop.

You need to understand that hiring is a very low priority for most companies. And it involves HR, and nobody wants to deal with HR. So it takes a long time.