Can weekly follow-up calls and emails after an interview help get you the job? Is it the best way to get noticed? Short answer: Noooooooooooo!
People wonder what to do after the job interview. Of course, that’s normal. You want to take action and help yourself. But you also don’t want to hurt yourself.
On that point, I just read a comment from one of my readers:
“I still haven’t heard back from them after my job interview and they stopped answering my weekly follow up calls and emails so I just assume they don’t want me. I think that’s rude not to respond to me, but oh well. I will continue applying for more things!”
Of course, my heart goes out to her. But I almost jumped out of my skin when I read how often she was following up with both phone calls AND emails after the job interview. I get that she was just eager to know “Did I get the job?”
It’s about the overall impression
I know it’s not easy, but there’s good reason not to do what she was doing. What you do after an interview can count as much as before or during. And she was not helping by seeming so impatient and needy.
While I well understand the agony of waiting to hear back after the interview — and do love her positive attitude about moving on to look for the right job — I worry some of you, including this reader, may actually hurt yourself badly with an overly zealous approach.
Bugging a potential employer week after week, no matter how wonderful a hire you might be, is not going to get you the job. In fact, too many phone calls or emails can totally turn off the very people in the company you want to impress.
Say no to weekly follow-up calls
Sending all those emails and making all those phone calls does not help your case with the company — and in fact only irritates HR folks and other hiring managers, many of whom have inboxes full of emails all demanding immediate attention.
An occasional polite post-interview email or phone call can be a good thing. But after that, believe me … if they are interested, they’ll remember you!
Unless you have something you absolutely need to tell them or maybe a new Pulitzer Prize you just won and want them to know about … less is more is a pretty good rule to follow when it comes to contact after the interview.
And if they aren’t getting back to you — as annoying as that can be — just assume they have a good reason and do your best to focus on other things … like continuing to look for a great job!
If you are waiting to hear back, you might find some helpful hints here:
⇒ 12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview
Phone calls or email before interview?
Speaking of following up … be wary of online career “experts” who tell you to aggressively call and email, especially before an interview. I can tell you from first-hand experience it can leave a bad impression before they even meet you.
Seriously … unless you have a contact there or a very good reason to call or are in an industry where this is ok, you are probably not helping yourself one bit by calling before an interview. Even just to follow up on your resume.
When I handled hiring, I knew which resumes caught my eye. Calling never changed my mind — but calling more than once might, since it showed a person who didn’t respect my time.
Employers can get a hundred or more resumes
for just one job posting!
And they may be handling more than one job opening at a time. Just imagine if they got a hundred or more calls or emails for each and every job they post!
Of course, there are exceptions. And I will admit I once helped myself get to an interview by initiating a contact beforehand. But then again, it may have been my particular circumstance. And the type of job.
And I also might have gotten there anyway, based solely on my resume and strong cover letter. (That’s what a good cover letter is for.) So please … if you do try this, just tread gently and respectfully. And take cues from the person you contact!
Nuff said.
Waiting to hear back after a job interview?
How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well
About the author…
Ronnie Ann, founder of Work To the Wise and Work Coach Cafe, bases her real-world advice on her many years as an organizational consultant where she helped interview and hire people, added to a certificate from NYU in Career Planning & Development, as well as her many adventures as a serial job seeker.
Dear Susan,
I’m waiting for a Phone call/ email . I had first interview last Month with a Company, The second interview was last week Tuesday and presentation the same day. They did not say anything concerning getting back to me. I called the contact person yesterday, she said that, I will be contacted. That statement was confusing but am sure that I will get the job.
Kindly advice me on the next action
Best Regards
Chuks C.
At this point, the best thing for you to do is to NOT contact them for at least 1 week from you phone call to them yesterday, and 2 weeks would probably be better. You don’t want to be annoying by contacting them too often. Better to let them contact you next.
I hope you get the job, but don’t stop job hunting waiting for their call especially since they didn’t tell you when they would respond.
By continuing to job search, the worst case is that you will have two offers to consider and the employers might get into a bidding war for your services. The best case is that you’ll have made progress in getting another job.
On the other hand, if you stop job hunting and wait for their job offer, you are completely dependent on getting that offer — and it MAY not come. But, you will have lost time and momentum by waiting for it.
Keep looking, but don’t call them for at least 1 week.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Hi Everyone!!!
Could you please advice,
I had an interview in a private sector on the 3 March 2015. On the 9 March 2015 i got a call from HR requesting me to come over to take fingerprint for background check, i went there on the 10 March 2015 at 8:00 in the morning and i did it electronically. On the 11 March i got an e-mail requesting me to send them my payslip. I would like to find out if that means i am the best candidate or what? Can a company call a candidate for fingerprint and payslip after an interview if they were not interested?
Please friend assist, the waiting is killing me and i don’t know if that means i am the best candidate for the job. When can i make follow up with HR?
Hi,
I’m not sure exactly how the process works in your country, but, if this were the USA, I would assume that they are just collecting the information they collect from every candidate who has made it through the first round of interviews.
It could mean that an offer is pending, or it could mean that you’ve made it to the next step in the process. I wouldn’t count on a job offer yet.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Hi Friends!
Its been 1.5 yrs now since I landed in Canada & successfully completed 6 months working experience through a contract position offered in a freight forwarding company. I was expecting extension of contract by end of Dec’14. It was one bad news in a good one. They offered me a contract in a different role / department as they didn’t have their business expanded. With my 2 months unpaid co-op & 4 months contract which paid me a meagre, all my time & effort gained only 6 months work experience in canadian job market. With the confidence that I would be able to find a better opportunity, I declined the offer. In 1 month time after quitting & 20 jobs I applied I succeeded in getting 2 interview opportunities. One had gone out of my hand which I was lucky to get a reply within couple of days of interview. But the last interview which I attended on 28th Jan 2015 is still waited for my result. Driving me crazy with few follow ups I made & wondering why haven’t I received any response..not even an acknowledgement of receipt of my email. From the appearance of conversation I had with the interviewers I was confident that I impressed them. I was told to call the interviewer a couple of days after the date of interview. I didn’t miss to send a thank you letter as soon as I reached home after interview. I called him to check on the status on Friday 30th Jan 2015 for which i got a reply to wait for another 2 days after weekend..(which was this tuesday). Didn’t stop to follow up though was a bit embarrassing to bother him. Hence emailed this time to know the status. I should have waited or stopped following up after that one. I feel it a mistake now that I called him the next day (which is this Wednesday) as there was no reply to my email. I still remember few words of conversation we had..He was in a rush to even greet me in return but said that he was busy right then so would call me the same day afternoon. No call till now. My patience didn’t work this time so I had sent him an email to let him know I am still curious but that was only due to my interest in the position I have. This last email was against my husband’s advise & my daughter’s frank comment that it was sounding a bit rude but actually was not (to me). My intention was not to be rude but continue with my follow up until I knew my result. Can anyone here advise if my email would give my interviewer a wrong impression of me. I have copied the same below here. I am still having hope that they would contact me on a positive note. If not atleast to let me know the result so that I move on with my next. Be it positive or negative, it is just that, no response attitude holds our breathe that too with the one which we were too close.
I know I was a bit long here. Thanks for giving me space to share this with . I would like to take help of some friends here to know their thoughts & ideas on my situation.
Pasted below my last email to interviewer:
“Dear xxxr Good Morning,
Kindly refer to my follow up call I made last morning regarding the captioned position I was interviewed for
I was expecting your phone call last afternoon but looks like you are tied up with your busy schedules.
Hope you don’t mind me emailing this. I am just curious to know if I still have a chance of getting selected for the interviewed position. I will be happy if you kindly let me know on the progress of hiring process & whether I should still wait to know the result.
However be the result, I am eager to know the feedback of my performance at the interview so that I can work & improve on it.
Please excuse if any inconvenience being created by my follow up process. I wanted to let you know my interest in the position which am looking forward to work & be part of a great team.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Guys your opinion could bring down my anxiety level & cools me down.
This rings true. I was requested to wait three weeks, and send a follow up out. Wasn’t asked to call or email, I tend to jump to email for several reasons.
Sent the follow up. Got no response. I’m going bonkers trying to be patient and just wait. I know the hiring manager personally, and I don’t think I won’t get a response, but it’s a waiting game. I know there are so many variables, but I also know that I have been buried in the inbox and overlooked in the past. Can’t be guaranteed the job because the manager is fair and will choose the best fit, which makes me want to work for this company MORE than I did before (been after a position there for several years).
How long should I wait, considering a past, professional, relationship (we’ve discussed my employment and had lunches and I’ve met with higher ups prior to this interview in order to get ducks in a row), to follow up my follow up? Interested in all thoughts.
I keep wanting to give a buzz and say, “hey, pal, I just wanted to follow up with you, in case you missed my email last week” but resisting to let the company get through whatever they have to as well. It may be that I was chosen, and am being approved by a corporate shadow, who is likely on vacation because it just got pretty, and there is time this part of the year for that. (Yes LIKELY on vacation)
It may be that I wasn’t chosen, but I don’t understand the non-reply. We are not friends by any means, so I can’t pester over a round of mini-golf and some loser bought drinks (usually me, always water), but professional contacts, and ones that do get back to each other.
No reply likely means someone above is MIA? If my contact was out, there would be an OOO message coming out, which WOULD mean I got buried under work messages (not a thing that happened).
Should I get some caffeine, take a chill pill and wait, or send out another follow up? How would you send that follow up? How soon should I send the follow up (it’s been ~2 work days since) and there was a good reason to wait until recently to send, due to business cycles at my intended. So there could be lingering business still occurring preventing any thought on the matter.
Sorry, I got winded and rambled. Any who read this and send out an opinion will be appreciated, else thank you for listening.
ello guys, i have a little issue that i need your opinion on.
So, i applied to one of a great hospital in july. I got a phone call from one of the HR, saying she received my resume and she wants to set up an interview with her. on september 11( thursday) , was my first interview with her. it seems like it went great. she told me she would give me a follow up phone call within a week or two. so the next following week ( tuesday) i got a call from her saying she wants to schedule me to meet with one of the manager. my second interview was on september 22 ( monday). i met with 4 managers that day, and it felt like i did great. so on september 26, she called me telling me that they liked me a lot, and she also said that they want me on board, so she wants to proceed to the next step. she emailed me a link for my references. i finished filling out the references, and all of my 5 references got an email. the final reference that i put down completed it the next week of a wednesday october 3. so the next following week of october 9( thursday), i emailed her asking her where they are with the process and I’m just inquiring if the position was still available. she responded with ” ill be in touch this week or early next week. i knew she wouldn’t contact me that week because it was already friday. so i knew it would of been the following week. so, i know monday would of been out of the question because it was a columbus day, so i thought it would of been on tuesday since she said early next week. so today thursday october 16, i emailed her asking asking her if everything was alright with the process, and i told her if theres anything else she needs from me to let me know. so she responded back with : we have not made a final decision at this time. once the decision has been made, you will be contacted”. now i don’t understand why call me to tell me that they were pleased with me and they want to move on to the next process witch was there reference check, i thought the refenrece check was basically the process of being hired. if anyone can give me their opinion on this i would really appreciate it. i just don’t know what that means. any opinions are welcome. thank you
Hello Susan,
I welcome your input on my current job search situation and the appropriate timing for follow up.
I have had 3 interviews for a position with an organization that would be a perfect fit with my skills & background. My former employer was a firm that is a direct competitor with this prospective employer, so I bring knowledge of the business and existing client contacts to the table.
To date, I have had one interview in person and another two interviews by phone with potential colleagues who are in other locations. The three interviews were scheduled quickly (within 3 week span) and it’s now been 3 weeks since having contact from HR. During the third interview, I was told by the contact he would like to schedule a meeting with me when he visited my location after returning from 2 weeks holiday. When I called him to follow up after his return, he didn’t seem to know where the hiring process was at and said he would have to circle back with HR and the local hiring manager to confirm. This was one week ago and I also sent a follow up email to HR that day to explain this person indicated he would like to meet when in town. HR has not replied to that email, but I was planning to reach out to this individual again to see if/when he would like to schedule a meeting when in town.
It’s difficult to know who is driving the hiring decision, but I understand it’s a collaborative process. I guess I’m just wondering if no news could still be good news at this point and I should touch base again in a week or so to determine where they are at in the process.
Thanks for your time.
David
Excellent Q & A posts! I am a huge fan of LinkedIn, now this I will add to my “go to” sites!
I am, too, awaiting a final decision after three interviews for a job within higher education (known for their hours of interview sessions by many!). It’s only been a little over a week, and a major university setting, so HR is likely inundated. While I wait, and I have about a month [more] to do so, as funds/apt. lease are issues, I do just as WCC suggests: Keep applying, network, submit resumes to recruitment firms, exercise (a lot), email chums just to say “Hi.”
As I am single and no children, I can relocate for work, if need be…Regardless, we do best to keep busy and yes, allow the “blues” to happen, on occasion…I am not a fan of stuffing emotions way down, and see a pity party session as therapeutic, long as it’s on occasion, not daily!
I think Susan noted this, and I thank her…”Do not take any of this personally,” may not be verbatim, yet if we allow ourselves to feel inferior, dumb, old, fat, ill skilled and so on, we are losing the battle! I started taking an online certification course in Wellness, as I am a running fanatic and nutrition devotee. I encourage those who may be reading this to look into low cost or free education and job skills training! WorkForce One is fantastic, mega seminars and a great networking tool!
Thanks again, love this site!
Thank you for the kind words, and great point about the free online education resources available, Georgia!
Even universities like MIT have been part of the free online learning world for many years. Wow! Learning is not something we finish when we graduate from high school or college. If we’re smart, we keep adding skills and learning more, particularly when we are unemployed.
Hope these interviews result in a job offer for you, Georgia!
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Hello Susan,
I had an interview three weeks ago at a firm, in which I thought I had nailed it. The firm recently merged with another one across the country, which now handles the HR department. I was supposed to hear back the following Monday from them. I did not hear from them, so on Tuesday, I followed up with an email. I got a immediate response saying “that I am there top candidate and they’re working with HR to determine how the hiring process is now handled under the new firm.” It has been a week and two days. Should I follow up with a phone call or how long should I wait? I would greatly appreciate any advice that you could give me. Thank you!
Hi BC,
I would give them a couple of weeks to get this cleared up. Handling cross-country communications shouldn’t be that hard these days, but with an organizational merger, lines of communication and responsibility can become confused.
Give them a call next week to see how things are going. Ask about the process, the next step in the process, and the time frames for things happening. Undoubtedly, the time frames will be too optimistic, but it will give you an idea of what they think the timing will be.
Then, keep looking for a job.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Dear Susan
Thank you for your web-site and the helpful information you provide. Over a month and 1/2 ago I had a powerful third interview and was sure I got the job. My references were contacted and a background screening was done. I was then told my next step was a health screen, which was done with good results. I was given a personality test which appeared to come out well. The process was moving forward as far as I could tell.
I got a call with a statement from an assistant “we are offering you the job” a salary was mentioned.. I was told that my start date would be around the beginning of the next month. I was told to go ahead and give my two weeks notice. I did so and now have no funds coming in. Despite repeated calls to HR I’m not being given an official start date and time and the first of the month is now only next week.
I’m in a position now of having no money coming in, I still have no clear work start date, the HR department doesn’t return my calls and I have nothing in writing. When I called last Friday to follow up on a start date, I was told by HR I will call you back in few minutes. It is now 3 days later and there is no return phone call. I’m starting to worry that the “job offer” I thought I got perhaps is not actually going to happen.
The companies I previously worked in had a 24 hour return call policy. It alarms me that I might be going to work for an agency that has so far failed to remotely keep any of its promises “we will call you by such and such a time”. In fact every promised call has resulted in me waiting several days or weeks and calling myself to try to find out what is happening.
If the company has a hang up with budgeting or personnel paperwork or something it seems it might be both professional and kind to share that information rather than keep someone on tender hooks day after day. In addition if a staff person states they are going to call you back in a few minutes and you still haven’t heard in days, I find it unprofessional. If I wasn’t so desperate for work right now I would call and tell them I was no longer interested in the job.
I am disheartened about what sort of people I may have signed on to work for. Is this an over reaction?
I do not want to bombard them with calls, and am trying to keep it to a minimum. I cannot quite celebrate getting a job because I’m confused about their inability to let me know if and when I’m supposed to show up to the office. I’m unsure if I should start putting out resumes again.
Thanks
Hi Katie,
I’m so sorry this happened to you! This is why you always need to get the job offer in writing before you turn in your notice, as I’m sure you know now.
Do you have ANY thing in an email from them about the job offer, even an off-hand seeming reference (“When you start…”)? Save everything you have from them, and then print them out.
These people owe you BIG TIME! But, that may be very hard to prove.
Once you have all of your documentation ready, including (hopefully) the date, time, and name of the person who told you to quit your job, go to their offices and ask them when you start your new job. You quit your other job, as instructed, and you need to start the new job ASAP.
If you get no where with them, I would contact your local state Attorney General or your local department of labor, assuming you are in the USA, to see what your options are and to see what help you can get from the government.
If you can, you might want to see if you can get your old job back. Perhaps a slim possibility, but better than starting your job search from scratch.
Good luck with this! I will keep my fingers crossed for you!
Susan
I stumbled upon this site and I think it’s absolutely great that people share their stories and people are respondent and actually quite helpful. I feel like I should get in on this…
I’ve had 7 interviews with a company. My last one was a phone interview with their HR dept. out of state. That was two weeks ago, and they told me that I would have a response by the following Friday. That date has passed and it is now Tuesday. I sent a follow up email yesterday and have yet to hear back. What would be appropriate next? I really want to call, but I don’t know how long i should wait. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
Hi LC,
So many things can mess up deadlines on the employer’s side of the process. I’d wait until next week – Tuesdays are usually better than Mondays – to reach out and see what is going on.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
HI,
I know I am asking same thing which previously asked below. Nevertheless, If it is possible I would like to get some answer/tips specifically to my situation.
I have been interviewed 3 times in one company and it seems everything went well, There hasn’t been opened any position. At the end recruiter told me that I am suitable for the company but first in order to hire me they need to find a task. I did sent them follow up email after 2 weeks and I got response saying there is no updates yet and they will let me know if there are any.
Now, it’s been another 3 weeks I didn’t hear anything from them, So I wonder if should I send another follow up email.
Thank you very much.
Hi there,
I had a phone interview on May 6th– everything went reasonably well and I was told their timeline for selecting candidates for the next interview round was “a few weeks.” Sent my thank-you notes within a day and decided to send an e-mail follow-up two weeks later (which was two days ago).
I wasn’t sure who to send the follow-up to, so I sent it to the two people who interviewed me, and also cc’ed the recruiter and the person who scheduled my interview. So far (two days later), have not gotten a response from anyone replying to my follow-up.
However, strangely enough, after I sent the follow-up, one of my interviewers did respond yesterday to my initial thank-you note, acknowledging my thanks, but made no mention of my follow-up or the status of the position. But it was weird that it was in response to the thank-you note that I had sent two weeks ago, but not to the follow-up email I sent two days ago.
My questions:
1) If I don’t hear back, is it okay to follow-up again? But with who? The interviewers, recruiter, or person who scheduled the interview?
2) Because one of my interviewers has now responded to my thank-you note, would it be prudent to subtly ask him directly about the status of the position? Or is that considered being a pest and a big no-no?
Thanks!
Hi Sherwin,
Sounds like you are making progress. A “few weeks” could translate into several months, or perhaps they are trying not to give themselves a deadline they know they won’t reach.
Answers:
1) I would follow-up again two weeks after your last follow-up, and I would follow-up the way that you did the last time, perhaps omitting the person who did the original scheduling.
2) I would PERHAPS reach out to the interviewer who finally responded to your thank you if you don’t get a response to your next follow-up. That person could be an ally (possibly) or possibly just more polite than the others on the distribution list for your message.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Thanks for the reply, Susan!
I did end up reaching out to the interviewer, who unfortunately had no knowledge of the hiring status. After that, I contacted the recruiter directly, who promptly responded and let me know that the hiring lead was in the midst of making an offer to an internal candidate. Bah, the perils of competing with internal candidates!
It wasn’t the outcome I wanted, but this lets me move on. Thanks for the advice!
You’re welcome, Sherman! Wish it had worked out better for you. It is very difficult to beat an internal candidate, unfortunately.
Food for thought: IF you are still interested in working for them, Send an email to the recruiter thanking the recruiter for referring you to this opportunity, and reiterating your interest in working for this employer – or for other similar employers if the recruiter is external rather than internal.
A thank-you-for-not-hiring-me note is unusual enough to stand out, and it could put you in the lead for “next time” or in the event this internal hire does not work out.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Hi, I had a telephonic interview on March 29, 2013. My interviewer was very impressed and told me that they would be interested in meeting in person for further interviews. He said HR will be contacting me soon but its almost been a month and nobody has contacted me till yet. I sent a follow up letter last week but no reply has come from them.
Pls advise what i should do?
Thanks,
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I think it is appropriate for you to reach out again, this time via telephone. Politely tell them of the job you interviewed for (by job title plus any other identifier you have like requisition number), the person who you spoke with, and the date of the interview. Tell them you are still interested in the position, and then, ask for the status of the job, and the next step in their process.
Meanwhile, be sure to keep looking for a job. Don’t wait for the resolution on this one because it could take a while, or they could hire someone else, and you don’t want to waste time.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
I have give 2 round of interviews, the recruiter was satisfied by my responses and for giving an offer they required my documentations and in the mean while they posted my status as pending. I have already provided all the documents and its been 10 days since. I have not received any more response from them. Should I call or send an email. what should I ask……Thanks!
I had a total of 4 interviews at one company for a particular position, after each interview I sent a follow-up interview. Last Thursday, I did the behavioral assessment and sent them my references. I haven’t heard anything yet. Should I send a follow-up letter and if so, what do I say? Thanks!
Hi LJ,
If you haven’t sent your thank you notes, I would do so immediately. Don’t try to contact the employer again for at least a week after your last contact with them (the behavioral assessment).
Touch base with your references to see if they have been contacted – or to warn them they might be contacted if you haven’t already told them about this opportunity. If they haven’t been contacted, then that’s a sign that there are more steps in this process and more time will be needed (so be patient!). If they have been contacted, that’s a very good sign, but you still need to back off. Contacting them too soon is a very bad idea.
You are probably not the only candidate to go through this process, unfortunately, and they won’t be making any decisions on the next step until they have interviewed everyone and given the assessment test to everyone necessary. So, chill for at least a week!
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
I had an interview for a position Feb 16th, where they seemed interested in hiring me. They told me to definitely follow up giving me an email and phone number, and that they would contact me shortly. I sent a thank you note within 24 hours and a Follow Up email within 2 weeks. I have still heard no response and it’s almost another 2 weeks. Should I do a phone call this time?
Katelynn,
I think you could certainly follow up again but I don’t know that it will speed up the hiring process or get you the job. Check the website to make sure the job is still posted, then either follow-up again – or wait to hear back but follow up for other positions, too. If you receive another offer, tell them that — very few things motivate another employer to act like another offer…
All the Best,
Chandlee
Bill, you should never bring up money first. But, you should be doing your homework about what a position like that should pay and go from there based on your experience. Say if its an Associate Director’s job–you should be researching what they are paid in that industry for your area. Once you bring up money you lose. If they bring it up–they lose. Because most HR folks know that you know what the job pays. If you ask, then you didn’t do your homework. My daughter had an interview coach and she is still waiting after an email two weeks ago saying they remain interested. They even called her reference only one that we know of so far. But, no movement since then, no email, no phone call. I think after interviews you have to forget them and keep it moving–keep applying for other jobs. I know you feel like you’re being bull-sh999ed. Guess how many resumes Golden Saks gets a year? They get 70,000 resumes a year.
I was recently interviewed in person, after two telephone interviews, for a job I applied for last month. The interviewer seemed very interested in me and even came in to work on a Saturday (her idea) to speak to me. The interview went very well, she even introduced me to staff that I would potentially be working with and even showed me where my desk would be. After the interview she said it could take 2 weeks to hear back b/c they did have 2 other applicants that had scheduled interviews. At this time she handed me her cell phone number on a piece of paper and told me to call at the end of the following week to check in with her on the status or any time I had any further questions. I waited until Friday afternoon and called. She said that she was still waiting for an answer from the department head, but that she would get back to me by Monday afternoon at the latest. I didn’t hear back so I called and checked in with her on Tuesday. She was super nice on the phone and was overly appologetic for not gettting back to me. During our conversation she said that I was the best candidate for the position and had every quality they were looking for in an employee and that overall she generally like talking to me in the interview and thought I would be a great part of their team. She ended the call saying she would check in with the head of the dept and see where they were in the process and get back to me no later then Wednesday afternoon. After a full week I again didn’t hear back so I called to check in. There was quite a bit of noise and talking in the background and when I said who I was she was instantly appologetic again, and kept saying she was sorry she hadn’t got back to me and that things had been really crazy. She ended the call saying that she would call me back in 30 minutes when she was back in her office. I again have heard nothing and it has been 5 days. What steps should I take at this point, if any? I have not recieved anything by mail or email stating that I didn’t get the job either, which is usually common protocol especially with large companies like this one. I am confused on what to do b/c if I didn’t get the job, in any 3 phone calls, she could have told me that. Also, why say all the nice compliments, like I’m the best for the job, if you have no intentions of hiring me?
You have to ask yourself at some point, if you haven’t already… do I want to work for someone who can’t show the slightest bit of consideration by calling me back weeks after I take the time to interview? Don’t give me the they are waiting to hear back from HR excuse either. Either the job exists and is budgeted for or it doesn’t.
Job seekers just want the truth. Either hire us or don’t and move on but be up front about it.
This is coming from someone who has just had his third interview (fourth of you consider the introductory phone screen) for a job. I still don’t even know what the salary is. (I asked was told they are deliberatly keeping it hidden until an offer is extended.) I’m guessing it will be offered to me this week but I am not sure I’ll take it as the salary may be too low for me to leave my current job.
Bill,
Thanks for providing your support to Heidi. Good luck with your own career and let us know how we can be helpful to you.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Heidi,
I would advise you not to take this personally — hiring is often a decision among HR and at least one hiring manager and senior officer at a company. As such it takes time. Give them time and breathing room — and look for other opportunities as you wait to hear back. As a former recruiter, I can tell you with confidence that it’s quite likely that the person who talked to you does like you — people seldom say those things if they didn’t mean them. It’s just also quite likely they don’t have complete control, either.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Chandlee,
I’m seeking your advice on my situation. I interviewed with a company last Thursday (2.28). I perceived the interview went well. I sat with the person who would be my boss for about an hour and discussed my credentials and what the organizations needs from the position. The interviewer told me he was looking to make a decision early this week as he needed to move fast. I sure felt I was the person he is looking for.
I sent a thank you email the same day, a couple hours after the interview. I also sent a follow up email on Tuesday (4 days after interview) re-expressing my interest, as he said he was looking to make a decision early in the week. I still have not heard back from anyone. Granted it’s only been a week since the interview but it was expressed to me I would likely hear back by now. When will it be appropriate to place a phone call to the interviewer asking where they stand?
Daniel,
Given that you’ve followed up twice now, I’d sit tight for another week or so before I’d follow up again. You don’t want to look desperate. Based on my experience as a recruiter, I’d also say that hiring almost always takes longer than you expect it would. Even if the manager wants to wrap it up, he still needs to get internal approval. Sit tight, and good luck — but always keep your eye open at other opportunities as you wait to hear back.
Good luck,
Chandlee
I was called for a job I had applied online for about a month after applying. Had a real good conversation with the hiring manager and after checking our respective schedules (I am presently employed) we found a date later that week that worked for both of us; we met for an hour and had a real good conversation.
Called me back for a second interview and I met with one of his team members. Had another good conversation. Nearly two weeks passed and nothing. I called yesterday and he thanked me for following up, asked how my conversation went with his team member and after I said it went well he said he would like to bring me in again and would get back to me after he checked his schedule. That was two days ago.
Am I being impatient? After a phone screening and two interviews, I’m not sure what he wants to get out of a third… it;s a mid sized company. HR wasn’t present in either conversation and he made no mention that they would be present in the third; just the same two people I had just met with again.
Daniel,
In today’s New York Times there’s an article that says this is not unusual — at all! Many companies are doing more interviews — and taking longer to make up their mind.
Hang in there, and keep us posted in the interim.
All the very best,
Chandlee
Bill,
I hope you’ve heard back by now. If you want to check on your status, verify that the job description is still posted online and/or follow-up directly with the company.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Andrea,
Here at Work Coach Cafe, we certainly have no way of knowing if you are to be extended the interview or not. What we can tell you is that you can certainly follow-up — but that in and of itself is not likely to help you get the job.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I had a phone interview for a position I really want at the beginning of january and then at the end of january I had the final round of 4 interview in their HQ. I performed very well and they semt to really like me.
I had my cv passed by a friend to the company so I interviewed pretty early in the process. they told me that they still did not open the position so I should wait one month for them to get back to me because they needed to give chances also to internal recruitment.
In addition the hiring manager was going on vacation 2 weeks the day after my interview.
I sent a thanks note the day after, an handwritten letter arriving few days later and a nice article as follow up on feb 18th.
Now it is almost 4 weeks and I am scared they could have forgotten me.
I would like to follow up again but I dont know what is the best way…if just a polite mail about the status of my application or call them (I never did before).
Thanks a lot
Mark
Mark,
Probably not a bad idea to write the hiring manager, say you hope they had a great vacation and that you remain interested in the position.
Good luck to you,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I interviewed on Feb. 6th with individuals from a company who seemed very interested in me as a candidate. They contacted me two hours after the first interview to have me come back and meet with the VP for a second interview. That seemed to go well also (but was much shorter than I anticipated, I wasn’t sure if that was a good sign or a bad sign), and she even asked if I would be interested in a higher up position than what I was interviewing for. Afterwards, I mailed handwritten thank you notes to all the people I met with. The VP told me they would be making a decision by mid-week the following week (somewhere around the 13th). The following Monday (Feb. 18th), due to a recommendation I received from a friend of mine who is a scientific recruiter, I sent a follow-up email to the office secretary, as that had been the only person I had contact with via email – she set up all of the appointments. In addition, I was unsure which of the people I met with would be the best to follow up with, so I figured she would forward it along to appropriate person. I know it has not been much time, but would it be worth a follow-up phone call to the VP? I don’t want to bother her as she has more important things to deal with, but I don’t have anybody’s email and I don’t know if my email was accidentally brushed aside by the secretary and forgotten about. If you think I should follow-up with one of the first couple of interviewers instead, how do I know which one to contact? Thanks for your help!
Jessica,
There are several easy ways to follow up here.
Try getting in touch with one or two of the first interviewers — possibly via email. A good way to find email addresses is to
As it’s been a while, it’s possible you’ll hear that the job is on hold or filled — so I’d also recommend continuing your search in the interim.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi I had a interview friday with four different supervisors of a company. During the interview they ask my questions like do I like sports or what are some of my favorite hobbies. During the interview they discussed the salary and benefits. Also told me that the position would start at the beginning of april, I would have enough time to give my two weeks notice at my current job, and that,my application will be sent to higher authority and then brought back down to them. I told them that I had good memory because they ask me references and I knew them by heart, after that one of the supervisors responded with youll need it because we often forget things and we will need you to remind us. Also was told that I would be on probation for 5 months then I will recieve 5% raise, the position is for an OSA at probation and parole office if you wondering why they used the word ptobation was used. then at the end I was told they will let me know either way..What do you think about this..I still dont know. Need feedback..
Megan,
I’d recommend staying optimistic — yet continuing to look at other opportunities at the same time. Interviews tend to focus on what it would be like the job and companies typically don’t make offers until all interviews are finished.
Good luck and keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Chandlee,
Thank you for your advice. I’ll be sure to do that.
Hi Chandlee,
My story is quite a bit long, but I can’t find a similar situation as I have over the net.
I did an interview on Jan 10th. The company president was the interviewer. During the interview, the president reviewed my resume and asked me few questions and said that department “A” has a suitable position for me, then he called up the department A supervisor to join the interview. They discussed what I needed to do and asked me how much I wanted to get pay. Once we both agreed the salary, then I told them I can start working from Feb 10th. The president wrote down a brief offer and position title and forwarded it to the service support manager, then he asked me to process the pre-employment works first. I hand-shaked with the president, and he responded me, ” Welcome on board!” I leave the room and the receptionist took care the rest.
The receptionist asked my ID and the license for the position to make copy, then she handed me the direction to take the drug test. She asked me go immediately for the drug test, and told me that she will get me back couple days later once the result is there. She didn’t ask me to sign anything. Then I leave the office and drove to the drug test center and got it done. I sent a Thank You email to the president right after the drug test.
There was no call after couple days later, I just let it go and waited until middle of next week. I called the service support, and the lady, I believed is the service support manager said that she got no result yet, and will get me back once it arrive. I believed and for sure I will passed the drug test, and there was no MRO call me neither, so I assumed I passed. Since then, I didn’t follow up neither email nor call because my friend told me that it could take some times.
I waited until the Feb arrived and emailed to the president about my interest in the job and remind him I can start working for them on Feb 10th. Surprisly, I received his call within an hour, and said he will forward this email to the service support manager, and will set up the process for me then will get me back. I was so happy and excited that he called me back. However, two weeks after that call and has been approached Feb 10th, still no call from them. So I this time made a phone call to the president on Feb 13th and told him that my interest once again, then he responded me that he will talk to the service support manager about this tomorrow and told me the same old “will get you back.”
Today, Feb 20th, still no call from them. I have already start applying for new opportunities. Nevertheless, that company is the perfect company that I would love to start with. Chandlee, would you give me some suggestions? Should I call back again? When should I do? What should I tell/ask them this time?
Sorry for the long story. Thank you for the reading and respond, and good luck for everyone.
Wilson
Hi Wilson,
Oh how frustrating. I wish I could tell you that this was the first time that I have heard a story like this, but I can’t. I don’t know that there’s anything you can do beyond going ahead and applying for other positions as you wait to hear back from them. Unfortunately, there are often many kinks in hiring processes that take a while to sort through. This may be the case in what you’ve experienced.
You can follow up again, but given that you’ve already done so twice — I’d recommend you wait a bit to do this. You don’t want to look desperate.
If they completely fail to follow-up, I may view it as a bullet dodged. If that has been your experience so far, you may have other areas of frustration later if you do work for them.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I had an interview on January 18, 2013 that I believe went very well. I sent a thank you email within several hours of leaving the office, as well as a handwritten note the following week. At the end of the interview, I was told that they would be interviewing candidates up until the end of the month, and that I should hear back shortly after that. When I had not heard anything by February 7th, I sent a quick follow-up email letting them know of my continued interest and asking if there was any update on the position. The hiring manager got back to me within hours, and informed me that they were almost done with the first round of interviews and that they would connect back with me in the next few days. It was been two weeks since our last contact, and I have still not heard anything. Is it appropriate to send another follow-up email? I have been told by several employees that the company is very slow-moving in terms of hiring, and sometimes forgetful in following up as promised. Thanks for your help, I very much appreciate it!
Bailey,
If you haven’t heard back by mid-week, follow-up again nicely by phone. But make sure you are also applying to other positions in the meantime as well. Often hiring decisions are beyond your control inside the company — it’s good to have as many options as possible.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I applied for a position with an extremely fast-growing organization and had a phone interview on January 9th. Upon completion of the interview, the recruiter told me he was not going to recommend me for the original position to which I applied. However, he felt I might be a good match for a couple of other positions he would be recruiting for in the future. I checked the company website regularly for postings and saw one of the positions listed. I applied via their website, and then sent him an email on January 18th notifying him of my application and sending an updated resume. I received a reply January 22nd thanking me for my message and informing me he would be tied up the rest of the week with a company-wide conference. He also said he would share my message with the hiring manager but likely not until the following week due to the company event. Having not heard anything, I sent a follow-up email on February 5th – still no response. I am debating whether or not to send another quick note or continue to wait. I know the company is inundated with applications on a daily basis. I want to come across as interested and engaged, but definitely not annoying. Would it be appropriate to follow-up again?
Thank you!
Autumne,
I think you’ve done all that you can do with this particular contact. Does the company have a Twitter presence? If yes, I encourage you to follow them on Twitter, and send an @reply (similar to a postcard) saying something nice about the company and showing your continued interest in learning about opportunities there. Over 54% of recruiters use Twitter to recruit — and since your message will be public, there’s a decent chance that they will reply to you and follow you back.
You can then take it from there.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hello Chandlee, I applied online for a position (Job A) in early October while employed. I did not hear back and subsequently accepted another offer and began work in early December. Job A called for a phone interview in late December & said they had received 200 apps. It took them 2+ months to narrow it to 12 for a phone interview.
They requested a portfolio, which I sent in mid-January. They flew me out for an on-site interview in early February & said there were 3 other candidates, but they may be hiring for 2 positions. I had a panel interview with the division director, the team manager, and a team member (I think it went well, but it’s hard for me to tell these things), followed by lunch with the group and a VP. Again, seemed to go well.
They have proceeded with the reference check and employment/education verification. I’m somewhat concerned that they asked each reference for a secondary reference, and one reference provided as a secondary someone I worked with for 6 months … 22 years ago! I hope this is not held against me if they cannot contact him or if he finds the request for a reference somewhat bizarre.
I received an email from the hiring manager last Monday, Feb. 11, saying that candidates should expect to hear by the end of the week what their job status is. I have yet to hear anything. Should I be concerned that — after all that — I finished out of the running for Job A?
Thank you for your thoughts.
I would not consider yourself out of the running yet. By my calculations, they are only a few days late at best. If you want, follow up, let them know of your continued interest, and offer to provide additional information should they have need of it.
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee
Chandlee, that you for the advice. Job A may have had President’s Day as a holiday (my current job does not). I did send a followup document that I had mentioned during my onsite interview, and the hiring manager sent me a friendly reply thanking me. Hope lives on!
Best, Serena
Good evening,
I had a phone interview with three hiring officials (two in the location of the job itself, and one higher-up in another state) a little over three weeks ago, and didn’t feel that it went so well ( it was my first interview, and the conference call format felt unnatural). However, the next week my references were contacted one by one, and I even emailed back and forth with the main hiring official regarding his difficulty in contacting one of my references (this was a week and a day following the interview). Twelve days post-interview, I received a call from the main hiring official informing me that it was taking a bit longer than they had thought, and asking me for a possible start date. That question came ten days ago, and even though I sent a polite email inquiring into the status of the position three days ago, I have heard nothing. I would love to hear your opinion on the situation, and I appreciate having a place to vent about the frustration this delay is causing.
Thank you,
Aaron
Aaron,
I recommend you call the official you spoke with towards the end of next week. Don’t leave a voicemail if you want a direct and immediate response. I would not rule out the position yet, but I’d also keep looking.
Good luck,
Chandlee
I will be sure to do that, Chandlee . Thanks for the advice!
Aaron
I had a phone interview last Tuesday. It went well Director told me out of 75+ candidates that they had got down to a handful. He didn’t have any question for me during interview only wanted to hear the questions I had. Explained everything I would be doing and used “you would” a bunch. At the end of interview I was told they could no something by the end of the week but It also could be a long process. He ended with I will be talking with you soon. I sent a thank you email the following day. It has been a week and a day and I haven’t heard anything. Should I send a follow up email?
Hi Jeff,
I’d wait a few more days, maybe 2 weeks since your last contact before reaching out again. It could be the “long process” is what is happening, so don’t bug them.
And keep looking elsewhere for a job!
Good luck!
Susan
Jeff,
You could certainly follow up soon to let them know of your continued interest in the position, but it’s rare that an employer will speed up the hiring process based on the follow-up alone.
I’d recommend looking at other jobs in the interim as you wait to hear back.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Good Morning,
On January 4th I had an interview with the person who would be my boss and the CFO.
The interview went over 2 hours long and the following Monday I received an email to
to schedule a time to meet with other members of the team. On January 10th I had the second
interview and the hiring manager said they will contact me next week. On January 17th I sent the hiring
manager an email inquiring about the job and she replied within 5 mins. She thanked me for my
patience, said they are tying up loose ends and had several meetings last week. She also said they
will contact me soon.
Does it sound like I have the job- what should I do ?
Confused/ Jennifer
Hi Chandlee,
I got a SECOND interview for a senior management position on January 9th, and the same week they sent me a personality test that I completed and sent back. Of course after that 2nd interview I had sent them a thank you email.
Late last week (Friday January 18th) I called HR to follow up. And the HR Manager told me that I was in the final selection with another candidate which is very good news. Additionally he told me that he would enquire that same day with the hiring manager. However I still have not heard anything.
Should I send the hiring manager today (ie we are now 10 business days after the second interview) a follow-up email to enquire and reconfirm my interest for the position, or should I wait till next week?
What would be your advice?
Thank you.
Pascal
Pascal,
I’d recommend calling the hiring manager directly and not using email. If you want a direct response, reach out directly — hopefully you will get the answer you are looking for.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Pascal,
I’d wait until at least Wednesday or Thursday to follow-up — and keep looking in the interim. You are unlikely to get them to speed up there decision making process on the basis of your work and I’d recommend working to avoid looking desperate if possible.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I have a bit of a different situation in that I was interviewing for a legal internship for the Summer. The application period for Summer positions begins extremely early as you can tell. I interviewed with my dream organization on December 13th. The interviewer told me that they’d let me know hopefully by the end of the year. She also said to email her if I had other offers and needed to know sooner. I waited it out and didnt hear a thing. I had another interview this week for a job I’m not as into. I emailed the interviewer and asked if I was still being considered and if there was any more info she needed. I told her I’d been talking with other orgs but that this was still my first choice. I haven’t heard anything and now it’s the weekend so I’m worried my email will be forgotten. I’m
not sure what to do and whether I should follow up again. I may need to let the other organization know next week whether I accept their offer. Lawyers are busy people and since the Summer is so far off she likely isn’t too much of a rush- that or I didn’t get the job. I don’t want to be a pest, but i also don’t want to miss out on another opportunity if I don’t get this job. At the same time, I’d hate to accept a different position and then find out I got this job and have to rescind my acceptance.
Suzanne,
When you get an actual job offer — not an interview — call (don’t email) the company back and let them know of your continued interest in the job and of your pending offer. Make it clear when you need to provide a decision.
Good luck,
Chandlee
I had an interview on Dec. 21st which went very well and I sent a follow up email afterwards. At that time I was told that if I was selected for the second round of interviews that I would be sent a personality profile to complete, which I received on the 26th. I still haven’t received a call/email with a date and time for the second interview. Since this all took place around the holidays, should I send another follow up email letting them know that I am still interested in the position or should I just wait?
Thanks,
Melissa
Melissa,
I recommend waiting a week then following up again. In the interim, keep applying for other positions.
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee
I went in for a job interview and spent an our and forty minutes in the interview. I was told that I was the “perfect” candidate and that he was everything he was looking for and wasn’t sure he would find! I got the feeling no one else responded, but I am not 100% sure of that. I felt the interview went well, and told me that he would like to get together the following week to meet with him and the owner of the company. When it came to compensation, I told him what i was looking for and he asked that I send him different compensation scenarios (basically they want to give some sort of weekly salary, but they also want you to help sell their services and from that you can get a percentage, but that is risky as you don’t know how many people will sign up). I sent him four different options, but also indicating I was very flexible. He also wanted to know the types of services I could create, a brief description of each, and the dates and times I would offer them through their business. He asked I send it all to him that weekend and I did. Well, a day after I sent everything I saw that the job had been posted again on a job site. I received no response to my first email with all of the information and documents he wanted so after a couple days I sent him a follow-up email just to make sure he received everything and for when he wanted to schedule that meeting, if he was still interested.
Absolutely no response. Even a quick acknowledgement saying that he received everything, but needed time to review everything would have been suffice but still as of today, nothing.
This has been very disheartening and honestly, I don’t care how busy everyone is, these employers are forgetting common courtesy! Don’t get our hopes up when jobs are few and far between, asking us to jump through hoops to give you the information you want, but then leave us hanging afterwards. He could have easily sent a quick email, rather than call as it is easier to hide behind email, but to not to respond at all?
I know people get a lot of emails, but when people respond to an ad, as an employer you need to respond. Period. It is the right thing to do, but nowadays people don’t seem to be that interested in doing that anymore.
Jenny,
I understand. I had interview back Nov sent a thank you email next day, follow up email two weeks after that and a phone call to the person who interview me told me they were still.interviewing people for the postion. Now the has been fill. I agree with you about what you said about not about a quick responds. They said they would noifty when they made a choice either way after I call them and nothing.
Good Luck,
Josh
Oh Jenny,
I am so sorry to hear of your experience. It is the holiday season and often people do spend more time out of the office at the end of the year.
I would not give up hope until after the new year. Often hiring takes time — there are sign-offs that need to be given inside a company as well as other business on the desk.
Hang in there, enjoy the holidays and keep up your search. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable that the company you sign on with is one that you like and will enjoy working with.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I recently read a pretty good book by Donald Asher, called Cracking the Hidden Job Market. He recommends you occupy your future employer’s mental space every week to ten days after an interview. He suggests sending rotating media: send an email one week, send a postcard or letter the following week, leave a voicemail message the third week, then start all over again.
His reasoning is that most candidates self-select out of the process before the employer dings them and that staying alive is critical to getting job offers.
Wondering why you disagree?
Best,
Jim
Hi Jim,
Donald Asher is a very respected and smart guy. I think the key to regular follow-up — if you choose to do it — is to do it in such a way that you look engaged rather than desperate. If, for example, you can find a newspaper article that relates to the company or something that was discussed — that adds value to the employer potentially…If on the other hand, you simply say “did you make your decision yet” every week — that doesn’t reflect as positively on your candidacy (in my humble opinion).
Good luck and keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I’m waiting too. Interview was on 11/27, thank you email sent 11/29. At the end of the interview she said it’ll be 2-3 weeks for them to see other candidates (I was the first). So I’m eager waiting, will follow up for the first time on 12/10. Good luck everyone!
Thanks for weighing in Peggy — and good luck to you, too.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I had a job interview. Nov 14, 2012 the interview went fine and I sent a thank you email the day after the interview. A followup email Monday of this week still have not heard anything from them. Should I follow up again with another email or a phone call at a later time, or just wait see if I hear back from them?
I’m in the same position, Josh. I’m just waiting it out wondering what to do. I guess in the meantime, the hunt continues! Good luck!
Good luck
Josh,
As hard as it is, I’d recommend waiting over following up again now. Keep an eye out for other opportunities as you wait to hear back — you never know what will happen.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hello,
I had an interview at a company on Friday November 23rd. It was probably the best interview I ever had, sent a thank you letter that same day. Gut feeling is that they loved it as well. I was told at the end of the interview to give it about a week, and also that they were still in the interview process. I left a voice message this past Monday, found out the recruiter was sick that day (from the secretary). I havent received a response and I see that the job is still up on their website and it is a site which is updated frequently. I also noticed that the process has been quite slow..for example the phone interview to actual interview was a full week between. The recruiter also mentioned in person that she was a very patient person (this was in regards to a completely different question during the interview).
.
Is it normal for HR people to not return your follow up on a voicemail even if you are in contention? Can there just be a normal delay..or am I being delusional. I’m still applying for other positions that interest me.
Dee,
It’s completely normal for employers and recruiters to delay following up with candidates until they have made a decision, especially since they often have more than your search going on at one time. Hang in there, be patient and it’s great that you are continuing to keep up your search.
All the very best,
Chandlee
Hi, I just had intoductory interview last Tuesady week and it went well. I know the chances for me to getting the job is pretty positive and I am really interest in the position and company. The reasons are because of my skills and experiences related to the position that I was interviewed for…I was told the higher boss would be in town the following week (after Thanksgiving) and the I would getr a phone call to set up the actual interview. But I have have not heard from the hiring manager and it has been a full week…Do you think I should send an email to reiterate my strong interest to work with the company. Is a phone call better or an email? Please help me and thanks in advance.
Laura,
If you haven’t sent a thank you note yet, do that. Send an email but make sure that you proofread it well…
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee, I had emailed you before for another job interview months ago and you gave excellent advice! Obviously I did not get hired but have been interviewing more since I implemented a targeted job search (rather than random). Currently, I interviewed for a Sales position in the Travel/Hospitality Industry which I have been trying to transition into. It is not exactly my dream job but it is a close runner up. I initially did not look for Sales positions but internal office jobs that require Planning/Travel skills. Anyway, I had a phone interview with one of the Co-founders on 11/12/12 (there are 3 Co-founders , all from New Zealand but do not actually work on the premises. Been in business since 2003 in NZ but only in L.A. since 2009 and successful).
He arranged for a face-to-face interview on 11/14 with the CEO who does work on the premises. That interview went very well and I was told I would be contacted after the Thanksgiving holidays. Then on 11/20, another Co-founder interviewed me on the phone as he was in NZ for the holidays. I think that interview went well..he told me I was on the short list and it was a very skill based Q & A interview as I know he was trying to see if I could do the job(s)…there are a few hats to wear in this position, not just Sales. He ended it by saying I will be contacted after the Holidays.
It is now Wed. 11/28 and I am thinking of emailing a follow-up letter to the CEO who I’d be working with…or maybe to the 2 Co-founders. I am half-expecting the 3rd Co-founder to call me..but I have a sinking feeling that I have not been selected. The CEO did mention that my competition are all males and there are at least 3 of them. I have mixed feelings because I have been networking with other hiring managers whose companies are closer to my ideal, dream job. I even went on another interview yesterday for a temporary position and even that company is closer to what I want.
Please advise on what you think I should do at this point. Thank you!
Hi There-
Prior to the spring, I had been at my previous job for 13 years. Several management entities have come and gone, but I always weathered through it. I got an offer this spring from a friend/associate from a long time ago for an opportunity I wasn’t even looking for, but was too good to pass up. The job had many challenges but I overcame all of them and excelled. For financial reasons (like not being able to afford me anymore)I was let go. This 4 month job is on my resume, m ainly because I do have acheivements while I was there. I had a phone interview Monday for a position I really want. I have the experience and would be a perfect fit. I can blame the ecomomy but I am wondering if this 4 month “stint” is hurting my chances with potential employers?? When asked, I tell the truth but problem is the “friend/associate” is no longer there either for a reference..any suggestions here?I did send a Thank you and am awaiting a call for a personal interview. Thanks for your help!
Hi, I just had one interview last week and it didn’t went well. I know the chances for me to get the job are slim but I really interest in the position and company. The reasons are my lack of skills and experiences related to the job I applied. It is a junior position and she would like to groom the person in this position as she said. Since I have been invited to the interview I guess there still be chances even is slim, at least for consideration. Now, I would like to know if there is any other ways to save me? I am really interest in the position, I am willing to learn and thinking of asking for a chance. I was told to wait for 2 to 3 weeks but I think I should send an email to reiterate my strong interest to work with the company. How and what should I write to the interviewer? Is a phone call better or an email? Please help me and thanks in advance.
Hi, I really need some advice regarding an interview I had with 02 retail, it is a temporary (christmas), part time position, I passed the phone interview successfully and was asked to go in for a face to face interview (8th Nov) which I think was short and sweet and went really well, I called the agency that first called me regarding the interview on the 15th Nov but they couldn’t get through to the store and told me they would ask them to get back to me. I had not heard anything since the interview but was told I would be informed through the agency. I really want this job. Help?!
Sam,
If you haven’t heard back by now, make sure to apply for other opportunities this week as well. In general, many companies who hire employment agencies ultimately don’t use them to pick their new employees. Here’s why: Employers who use agencies have to pay the agency a fee for each person they place. If they have enough qualified candidates that have applied directly through the company, they don’t need to pay the fee.
This is a good time to apply for jobs in retail anyway — when many people are applying. If you can’t get through to the agency, you can always stop by the store and express your continued interest.
As always, I recommend people apply for more than one position and with more than one company in general — it will help you increase your odds of getting hired.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
(Oct 15) I phone interviewed initially for my dream job and was thankfully brought in for an in-person interview the few days later(Oct 22). I met with the recruiter and then followed by the hiring manager. Both interviews went well. The hiring manager mentioned that she loved my experience and that my background would be a great fit for the team. Shortly after, I sent my thank you notes to both the recruiter and the hiring manager and received lovely replies back the same day. The hiring manager replied that she enjoyed learning about my background and knows that I have a “tremendous skill set” and that they will be in touch. (Note: the hiring manager was going to be in NY for a week the day after my interview)
After 2 weeks passed, (Nov. 6) I sent a friendly follow up email to the recruiter asking about the status of my candidacy and restating my interest. I also gave her an “out” by stating that if the position has been filled or I was no longer being considered that I was thankful for the opportunity to interview. She replied back the same day stating that they haven’t made any decisions yet and that she would keep me posted as they got further along.
I must say this recruiter is the most responsive I have ever dealt with. Should I really expect to hear anything? I would think that if it had been filled she would have just told me in the email. We are now a week and a half out from the follow up email and still no word. Maybe they are in a holding pattern? HELP!
Any advice is appreciated.
Tyffany,
Hiring almost always takes longer than we think it will. At least that was my experience as a recruiter. I recommend that you keep your eye open on other opportunities, but also don’t rule out the possibility that you will get an offer.
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee
Hi! Need some advice like everyone else. My face to face interview at a non-profit hospital was on 10/25/12. Went to the face to face interview and they are opening the unit that I hope to work on 12/3/12. When I left the interview, I asked how soon they were planning to make a decision and they said pretty soon and that they hoped to have everyone on board by mid November. Well, with the holiday approaching, mid-November is coming fast. I sent an email to the interviewer a week after our interview, and received no response. Sent an email to the HR recuriter a week later (2 weeks after intervview) and received no response. I am holding out hope that I get a call this week offering me the job. My question is should I follow up again (and until I get n answer one way or the other) or consider it a loss? It’s just so hard to know whats is going on…maybe a delay in construction as they said that happened once before…I’m holding out so much hope becaus I really want this job. HELP!!!
Hi,
I had a phone interview 3 weeks ago. The interview went really well and was told the next step would be another phone interview with the Director. (I live out of state.) I sent a thank you email that day. I then sent a follow up email 9 days later, letting them know I was still interested and if they needed any further information to let me know. I had no response on either email and I still have not been contacted for the 2nd interview. It has now been 3 weeks since the 1st interview. Should I call them to check in and see if I’m in the running for the position?
Hi Layla,
I recommend checking the website to see if the position is still listed. If not, you can assume it has been filled. If still there, be patient. I’d follow up if you get another job offer but in the interim, they know how to find you. I know it’s frustrating but searches often take a great deal of time.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I had an interview on october15th for fresh graduates program. the interview went ok I guess and the manager gave me his business card to email him if I have any question regarding their program. before I left I asked if they are going to respond to all or only selected candidates. he said they will inform all by the end of that week or the next and still haven’t heard back yet. I didn’t send thanks letter after the interview. So what should I do?
Moe,
Send a thank you note now and let them know you remain interested in the job…
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thanks that helped he emailed me back saying thanks for the message and they hope to be able to communicate the results of the interviews by early next week.
Thanks again and wish me good luck.
Moe,
Good luck! Keep me posted.
Best,
Chandlee
it has been a week since I got last message. I haven’t heard back yet. should I wait till next week or keep following up? and If I got the result with reject is there anything I can do?
Thanks
Mow,
Don’t keep following up; keep exploring alternate opportunities instead…Typically, you can’t rush a hiring process. If you do get the rejection, follow-up, let them know WHY you are disappointed and be clear on your continued interest in working for the company one day.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I had an interview a little over 2 weeks ago and I thought it went very well. The interviewer used phrases like, “..the offer we are about to make you..” as if it were very likely to happen. Initially, they gave me a timeline of 1 week. After a week, I was very eager and left a voice mail asking for a follow-up, which they returned, telling me that I am currently a top candidate but they were waiting on one more interview. They told me to wait another week, and now it has been 10 days since that call. Should I give them another call or is that too much?
Hi,
I had an interview this past Friday at my old job for an HR position. The interview went well and before I left I was told I should hear something by Tuesday of this week. After I sent my thank you email I got a response saying that the decision process would extend longer. I believe my salary requirements were out of their range. Is it okay to follow up saying my salary requirements are negotiable since I’m more concerned about the experience?
Tashawnda,
I think you can call, reiterate your continued interest in returning to the company, ask if they need further information — and thank them for the interview. Always looks good to be hired to work in a place twice.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi, I would appreciate a little advice. I had an interview on a Friday with the hiring manager and the two team members with whom I would be working. I felt very good about it and I was in fact set up with an appointment to speak to two corporate managers on the following Thursday. Thought I nailed that too. Had a third interview on the following Friday with the GM and Operations Manager, separately. Great interview with GM but the OM was a poor interviewer (I did well, he did not). After that, the HR Manager said there was no time table for a decision, but that I should call if I hadn’t heard by the following Thursday. Called on Thursday and no decision yet. HR Manager said he was really hoping to hear by the next day because of a week long vacation the next week. Well, that week was last week, so I called yesterday (Tuesday) and still no decision. I feel confident that HR is being truthful and that it is not yet filled by one of the other final candidates.
My question is should I call HR again and when? Would it be ok to contact the hiring manager via e-mail or otherwise and what do I say if so? After three interviews in two weeks, I thought it was going to be a quick process, but now I am getting worried. Thanks.
Bruce,
I think you’ve done all you can. Given that you have followed up twice, if you follow up again — it can only hurt you. Unfortunately, the process all too frequently slows down at the end!
All the Best,
Chandlee
I’m in desperate need of some advice. I have been interviewing for a position since August (five interviews to be exact). The last follow up email I received was from one of the directors of the department I applying to and he said that because another Director needed to be hired before my position is filled I would not hear from him for a few weeks. I know that Director has been officially hired, it has been three weeks since I last heard anything. Should I attempt to contact again to see where they are in the hiring process of the position I am interested in? Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Andrea,
Yes, I recommend contacting him again this week. If you’d like a fast response, you should call them directly. Don’t expect them to follow up faster or make an offer just because you are eager to hear back and get a job — but not a bad idea to follow up again and just let them know of your continued interest.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi,
I recently have had 4 interviews with a company. First interview was with a HR recruiter to review my resume and see if I was qualified for the job. The next interview was a more in depth interview with the a higher up in HR. She seemed satisfied with me . I was invited for a face to face interview with the manager that would be my boss. I believed everything went well. A few days later, I received an skype interview with one of the vp in the company via skype. I already sent a thank you letter to the manager I met with in person, and the manager responded in a very positive way, but unfortunately I did not get the email for the vp I met with over skype, so I did not send them a thank you letter. It has been about a 4 business days since meeting over skype with the VP, and about 2 weeks since my follow up letter. Should I follow up with the manager that I met with?
Thanks in Advance
Hi David,
Yes, you could follow-up but don’t expect it to sway the actual decision of the committee…Alternatively, if you search Google to *@companyname.com you can find out how the organization assigns email addresses — then make an educated guess on the missing email address and send that belated thank you. If it doesn’t work it will bounce back.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
This is what I’m struggling with right now, knowing when it’s time to send that “occasional polite post-interview e-mail” —
I had an interview just shy of two weeks ago, it went really well (they even said as much to me). I sent a follow-up-same-day-thank-you email, which got a reply saying they were happy to hear from me and to know how interested I was in the position. They checked my references last Tuesday and Wednesday (so, a week ago). Because they specifically mentioned in the interview they were looking to fill the spot quickly (the person who had the position previously has already left), I want to stay on top of it but I don’t want to be pushy because I’m sure my version of “AH! SO MUCH TIME HAS PASSED!!!” might be different than theirs. I also don’t want to wait possibly putting one last good word in for myself if they are still deciding. Is it an appropriate time to send a quick status inquiry email?
Hi Jess,
Yes, I think it would be fine to send a quick check-in email. Let them know that you are aware that they have contacted some of your references. Offer to provide more if they would like.
Don’t just focus on you and putting a good word in for yourself — focus on the company and say why you want to work for them, too!
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi Jess,
I think you should follow-up early next week. Let them know you know they checked references, and offer to provide more if they would like it.
Keep the focus not on putting in one last word for yourself, but rather on showing them your high level of interest in the job.
Best,
Chandlee
Hello,
I interviewed for a contract position last week on Tuesday. The recruiter seemed highly interested in me, however did not specify when a hiring decision will be made (my mistake, I failed to ask for a timeframe). I sent him a thank you note immediately and mentioned that I was eager to hear any updates in regards to the opportunity. Sadly, I have not heard back from him and the job is meant to start on Monday of next week. Should I just assume that they went with a different candidate? Would it be okay for me to send him a follow up e-mail in to check the status of my application, or would that jusy come off as annoying?
Hi Ray,
Delays happen all the time, but if you are really curious just call the person you interviewed with and ask for a follow-up. If the job starts on Monday, it would be good for you to know one way or the other. Don’t send an e-mail or leave a voice mail if you want a fast response.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi,
Hope someone can help. I had an interview last Friday (28th Sep.) I followed up with an email later reiterating my interest in the role. The hiring manager advised me that they should let me know by next week, It has been a week now, is it a good idea to follow up (email or phone) with the hiring manager for a feed back?
Thanks
Hi Vee,
I would not rule out the possibility of getting the job yet — I’d wait until October 10 or 11 to follow up, ask for position feedback and get a status update. In the interim, recommend you continue to apply for other jobs. It’s always good to keep your options open.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I applied for a position with a company, and they called me back to take a test on the internet, then had me do a pre-screen over the phone. Finally they had me do a phone interview with the supervisor and it went great and he seemed nice. Then he scheduled me a face to face interview with which i thought went great because i showed up 10 minutes early, i handed him my letter of recommendation from my high school principal, we talked about sports, and laughed alot. He said he would call me soon. But after a week i havent heard anything… I dont know what to do because i think im a perfect fit for the job and am very interested in the job as a career. What should i do?
Chris,
Did you send a thank you note? If not already, I would follow up and let him know you are still interested. If you have, I’d let it go until early next week. People generally cannot make offers UNTIL they’ve talked to all pre-scheduled interviews.
Good luck and keep us posted,
Chandlee
Hi,
I was wondering if you could help. A co-worker forwarded my resume to a friend where he had a friend that worked for the HR department. After some time, they called for a phone interview, and in the time it took me to get back to them (about 3 hours), they had called the friend, who called my co-worker who called me to let me know they REALLY wanted to talk to me (that seemed very promising). Well, we had a great phone interview last Friday 9/7/12 (while the HR manager was on her way to the beach… also seemed promising). After the interview, she said she would forward my resume to the hiring manager and would contact me “early next week”. After the interview, I sent a thank you email. My question to you is whether it is appropriate to send another email (today is late Wednesday), to follow up with her, or should I just try to be patient and not seem too eager… I am VERY eager and REALLY want this position. If so, how do I present the email as being an un-eager follow up?
Thanks!
Hi Matt,
I recommend you call on Friday and ask to speak to her in person. It’s always easier to tell tone of voice and to get an immediate response when you call and talk to someone face to face. I wouldn’t advise sending an email as they could postpone responding to you if they aren’t quite ready and then you would REALLY be frustrated.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
After 2 months and 3 interviews later, I received a job offer from the company I would like to work for. After much excitement and negotiations I accepted the offer and signed the offer letter. My current job has since offered me a promotion which is about the same salary as the new company. My mind is basically made up to work with the new company but I now feel like I should have negotiated a little more pay from the new company. I even did research on salary.com about how much I should be making. My question is … Should I try to renegotiate salary with the new company stating my current job made me a counter offer to try to change mind to stay or that I did research on salary.com or is it too late to renegotiate. It just been on my mind and I’m not sure how to approach the situation and need an opinion. Thanks!
Hi Betty,
That’s a tough one. If you’ve already signed the offer letter — I don’t recommend going back and trying to renegotiate your starting salary. It could backfire. You can tell them that your current company was sad to see you go and that they offered to match the new salary to get you to stay but that you are looking forward to joining them.
This is my two cents — not the official view of Work Coach Cafe. Feel free to ask others, I just think that any question that makes an employer question a job seeker’s loyalty can be tough.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi, I interviewed for a company hiring for multiple EMT positions about 4 weeks ago. The person I interviewed said everything went great and that as long as I passed my state certification they could move forward. I passed my certification later that day. I waited about 3 weeks and called her last Tuesday, she said she was still waiting on my criminal back ground check and for my certification to post online. It has been a week since then, my state certification just posted online this past Friday, should I follow up again?
Hi Jen,
Give it another three days and then follow-up again. Hopefully, by then it should all be done.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi, I applied for an entry level position in a global company, over 250k staff in march 2012. I was interviewed by the company hr recruiter on the phone mid July, 2012. 3 weeks later, I was interviewed by an hiring manager on the phone. Hiring manager said he had a great chat and would send feedback to HR to contact me with regards to the next step. 3 weeks later, I received a call from recruiter to invite me for a 1:1 interview with the HR manager(i.e recruiter’s boss) at a location. I was puzzled though as I was expecting an interview with maybe hiring manager’s boss and not HR manager. I was more puzzled at the interview, i was interviewed in an office shared with other HR staff, about 15 of them and I was sure they were all hearing our conversation. The interview lasted just about 15minutes and questions asked were more of my background. The interviewer seemed uninterested at a point and was fiddling with his cell phone. I asked intelligent questions when I was given the chance and he seemed happy with my questions. After the interview, he promised to give me feedback in a week. I sent thank you letters by email hours after the interview. Now here I am waiting, 2 weeks gone already and not received the feedback. Should I send a follow up email? the job is still listed as open as I believe they might hire up to 15 candidates. sorry if my sentences are disjointed, I am typing on a touch phone.
Hi Michael,
Follow up directly with the Hiring Manager (not the HR staff), let them know that
1. you remain very interested in working for the company.
2. you completed the 15 minute interview with HR
3. you’d appreciate any updates they can provide
If you can, I recommend calling the hiring manager directly — and seeing if you can get him on the phone to share this information. If you feel you can — and are comfortable enough to do so — you may want to say something gently to the extent of “I left my meeting with HR not sure of what the next step was, it was clear to me that the recruiter that I met with had a lot on his desk and in his in-box the day that I was there. I’d like to make sure that all of you have all of the information you need.”
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hello Everyone,
I need suggestions. I recently applied for a job with a dream company. It is a company that I have had an eye on for a whole year. Last week I received a phone interview which made excited and just today I received a voicemail that stated they wanted a face to face interview but, I have a problem. I had to go out of town for a family medical emergency and won’t be back for a couple more weeks. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can keep this opportunity? Thank you for any help!
Hi Lacretia,
Call them and tell them exactly what has happened, when you will be back, and ask if it would be possible to interview as soon as you get back.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thank you so much Chandlee. Will do! This sounds like an awesome approach!
Thank you for your response and insight,
Lacretia
Hi, I applied for a position back in July, and was called back to schedule an interview on July 19. I had an interview with the HR manager on July 21, which went well. I then was invited to round 2 of interviews with the department head, and did a phone interview on July 30. Following this interview, I was contacted again and asked to fly down for an in person interview. This took place on August 13. Following the meeing I was invited to meet the team over lunch. I thought it went really well, and left with a good feeling. During the interview I was advised that they were hoping to fill the position within a few days. On August 19, I followed up with the department head to thank her for meeting me, and asked whether she needed any further information from me. I had also changed cell numbers so I passed on my new contact information. I heard back the next day with an email stating that they hope to make a decision within ‘the next few weeks’. I still have not heard anything, other than receiving a check in the mail to reimburse for
my airfare down. I’m feeling less and less confident as the time goes on. At what point should I follow up again? I’m thinking of emailing the HR manager…
Rochelle,
If the last thing you heard was a few weeks, wait at least two more weeks to follow up. Then call — don’t email the HR Hiring Manager — and don’t leave a voice mail. You’ve waited long enough to request a live answer so you can move on if they’ve gone with someone else.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi, I applied for a job back in mid June and was called for an interview on July 17, it went well and I was told I would be contacted for a second interview within a week. I hadn’t heard anything in a week so I e-mailed my contact and he informed me the second interviewer had been out of town and I would be contacted within the next week. She called and I had a phone interview and then an in person interview with her and a client I would work for. Everything went great and she had me meet with another potential client 2 weeks ago. I met with the client and we had a great discussion she told me that she didn’t know of any other candidates this far in the process for this position that they were very interested in me and that she looked forward to working with me. I left feeling very confident. When I waited a week without hearing anything I e-mailed them to ask about the status of the position I was told that she still had interviews and would be in touch with me by the end of the week. That was last week I still haven’t heard anything and I don’t want to pester her but I am very actively looking for a new position and this was the one I was most interested in and is a great fit. Should I e-mail her again and if so at what point?
Thanks,
Ashley
Ashley,
Hopefully you will hear back within the next week. It almost always takes longer than people initially anticipate to hire and make an offer, but it’s not fun knowing they are still interviewing. Following up alone is unlikely to yield you the offer. What I recommend doing in the meantime is to continue applying for other jobs. When you get an offer from someone else, follow up immediately with the company where you want to be and let them know. Also be clear that you’d prefer to work with them.
This often makes something happen.
Good luck and hang in there.
Best,
Chandlee
I sent in my resume/cover letter for a position. HR contacted me the day they received it for a phone screening on a Friday. Heard from the hiring manager located at the division where the position is being filled the following Monday to come in for an interview that Thursday. Interview was with 5 employees at once, and I was given a tour afterwards. I then took a skills test (and heard back that I did very well). I sent thank you letters to everyone and followed up with the hiring manager via email last Tuesday like she recommended. She said she hopes to be in touch in the very near future and that they are seriously considering me for the position. This past Friday, a background investigation company contacted one reference. It’s Tuesday again and I’m wondering about following up again, as it’s been a full week since I last spoke with the hiring manager. Their HR department is at their corp office so that may slow things up a bit as well. I think the fact that they’re investigating me is a good sign, but if they are that interested, wouldn’t they keep me posted on the progress so I wouldn’t go to work elsewhere in the meantime? Any advice/comments? Should I follow up again out just sit tight?
Lisa,
I’d give it another few days and then follow up again. It really does often take more time than one would anticipate — if you get an offer in the meantime, I recommend you follow up again.
All the Best,
Chandlee
By the way, I got this job! The called me the next morning after I wrote this.
Congratulations, and good luck in your new position.
We wish you all the best,
Chandlee
Question,,
I am a new Gradauate from college. I am finishing my internship. I had an interview two weeks ago. I knew after the interview that I was teh first canidate. I followed up after the interview the next day with a thank you email. Then today (the 2nd week) I sent the person to whom I interviewed with an email asking about an update on th postion.. And still nothing… what should I do be concerend, or call?? I think that the interivew went great, I feel..
Keri,
Be patient, and apply for other opportunities in the interim. Companies will want to get through all of the interviews they scheduled for the job — even if you are the ideal candidate! If you want a direct response on where you stand, never email — call and speak to someone directly instead.
I don’t recommend another follow-up for at least two weeks.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi,
I interviewed for a paid internship with a small company on Aug 14th. I think it went well but the hiring manager never said when I would hear back from her. I sent a thank you email the next day. A week passed and I never heard anything so I sent an email to follow up on the status of the position, then I called and left a message two days later. Still nothing. In retrospect, I think I’ve done too much. However, I’m on a time crunch because I know they have a huge event planned for the first week of September and I know my role will be heavily involved with this event. Im aware that they are extremely busy, but is it possible that I’ve pushed them away at this point? Should I stop reaching out? Any advice on next steps?
Sugar,
I think you’ve followed up enough so that they know you are interested…Employers rarely decide not to follow up on candidate because they have followed up too much — more likely either the hiring process is delayed OR they have selected someone else. Recommend you stand by and wait to see what happens — and apply for jobs in the interim.
Good luck,
Chandlee
My husband is military and we are relocation in to another state in about 3 weeks.
In the new location (about 7 hrs drive from where I am now), I found a company that had two job openings – I am qualified to fill either one – so I sent them my resume.
I received an email on Monday (8/20) stating they had received my resume and would like to get to know me better. The email consistent of 13 question like, why would I like to work for them?, What are my top 5 strengths?, How did I get to where I am in my career?… etc.
I answer each one completely and replied to their email later that afternoon, before 5pm.
It’s been a short period of time, only 3 days, but when should I follow-up and check to see if a) they received my email response, b) offer a possibility to have face-to-face interview…. Do I wait a week, 2 weeks?… I’ve not been down this road quite like this so any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
-Rebekah
I recommend you follow up with them a week before you move. That way they know that you are serious about the move — and it is quite possible you won’t even need to reach out as they may contact you first.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hello,
I sent my my resume on April 28 to one of the largest food manufacturers in the US. An HR person contacted me in 2 weeks and we had almost 30min talk over the phone. Then I did not hear anything until june 25. In June 29, I was interviewed by VP of that department. I sent a thank you letter via company HR the next day. I got an email from HR saying that she forwarded my email. I haven’t heard back since then. Last week , (August 13) I sent an email to the HR stating that I was interested in this job, and did not hear anything yet. I sent another email yesterday (Aug. 21), restating my interest and asking anything that I should do more at this time. This waiting is unbelievably disturbing. I really want this job, I am 100% sure that I am the perfect fit, it is in my city, no need to move etc. Almost a dream job. I cannot concentrate on looking for another positions, but trying 🙁
Do I need to do anything other than waiting right now? Please advise.
Thanks
Sara
Sara,
Check their website and see if the position is still listed. If not, it is possible that they have filled the position. I don’t recommend following up with HR again as you have done that twice in the past two weeks, but if you haven’t heard anything in ten days — see if you can reach out to the VP directly.
In the meantime, do keep looking at other positions and keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hello…. I had my initial interview for a small company working directly for owner on July 11 which went well. Subsequently, I was asked to come for second interview on July 31. 2nd interview went really well, which took well over an hour and was very positive. The owner even mentioned that he had a good feeling about me. It’s been 3 weeks and I have not heard from this company. Should I assume they have filled the position. I have sent a follow thank you note after interview and sent an email last Friday letting them know I was still interested in position but have not recieved a response. In the past I have always had an offer or follow up interview soon after so this delay in a decision is not something I am sure how to read. Any advice? I was considering sending an email this week asking about status of position. This is a small company and the position is to work directly for owner. So I don’t see what the delay would be Thanks for your help in advance
Lisa,
In small companies, the pace is often fast and hectic — people can have so much to do that hiring can get put on hold…Strange but true.
Recommend you call the owner directly by week’s end or early next week if you’d like to know one way or the other. Don’t e-mail or leave a voice mail. It’s too easy to postpone getting back to someone!
Keep us posted and good luck.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thanks, but if you don’t mind me asking: how big was the company that hired you after a full year?
What people need to also very much consider is the size of the company. Mom and pop are certainly going to take a tremendous amount of time (usually) with each decision whereas large multinationals should only take > 3 months if they’re highly dysfunctional.
Mark,
The company was one of the largest employers in Pennsylvania, and has over 10,000 employees in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area alone…
Chandlee
Thanks for your information.
As a follow up, only after I emailed them yesterday asking for an update did HR actually take the time to call the hiring manager. I received a call in the afternoon from HR indicating that they had very positive discussions and they want to make me an offer (WHEN??), but that things are slow due to it being the end of their fiscal year. What’s next? The holidays?
Ugh.
Again, I agree with you that you should not push HR or companies too aggressively, but I also feel that within reasonable time (10+ days) after an interview a follow up should be expected. I also think those that don’t follow up risk hurting their chance given the market conditions today and, sadly, for some time to come in this country.
Mark,
Glad you got an update. I do agree with you that employers do not treat candidates as well as they should, particularly with respect to follow up. If you want to feel slightly better, Google “The Candidate Experience Awards” and you will see that you are not alone.
Best,
Chandlee
So I have an update that I think your readers will love.
I started interviewing with a major consulting firm back in May. It is now nearly September and FIVE MONTHS have passed in this process. To date, I have had 3 phone interviews (HR and 2 others), 1 video-conference in their office with another location, and last Friday they flew me to Chicago to meet 3 people (the same guy I had a video conference with and 2 others). The feedback and follow up have been painfully slow and woefully lacking. In fact, it was only after followed up a week after my video conference that I learned that HR had not heard back from the interviewer and would “check with him again.” Another week had passed and I followed up again and it was only then that I learned they wanted to fly me to Chicago. I had good meetings with the team there and the hiring partner said one of the reasons he flew me there was so that if I should get and offer and accept it, I would “know people in Chicago” on my first day. So it seemed to be a lock that an offer was forthcoming, but it’s now been nearly a week and nada, nothing, zilch feedback. I’m going to wait until next week, but this is ridiculous.
Seriously, if I am worthy of a $1,500 trip to city, I am at least a strong contender for a position (assuming they had multiple given their size and international reach) so why treat me poorly and not follow up?
I write this because others have had similar situations and although I agree that in general it is best to sit patiently, I also wanted to show the other side where asking for feedback actually gets HR to do something. THERE IS NO SHAME IF YOU ARE QUALIFIED IN SENDING A POLITE “CHECKING ON CANDIDACY” EMAIL IF IT’S BEEN AT LEAST A WEEK. Moreover, I would argue that it shows you have both interest and pride.
Again, whatever thread of common courtesy between employee and employer that existed this decade has since withered and died.
Mark,
Having worked as a recruiter and hiring manager on the inside, I can tell you that it really does take a while to get an offer approved — even when you know who you want to hire.
For starters, everyone who has been invited to interview has to be interviewed before you can be made an offer. How would you feel if you had flown to your interview, only to have a message on the phone of your hotel room answering machine that said — “we met someone today who we really like, so there’s no need for you to come in tomorrow.”
I agree that the process often feels uncomfortable — and not fair…and often it isn’t courteous. But HR professionals and hiring managers also have to be 100% sure that they’ve gotten approval before they hire. Otherwise, it’s even worse. Consider the experience of a fellow Work Coach Cafe member who quit his job after getting an offer — only to be told the day before his designated start date, that the company wouldn’t actually be able to have him start work for another four months…
Hang in there and call the company and ask for a follow-up. In the meantime, if you don’t like the feel of this, keep looking.
Best,
Chandlee
With all due respect, this company has over 100k employees. I highly doubt that they need to get approval to hire — the job was posted back in April. And I gaurantee you that since then they have posted hundreds of jobs globally and hired the same amount.
IT HAS BEEN NEARLY SIX MONTHS!
Mark,
Reach out directly. Given where you are, perhaps you should simply let them know that — after six months — you’d really appreciate it if they could give you a decision about your candidacy within the next two weeks.Sounds like you are frustrated enough to move on. If that’s the case, do.
Here’s part of the reason for my perspective: I once came in second for a job and was hired ONE year later. I moved into a job with wonderful colleagues and loved it.
Hiring is never about you though you experience it from your perspective — it’s about what companies need and when, and in bureaucracies in particular — it takes time. I know it is frustrating, I just recommend trying to separate how you FEEL from what’s happening and the process.
Best of luck,
Chandlee
Hi Mark,
Having worked in a multi-national 120,000+ employee company, I can tell you that it often takes longer for a large organization to make a decision than it does for a smaller organization.
The fact that they have over 100,000 employees says MORE “administrivia” to me rather than less. Formal processes are documented and followed to ensure consistency across such a large staff. All the “right” people need to “buy in” to a hire, in the proper order. If someone is on vacation, home sick, or caught up in a crisis, they may stop the whole process – in a large organization, that can happen repeatedly. Or, maybe someone involved in the process has decision-constipation or another agenda, etc. When there are partners involved, that can mean a whole different set of variables – perhaps all the partners need to buy in to a hire or all the partners in a specific “chain of command.”
The fact that they spent $1,500 on a trip IS, of course, a very good sign. However, I definitely concur with Chandlee that you should consider moving on after you reach out again, as she suggested. It could be simply that it takes too long for the process to work during vacation season, or it could be that this organization would be a nightmare to work in.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Hi,
I had a job interview with the city for an engineering position on 3rd aug. The first interview itself was with the hiring managers, and the interview went well, after the interview, they asked me to submit my supervisor references with them and that they are still intreviewing other candidates but will contact me within 2 weeks. They asked me some positive questions like when i can start? And explained to me the job duties in very detail and their expectations from the role, and if i can work on sat, have my own car, licence, and if i am intersted in part time or temp position (there are multiple positions for this job) and i said no, am only interested to work full time.
I have sent them the contact info of my referneces last week on 7th aug. but i didnt get any confirmation email back that they have recieved my email about references and none of my references got any call in past week or so. This morning, out of anticipation, i sent them another email, saying thanks for their time and saying i just want to confirm that they have recieved my references and the email didnt end up going to spam folder. And i would appreciate if they can send me confirmation on this or any other updates on the job. (it was like a follow up email) One of the hiring manager replied me back immediately saying, that they just finished interviewing other candidates yesterday, they have my references and i will hear something back by the end of next week.
What are your thoughts on this whole process until now? I have really good job right now, but it is in a small town and i want to move closer to my family in the city, as that will save me lot of travelling back and forth on the weekends. Thats one bug reason i wanted this job.
Hi AA,
I’d give it at least a week until you follow-up again. When you do remember that the simple act of follow-up is unlikely to push the hiring decision one way or another…
In the interim, I’d continue to look at other job opportunities in the city — and apply for them. It never hurts to have as many opportunities as possible.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi
Please give me a god suggestion.
I interviewed in a good company on 26th June, after that they extended the offer to 16th july as my joining date. But on 13th of july they called me and said that their projects get delayed and they are extending my joining to next 4 months.But they have’t sent any formal email or extended offer letter. Now when i call or do follow up emails they are not even responding to these. What should i do now as i left my subsequent job with a notice period of 2 week.
I hope you would be kind ebough to provide help,i thank you in advance.
Regards,
Sorabh
Sorabh,
You should be open with the company regarding your current status. I recommend going to visit them in person. Dress in business attire, show up in the lobby and ask to speak to someone in HR. Explain that you gave notice at your former employer after being offered the position to start on July 16 — and, as a result, no longer have a job.
Be polite, understanding that the job will not begin for four months, and ask if there are any other opportunities at the company that can be performed in the interim. (If not — and this is likely to be the case if they have delayed payments from customers, ask the company for help. I am wondering whether it would be worth it for you — or their HR office — to reach out to your old company and explain what has happened and ask if you can return on a temporary basis if your place has not been filled. Alternatively, does the new company have any places you look for temporary work?) Your old company will likely not want to offer you a permanent job back since they now know you were interested in leaving. But, you do need to find a job.
Do you have a formal email or offer letter from the initial offer? If yes, print it out and take it with you.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
So, I had an interview 2 weeks ago and received an email to follow-up with me. It stated ” I wanted to follow-up with you in regards to the how things are going nducting interviews for our ____ position. I hope to have the interviews finished next week. I just wanted to let you know where we are at in the process.” One week has went by with no communication.
Shall I send a follow-up email ?
Hi Pris,
I recommend you wait another ten days. It really does often take longer for the process to work than it seems like it should.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
So here is my situation…
I had another company reach out to me to see if I was interested in leaving where I am currently at to come and work for them. They are in need of someone due to the person who currently holds this position retiring. This employer has also said I have been the candidate in his mind for a year. I also have the skills to help transition them into “the computer age” (his words). There also are not a lot of available people in this position in this industry that can fill this position without serious (years) training or reaching out to another employee at another company and starting over with that person.
We met at a restaurant for our first interview & met at his office for a second interview a few days later. Everything went well and he then invited my family and I to dinner about a week later. A week later we met to discuss an offer.
The offer was lower than I currently make and I countered (after i used the “flinch” technique and he proceeded to ask what I currently make) for him to match what I currently make. The difference between what he offered and what I countered with is about 27% higher.
He seemed hip to the number I gave him and he even said he thinks that he could get to that number, but wanted to crunch some numbers and that he would give me a call. We even talked for 15 minutes afterwards loosely about the position and again he said he thinks that number would work.
My question is how long (or if) in this situation should I wait to send an email of some sort to ultimately try and get an answer or new time line from the potential employer and what that email should ultimately say? It has currently been a week since we talked numbers.
PS… sorry for all the detail, just thought it might be needed information for this situation.
Thank you,
Eric
Hi Eric,
I recommend you contact him directly — and that you speak to him directly rather than by e-mail. If your counter was an exact match for what you currently make, that’s certainly more reasonable than a 27% increase over the offered salary!
The challenge with salary negotiations is that you always, always need to remember that you may be working with the people who have extended the offer. Tread softly, and in general — aim for conversations rather than email. It’s easy to hear a different tone of voice than is intended over email.
One thing you should do when evaluating any offer is to evaluate benefits. Is the health insurance better and less expensive at the new employer? Are the retirement contributions higher? What does the vacation package look like? These are all little things that can ultimately make a big difference.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I had an interview for a position about 3 and a half weeks ago. He said that the next step was to interview with the District Manager (and he gave me a few tips for the next interview). A week later I took in hand written thank you note (I should have done that sooner, but I figured better late than never), and he told me he was still waiting to see when the District Manager would be available to come and interview the potential candidates. Well it’s been 2 and a half weeks since then. Should I call just to get an update and let him know that I am still interested, or could that just bug him. Thanks!
I had my first interview on June 22nd, which went extremely well. They called me in for a second interview about 4 days later on the 27th, They told me that they are really interested in me and would let me know of their decision as soon as possible. After about two weeks after the second interview, I called one of the managers I interviewed with to get an update. He informed me that the position is still open and they are just waiting to interview one more candidate, but unfortunately that candidate is scheduled for an interview on July 25th/26th. The manager did tell me that the decision is still between me and the candidate they are waiting to interview. So I though I still have about 50% change of getting this job. Its been a week since they’ve probably interviewed the other candidate. I was wondering if I should call him to follow up once again. I’m confused if I should call the manager directly or speak with the HR assistant that scheduled my interviews to see if the position has been filled. Could you give me some advise please? Thanks.
Hi Saumya,
You did all you could. I would just keep on sending out resumes and keeping yourself busy with other things. In other words… get your mind off of this.
Apparently they aren’t sure if they want you… so don’t be sure if you want them.
Just send them one more email… “Hi, just curious if the position was filled?” and then forget about them.
If they are decent, they will tell you what happened. For all we know they may have decided to not fill the position right now.
Good Luck!
—Gary
Gary,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feedback with Saumya. We appreciate your time and perspective and hope that all is going well with your career, too.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi there,
I got a lead about a job from an ex-colleague who has followed his manager (who is also an ex-colleague) to this company. He asked if I would be interested in this job which I totally am so i went through a few interviews and finally spoke to the manager of the hiring manager last week who at the end of the phone interview said the hiring manager would get back to me soon. It has been a week so I followed up with the hiring manager over skype as he has not replied my email. He replied saying that “there is no update yet and once there is some update I willd reach out to you”. Why should I do? Thanks!
Peter,
Sit tight. Explore other opportunities. And follow-up again in two weeks if you remain interested, but again — they’ve said they will contact you when they have an update.
Good luck,
Chandlee
i had a skype interview on 2th July night. It seem that i had a good interview, and the interviewer mention that he would give me a hiring decision on friday within a week. I wait and nothing has happened, until finally i follow up and restate my interest on the company on Tuesday ( 10 July ). I got a reply said that they are in the middle of checking possibility of my issuing pass with MOM (ministry of manpower), and they will get back to me again.
2 weeks has past since the last time they replied my email, and still no updates. This time of waiting is killing me inside. What should i do now? should i send them more email? but i dont want to be so pushy afterall.Could you give me some advice please
Thank you so much
Hi John,
I recommend calling and asking for a follow-up on your status. If nothing else, it will bring you closure and peace of mind.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I had my phone interview on the 16th, then i was scheduled for the first round of interview on the 18th, that went well and i was told the second round will take place next week around wed/Thurs. i sent in my thank you letter right after the interview. They got back to on the 19th asking if i would be able to come in for a second interview on the 25th, between 2pm – 4pm. i replied back asking if 2:30pm was okay with them. its the 23rd today and i yet haven’t received a confirmation. I am wondering if its okay to email and followup and see if the date and time for the 2nd round are confirmed or not. Any input would be appreciated! thanks!
Shiv,
You should absolutely follow-up with a phone call tomorrow. If they’ve tentatively scheduled a time for you, follow up with that!
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thank you so much for replying. I will get on that call tomorrow. This has calmed me down a lot more now!
I called in this morning asking if i was still up for the 2nd round interview for the 25th (tomorrow) and it seemed to me that she had completely forgotten about it. I had to remind her that we had met for a F2F 1st round and that she had called me back for a 2nd round. I was told that she would speak to VP and confirm about it and call me back. I waited the entire day but haven’t received any call/email. I am absolutely clueless, to whether I should call again tomorrow or just show up for my interview. This sounds desperate but it’s just very frustrating to be left hanging. I don’t really know what my next step should be!
Hi Shiv,
That’s a tough one. I recommend calling the company again in the morning before showing up for the interview. That said, pay attention: given the disorganization that you have observed here, this may not be the most optimal company for you to work for on the whole.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Oops…wanted to add a sentence! Here goes…
I had an interview on July 6 with the company and it seem to went well. My qualifications matched well with the position.The hr manager interviewed me and wanted me to sit with the department assistant to gain more knowledge of the position. After the interview, I sent both thank you letters. I was then contacted for a second interview with the other managers in which seemed to went well. I sent thank you letters to them. One of the managers responded and said that a decision should be made in a couple of weeks and that they are still interviewing. I was told to contact if I have any questions. It’s going on two weeks and I haven’t heard anything. Should I send a follow up email or call the manager or hr manager to follow up? Also when I interviewed with the hr manager she told me they weren’t in a rush to hire since it was a newly added position. I just don’t know if I should give it more time to follow up or not. I may also have another offer in the works, but I would prefer this one. The position is still posted. Clueless on what to do next. Thanks!
Betty,
Summer is often a hard time for employers to make offers and hiring decisions as so many people are on vacation. I would encourage you to follow up with the company as soon as you hear about another offer — and let them know that you understand their hiring timeline is not immediate but that you have an offer and would prefer to work for them instead. Often if a company is serious about a candidate; stating this will speed things up.
Good luck to you.
Best,
Chandlee
I had an interview on July 6 with the company and it seem to went well. My qualifications matched well with the position.The hr manager interviewed me and wanted me to sit with the department assistant to gain more knowledge of the position. After the interview, I sent both thank you letters. I was then contacted for a second interview with the other managers in which Dennis to went well. I sent thank you letters to them. One of the managers responded and said that a decision should be made in a couple of weeks and that they are still interviewing. I was told to contact if I have any questions. It’s going on two weeks and I haven’t heard anything. Should I send a follow up email or call the manager or hr manager to follow up? Also when I interviewed with the gr manager she told me they weren’t in a rush to hire since it was a newly added position. I just don’t know if I should give it more time to follow up or not. I may also have another offer in the works, but I would prefer this one. Clueless on what to do next. Thanks!
I had interview on July 4th , The interview went really well. HR and hiring manager told me that they will let me know in 2 or 3 weeks . After the interview, I send thank you note .10 days later, I send follow up email. Its been more than 2 weeks now, I went on the company website, the job is no longer available. I don’t know if they already make final decision to go with another candidate. Should I send another follow up email or wait until 3 weeks .Thanks
Theo,
I recommend that you follow-up now — or on Monday! You should call and ask to speak to one of the people you interviewed with…that way, you can get a quicker “yes or no.” ”
Good luck,
Chandlee
This is absolutely the worst advice I’ve read online. Contrary to the advice offered, it is important to follow up with a letter of thanks for the interview as well to follow up with the interviewer, especially when they encourage you to do so.
Hi April,
Thanks for sharing your opinion. Our perspective does not say that you should not follow up — only that you should do it when appropriate. Typically, one thank you note — and one follow-up will suffice. If they are interested, they will contact you. It is rare that the frequent follow-up is what gets one the offer, and
you risk looking desperate for the job. If someone has asked you to follow-up, more than twice can start to feel a bit over the top.
I encourage you to think about how you comment to others online. Starting your comment “This is the worst advice I’ve read online” is a strong way to weigh in on a comment if you expect a response — and isn’t a friendly opening when you’d like your opinion to be heard. When I read it, I immediately felt attacked — I would imagine wasn’t your intent?
Best of luck in your search,
Chandlee
I had an interview on July 6 with the company and it seem to went well. My qualifications matched well with the position.The hr manager interviewed me and wanted me to sit with the department assistant to gain more knowledge of the position. After the interview, I sent both thank you letters. I was then contacted for a second interview with the other managers in which Dennis to went well. I sent thank you letters to them. One of the managers responded and said that a decision should be made in a couple of weeks and that they are still interviewing. I was told to contact if I have any questions. It’s going on two weeks and I haven’t heard anything. Should I send a follow up email or call the manager or hr manager to follow up? Also when I interviewed with the gr manager she told me they weren’t in a rush to hire since it was a newly added position. I just don’t know if I should give it more time to follow up or not. I may also have another offer in the works, but I would prefer this one. Clueless on what to do next. Thanks!
Once thank you notes are sent via email after an interview, is it customary for the recipients to respond back, or if not, does that mean most likely you are not one of their top picks?
Hi Ashley,
There is no hard and fast rule for if and when recipients respond to thank you notes — I encourage you not to read into it either way.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I interviewed on June 14. The interview went really well as the hiring manager indicated that she wants to hire me however she will need to speak to a few people first given that they would have to create a position for me. The following week I was notified that they are still working on the plan. I sent the hiring manager a follow up email on July 11th. However, she has not responded to my email. Please what is your recommendation on how to proceed. Should I place a phone call next week? Thank you!
Hi Mina,
A phone call to follow-up next week sounds like a good plan. However, I also recommend — as always — continuing to apply for other opportunities.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi Mina,
A phone call to follow-up next week sounds like a good plan. As always, I also recommend continuing to apply for other opportunities. It never hurts to have many potential options.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I need some advice. I recently applied for a Hostess job for a restaurant online (filled out a 105 question/personality survey and attached my resume). I received a response (we’re interested) followup the next day and then called the manager and scheduled the interview for that Monday. I arrived at the interview about 6 minutes early and waited nearly 20 minutes for the manager to finally talk to me. It was apparent that I was being interviewed by the assistant manager by the way he was dressed and his lack of knowing who I was (he had a pad and asked what my last name was and my phone number). He was friendly and the I thought the interview went really well. He told me that there were for sure 2 positions open and he asked when I could start and I told him that Thursday. He then mentioned that he had to check with the big manager first and then figure out the schedules, etc. The week went by and I decided to call him on Saturday. One of the other managers answered and I told him who I was and who I had interviewed with and that I was checking on the status of our meeting and he said that they were busy and that he would get that manager to call me back first thing tomorrow or sometime later. I do want to point out that another girl was filling out an application and handing it in when I showed up for my interview (although I am sure I have 10 more years experience working then she did). I just need to know what I should do next? When I should call or follow up again? Thanks!
Hi Ana,
The best way to follow up on your interest for a restaurant job is to show up in person and follow up directly…Dress well, and ask for the Manager to follow up.
I know it can be a little intimidating, but it shows your level of interest in the job, professionalism, and can do spirit — all of which most restaurant managers are looking for in new employees.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Dear Chandlee,
I got a phone interview on June 27, then on-site interview on June 28, which went well in my opinion. I’ve already sent “thank-you” note to all 3 person that interviewed me. On June 28 afternoon, the one that usually contacts me emailed and ask for my references. I sent to her. It take her almost 2 weeks to call my references. However, only 1 went well. Then she asked me for another references on Wednesday July 11th. I already emailed her. However, I have not heard from her since that then.
I don’t know if I should follow up to ask about the status of my application. It’s been almost 3 weeks since my 1st interview. Please advise. Thanks a lot.
Hi Jenny,
Check to see if the position is still listed — and then call to follow-up on your application status if the job is still posted.
They should have feedback for you at this point. In the interim — as always, I recommend you continue to look at other opportunities. Always nice to have a spate a diverse options to choose from.
Best,
Chandlee
I recently applied for a job last week and was called the next day which was on a friday if i would be available for a telephone interview at 8.45am on monday, i agreed. On that monday, i was ready by that time but wasnt called until about 8.56. After the interview , i was told i would recieved an email that same day to confirm if i was successful and would progress to the nest stage which would be an assesment in their office. I must tell you that all through that day i waited for the email and at a point i felt maybe it didnt go well. Around 8pm i recieved the email confirming i was successful and was invited for the assesment. The assesment was yesterday and again was told i would recieve a phone to know the outcome. Ive been waitng since then, its noon already and im really tempted to call or at least send an email to find out the situation of things…pls what do you suggest i do? Thanks
Cherise,
The decision to hire takes more than a few hours especially since there is generally more than one candidate for companies to consider. I recommend that you hang tight for a few days and continue your search in the interim. If you have not sent a thank you note already to the employer, than you should do that now as you wait.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thanks for this helpful post. I’m in the situation that I don’t know if I should follow up again……. I had an interview at a university on June 5. During the interview, they told me their hiring process will be slow because they are taking it slow. (I applied for the job in mid April).
I sent a thank you email right after the interview. And since they told me the process will be kinda slow, I followed up with them 3 weeks after the interview. (June 27)
The manager replied my email and said,
“We appreciate your continued interest in the position and thank you for visiting with us in early June. I will notify you (as well as the other candidates) when we’ve made a decision. I’m sorry it’s taking so long.”
Now it’s been 2 weeks after that email. I’m not sure if I should follow up again because I don’t want to sound pushy. What do you think? Should I follow up again based on that email response?
Thanks
Carrie,
Universities are notorious for taking a long time. I know this personally as I once received an offer 3 weeks after the “anticipated offer date.” I don’t recommend following up again unless you have another offer pending and have a short timeline. They know you are interested in the job — and following up is unlikely to influence your candidacy.
All the Best,
Chandlee
2 weeks ago i had a couple of interviews with a company. One of the interviewers (not the hiring manager) was an alumni from school that I had spoken with before the interview when i was doing my research on the organization to get a sense of their culture etc. He emailed me (of his own volition) after the interview to let me know that the panel agreed that I had done well in the interview. The hiring manager had said that they would decide in 2 weeks time. It has been exactly 2 weeks today and I haven’t heard back since. I am in a dilemma if I should contact the alumni or the hiring manager directly. And should i wait another day or two before following up? I had sent thank-you notes to the panel right after my interview. Any input will be appreciated.
Hi Sandy,
I recommend that you wait another week to follow-up. The hiring process often takes longer than one anticipates because of the necessary steps to get hiring approval internally — and given that many people take vacation in the summer.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
AMEN Peter!
I agree: it’s rude, but unfortanately it’s also the new normal.
Again, I strongly beleive that HR is doing themselves a disservice in that we’ll all be independant contractors in 20-30 years given that no there is 0 loyalty and even less trust nowadays.
Even though I wasn’t raised this way, I now feel no shame in accpeting multiple offers and playing companies off one another just the same way they do us.
Peter,
Thanks for weighing in on recruiter feedback on the problem of communication with current candidates.
One of the problems with accepting multiple offers at different companies is that companies talk amongst themselves. If it is found that you’ve accepted more than one offer at a time, you run the risk of both offers being pulled if they find out.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Candidates talk amongst themselves too.
This was helpful to read. I had a great phone interview June 25 and was told I would receive the official job description via email after the call, and a call from HR Wednesday. Wednesday evening cam around and I still had no job description so I emailed the person I interviewed with and he sent it immediately, confirming I would hear from HR before the end of the week. Thursday and Friday passed. Monday I called and got generic voice mail, where I left a message. And again emailed the person I interviewed with to ask if he needed more information etc. I may have pestered too much already? Anyway, needless to say it has now been a week since my phone call and email and two weeks since my interview, so I suppose moving on is what I should do. However, I do agree that when you are only one of a few being considered, it does not take long to send a “Thanks for your interest but we have decided to go with another candidate. Best of luck.” See, took me 30 seconds. Rude to leave people hanging, hiring market or not.
Casey,
Sorry to hear that you are having this experience. In my experience as a recruiter and a hiring manager, it often takes longer than expected to be able to follow-up with a candidate — especially this time of year. When there multiple candidates, most companies have policies that must be followed until an offer is extended and accepted. I know it can be frustrating, but imagine how you would feel if you had an interview canceled because “we liked the person before your scheduled interview so there was no need to speak to you.”
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Thank you Chandlee, I will certainly let you know, and be sure not to be a pest in the future. You are right, if I am a great fit, they will remember me on their own!
Yeah, just “hang tight” while we interview other candidates just to be certain there’s no one else better than you that we missed.
What a joke!
I feel your pain as it is definitely a buyers market now and HR is seemingly not interested in treating candidates with the respect they would have otherwise commanded in a good job market.
My advice would be to take the so-so offer and and when if this other company decides to extend you an offer, you can decide whether or not to take it. A bird in the hand, right?
I also feel like this kind of candidate treatment over the past few years has irreperably damaged the employer-employee relationship. Combine no loyalty on either side with the healthcare debate, and I think 20-30 years from now most “employment” will be contractual, and we’ll be acting as free agents.
Peter
Peter,
Yes, it’s frustrating. I take heart knowing there are companies that are doing something about it. Google “The Candidate Experience” awards — good stuff, and shows there are organizations out there who are working hard to help job seekers have a better experience.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I had an interview 2 months ago for a very exciting job, didn’t hear back at all, and had given up on it. Three weeks after the interview I found out that my references had been called and once again got my hopes up.
In the mean time, my current employer has unofficially offered me a new position in a different city to start when my current contract ends in a month’s time. I am not extremely excited about this offer, but would take it over unemployment.
A week and a half after my references for the good job had all been contacted I called the HR assistant (one of 3 people who interviewed me) and left a message to ask for any updates. She never got back to me. A week and a half after that, I called her again and left a message, this time saying that I had another job offer (that I was less interested in) whose start date was approaching. She got back to me and said, they were in the approval process and that they felt I was a good fit for the position and that I should “hang tight”. We agreed that I should follow-up with her in a couple of days as a meeting was going to take place the following day where this position would be discussed. I followed-up, by leaving another voice-mail and have yet to hear back. This was last Friday, we are now Thursday, and the other job is supposed to start in 4 weeks (although I haven’t heard anything about that either!).
I’m not sure what my next steps should be, and what I should do if I’m contacted about the not-so-great job.
Thanks, and sorry for the long post.
Jane,
This is an easy one. Call the company who has checked your reference, tell them you have another offer from your current company – and when you need to give them a decision. Let the company you haven’t heard from know that you remain very interested.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thanks Chandlee,
The good company called me the day after I wrote that and offered me the job. Letting them know about the other offer did speed things up, it turns out they were quite excited a out hiring me.
I recently had a very good interview and the recruiter was extending an offer for the position I was applying for. I was happy but was surprised that it was offered so quickly. I asked if there was a possiblity to extend the start date due to personal circumstances and he said he would get back to me on that (he did not seem too thrilled about my suggestion). The recruiter called me the next day (as I was in the restroom at that time) and left a voice mail asking me to call him back. I’ve been trying to get in touch with hm but his class all go to voicemail. I’ve left 1 voicemail and I’ve emailed him once but it has been a few days now and there has not been response. He was the one who asked me to call back but he does not answer his phone… I just wanted to let him know that I can overcome my personal circumstances and take up the position as soon as possible but I’m afraid he has already moved on to another candidate. I do not want to be annoying but I felt he had something important to tell me and I wanted to know what it was. Have I ruined my chances? Should I bother following up again? If so, when? Do you think he would attempt to contact me again?
Hi Billie,
What a pain! His delay may likely have nothing to do with you and more with what is going on with him and his business. Often people have multiple responsibilities and projects going on simultaneously.
Contact him and let him know that you have made arrangements to be able to start immediately if they are still interested. You may want to send this information via email if he is not answering his voicemail.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
Thank you so much for your response and your support!
He actually called me back (finally) and told me that it was okay for me to extend my start date and I am now officially hired! Thank you so much again! You have really calmed my nerves!
Best,
Billie
Billie,
That’s terrific! I’m delighted to hear it.
Good luck in your new job, and thanks for sharing your story so that others will know what to do when in a similar situation.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hello,
I interviewed with a company several months ago, but I hadn’t heard from them within their hiring timeframe, so I assumed that I didn’t get the job. A few weeks ago, they contacted me about the position again and called my references. I haven’t heard from them since then, so I followed up to see how the hiring process was going. They have yet to respond. There seems to be a lot of bureaucracy within the company, and I’d like to know what is going on, so I can finally get some closure.
Thanks!
Marissa
Hi Marissa,
Your experience is — sadly — not uncommon. If you don’t hear from them again by next Wednesday, I recommend you call HR or the person you interviewed with — and make sure you speak to someone. (No voice messages or email.)
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Update on my situation:
After no word from them for another week — how long does it take to “hear back” from the original interviewer?!? — I reached out again.
HR just replied, thanking me for the email and stating that they asked someone else in HR to follow up with me to schedule a face-to-face interview with the **same guy** I video conferenced with over 2 weeks ago now. WHY?
And round and round and round we go!
By the way, this company is not some mom and pop operations; it is a top tier global tax/audit/adivsory services firm!
Mark,
Corporate processes can be complex and complicated. It is not uncommon to have a second interview with the same company — generally different questions are asked — and often it’s about determining whether you are a fit with the company’s culture. Think of the job search like speed dating: would you want to commit to spending 40+ hours a week with someone after only one interview? In my opinion, it’s better for all involved if you have the time together so you can each make an informed decision.
Good luck and keep me posted,
Chandlee
Hello,
My husband applied for a job back in Dec 2011, he had heard that they had several people apply. Well, we waited and waited. We found out that his name was selected along with 50 others, this was for a dozen jobs all around the US at different branches. We were hesitant but hopeful, well months went by and we heard nothing, we figured he was not picked. Then, June 6th he was contacted and did a phone interview. He asked the manager if he could contact him if he did not hear anything back within 2 weeks and he said yes. He called on June 18th and left a message that he was following up and never heard anything, he called again on the 20th and spoke to the manager and he said they were still reviewing and to call back in a week. Well, he called back on the 27th and had to leave a message. My question is this….should he stop calling now and just play the waiting game? I would hate for him to seem annoying or desperate and them not to want to hire him.
Hi Missy,
Yes, at this point I would advise your husband not to call anymore. They have his contact information and know how they can find him.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Here’s a thought: corporate HR is churning through candidates so they can select 1 or 2 our of like 100. And why not? They get to keep their jobs while the company keeps adding top talent. If they sit and do nothing (360 degree review, e.g.) they get canned. Plus, it sends the message to others that the company is growing.
By what? Like 1%?
America, 2012.
I think you should give it at least a week before calling him again. Tough, I know but hang in there. In the mean time keep looking out for other jobs. Good luck 🙂
I had an interview a week ago for a position that I’m perfectly qualified for. I held the same position for one of this company’s competitors. I interviewed with two individuals, and they told me that they were very impressed. They also said that they planned on making a decision as soon as possible. I followed up with “thank you” emails. Then, a couple of days later, I left a voice mail for the hiring manager inquiring about the status of the position and to see if I could provide any additional information. He emailed be within an hour, thanking me for following up with him and asking me what I was needing for compensation if hired for this position. I responded to his email, providing him with the information he requested, but leaving it open to negotiation. It’s been 3 days since I emailed him. i assume that he wouldn’t have contacted me about compensation if he wasn’t very interested, but I’m anxious to hear back from him. Is it appropriate to follow-up again, or should I wait?
Hi Becky,
I’d give it a couple of days and follow up again early next week. Getting approval to hire can be tricky.
Good luck to you and all the best,
Chandlee
This company called my references 2 weeks ago. According to my references, the hiring manager had nothing but good things to say about me and said I’d be perfect for the job. I emailed him a week ago to follow up on the status of the position but haven’t heard back. Should I assume that they are no longer interested?
Hi
I’m studying clinical research and I’ll get my certificate in July, I am looking for a volunteer clinical research position and I sent out many emails, usually all I receive is”thank you for your interest but we don’t have any open position right now”!
last week I received and email from one of the doctors the day after I sent the email saying: “Would you be able to briefly talk on the phone so we can make a plan that will be both feasible and rewarding for you?”
since I had attached my CV and information in first email I was not sure should I call or should I ask him to call me, so I replied: “Thank you for your time and consideration Dr…
I’ll gladly call you if I know when it is convenient for you, also I can come and talk in person if you have time, I live close to Sbk.”
since then(it’s been a week) I didn’t get any call or email.
do you think I should send another email, call him, or just wait?
thank you
Hi Shim,
Doctors are very busy people. I’d follow up again and let him know that he can call you at his convenience. If he doesn’t reach you, he will likely leave you a message with information on when he is available.
I don’t think you knocked yourself out of the running, but offering to call him — and requesting an in-person meeting — may have made it more complicated for him to arrange. It sounds to me like he was offering to call you — let him know you are available to receive his call.
Congrats on your graduation and good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
English is my second language and sometimes I don’t know what’s the best way to express myself.
Thank you so much for your help,
Best
Shima
Hi Shim,
If English isn’t your first language and you are applying for jobs in a country where English is the first language — your best approach is to spend as much time with native speakers of English and get their advice on interviewing.
As a result, you’ll learn “slang” and what has worked successfully for others. Make sure that you write in English too when using your PC — it will help you prepare for working in an English speaking business.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Thank you so much Chandlee for doing such a great job
I’ll definitely take your advice
Best
Shim
Thanks, Shim. It means a lot to me to receive your feedback.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I actually just interviewed with a company this past Tuesday. The interview seemed to go well and the person interviewing me asked me if I would mind coming in on the very next day (Wednesday) to meet with the Vice-President. I told her that I was free for all of the next day and any time would be great.
My interviewer said she would email me a bit later to touch base about what time I should come in the next day.
I waited for the rest of the day to receive an email from the interviewer but I never received one. Finally, at 6pm that same Tuesday night, I followed up with her by sending her a thank you email and reminding her that I was free the next day to interview with the VP. She responded to my email by saying that she had a meeting with the Vice-President the next morning and would touch base with me after that about what time I should come in.
So far, I have not received anything from her and it is Friday and she was supposed to email me to have me come in two days ago!
At this point, should I reach out to her again? I know that hiring managers are busy but I find it impossible that anybody could be so busy to complete blow off a meeting with a candidate.
I don’t want to be a pest but we were supposed to meet on Wednesday. Any advice?
Laura,
I recommend you reach out early next week and follow up. Basically, the challenge is that most people also have work at the same time that they have hiring going on — and sometimes the work can force them to re-evaluate their priorities (including hiring).
Good luck,
Chandlee
Thanks so much for the advice!
I will definitely follow-up next week.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Huh? Was this a reply misfire? I don’t have the interviewers phone number as he never emailed me (even though he said he would).
I do have the HR/recruiters, however. And I was debating on sending her a quick “candidacy status check as it’s rude – but not uncommon – for HR to not follow up even though they have invested multiple rounds on the process.
One more thing: I realize that there are likely several candidates, but a) this is a large multinationation consultancy and b) they called me before after my third interview on the same day to let me know of the next steps. So where’s the “protocol” in that?
Mark,
I speak from the perspective of a recruiter as I have worked as one in the past. It isn’t uncommon to call someone and give them protocol of “what to expect next” before an interview — it is hard to speak with authority on what happens next after an interview — as it can be like herding cats inside an organization to consensus/receive the final decision and approval to extend an offer.
If you don’t a phone number, I recommend calling the main company phone board and then using the company directory for a phone number. This approach has worked for me 9 times out of 10. Another approach that you can use is to google *@companyname.com — and search results until you see a person’s email account. This will often provide you with the protocol companies use to assign email accounts — you can adapt and follow-up with your interviewer.
Either way, I do recommend you follow-up: you have invested a good bit of time in this process and you deserve follow-up.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thank you!
I agree those that invest time in the process – I’d draw the cutoff at actually coming into an office for an in-person meeting – deserve follow up.
I have the recruiter / HR person’s contact details as she has been the one coordinating the meetings I had have. So I assume I should contact her and not my interviewer whom I already sent a thank you email to following my interview last week.
1) Is that correct?
2) Assuming it is, should I call or email her?
Thanks again!
Hi Mark,
I think you could follow up with either one, but probably easiest to follow up with HR — and ask if they require any additional information from you.
Good luck,
Chandlee
And P.S. I don’t recommend saying you have another offer if you don’t. As for myself, I have a very bad poker face.
I just sent the following email:
“Hi –
I am writing to follow up on my candidacy at . Specifically, I wondered if you could provide me with a decision timeline or any next steps in the process as I am considering other alternatives, but my preference would be to work with you.
Thank you.
Mark”
I don’t see anything wrong with that as it’s the truth and I don’t beleive I am pestering given that I have had four rounds already and she has provided feedback within days of each of the previous three.
Ugh. Wouldn’t it be great if there was site people could visit to check the status of their candidacy? That would save the recruiters from having to respond to individual emails and allow candidates to know where they stood – in near real-time – with each opportunity they were considering.
I am posting a follow up so people can see just how messed up recruiting is now at many places given the state of the job market and economy more generally.
The HR person replied to my email within an hour that I should contact another HR person with whom I originally spoke about the opportunity over a month ago. So I forwarded her response and asked him for an update. He replied immediately that he hadn’t heard from the guy with whom I interviewed last week (he’s wearing two hats now because I gather they are so short-staffed) and will follow up *AGAIN* with him. I replied thanking him for his time and letting him know that although I was looking elsewhere, I was still very interested. He replied that he undertands and will let me know as soon as he hears back from my interviewer.
I know I’m not supposed to assume anything, but it’s obviously not a good sign if the interviewer has apparently even replied to internal HR’s request for feedback let alone my thank you or provided his contact details as he originally stated he would.
I know people are busy, and we’re not supposed to “bother” HR/recruiters and such, but without my shoulder tap, I may never have heard and, as Chanlee states above I “have invested a good bit of time in this process and…deserve follow-up.”
I would bet many are in a similar situation.
Mark,
I think what you are experiencing is symptomatic of challenges on the OTHER SIDE of the recruiting equation.
Companies hire HR staff and recruiters when they can afford to hire them to focus on these efforts. Recruiting is EXPENSIVE for companies, because generally recruiters focus on bringing people in — not on making the products or services that a company SELLS.
Recruiters often hire for MULTIPLE positions at any given time. It’s a stressful job as they are typically often the contact for both hiring managers/interviewing teams — and job seekers. And often the internal decision makers (i.e. hiring managers) don’t communicate on a schedule. Because they are busy selling and making the products or services they need to keep the organization’s revenue up — so they can hire.
It’s a dance. Don’t take this personally because in 99% of cases, it isn’t about you. And if and when you get the job offer, you can follow-up with your interviewer BEFORE you accept a job — and express your concern about communication during the hiring process — to ensure you don’t have this problem once you start work.
Good luck,
Chandlee
One more thing: I don’t think it’s a bad thing to fib and say I have an outstanding offer I need to make a decision on *if* I am willing to take the risk that they turn me away. After all, recruiters and HR personnel routinely fib/lie to candidates about why they were dropped from the process, if they get back to them at all.
I bet I speak for many candidates on here when I state that!
To date, I have had four interviews for a position. Granted, three of them were phone interviews, and one of which was with HR.
My 4th interview was a video conference, but I still had to visit their offices. I believe they all went well, but I haven’t heard anything since the last interview now nearly a week ago. It is odd because the person interviewing me told me they may bring me in to meet one more person as he was filling in for the main hiring individual. In concluding the interview he said he would email me his contact details (it was a video conference so he couldn’t provide a business card) and he stated that I should call him at any time during the process with any questions I may have. I was able to figure out his email address so I sent him a thank you, but I didn’t receive a reply and he never emailed with additional details.
I’m going to sit tight, but I wanted to state that it’s odd I haven’t heard anything since a) the interviewer stated he would send me an email and b) following my previous interview HR called me THE SAME DAY.
It just goes to show how inconsistent — and, I would add, *inconsiderate* — HR and recruiters are today. If you get an offer, they want an acceptance within hours. If at any point in the rather drawn out and inconsistent recruiting process they no longer are considering your candidacy, there’s a 90% chance you’ll just never hear back.
It’s not the incosistency that bothers me. It’s the inconsideration and that leads many, myself included, to treat companies exactly the same way in return. There’s no longer a trust between company and employee.
Hi Mark,
Yes, you are right. And it isn’t fun. But at the same time, I encourage you to think about this from a slightly different perspective: when you interview for a job, you are typically one of several finalists or interviewees. Most organizations have hiring processes — and protocols for communication — that ensure that all candidates are treated the same in the process. Just because you interviewed one day, doesn’t mean the process is finished the next day. And it wouldn’t feel fair to most people if some candidates got more time and follow-up than others — just because of when they called or who they talked, too.
In a majority of situations, the lack of follow-up isn’t personal, it is protocol.
I know it’s frustrating, but if a company treats you badly and then offers you a job — it’s still your choice as to whether you wish to accept the position…And many companies really are now addressing these issues and looking at how they treat candidates — take a look at the number of recruiters on Twitter for example.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Looking for some advice. Had an interview 3 weeks ago with a fairly large company. Was told that hiring may not be until August as the manager had her own way of wanting to hire. Was called back 3 days later to go into the office for testing and a background check. Was then called back the following week for my 2nd interview and was told that references would be checked that Monday (now 9 days ago) and we would know by the end of that week.
My question is, I have heard nothing now. I left a message on Monday this week and still have heard nothing. I am assuming a follow up email is not appropriate? But my experience this last 6 months and interviewing is that companies are not even courteous enough to send a rejection letter or call, they just never initiate contact again! So frustrated! Any suggestions?
Agree completely.
Companies are extremely inconsiderate these days.
I understand that they are busy and such, but not responding to those that you have *interviewed* – especially multiple rounds – is utter bullshit.
Kristen,
Feel free to follow-up via email one last time and offer additional information on how to contact your references if necessary. You can also say, “I would appreciate an update on my application status as I am currently weighing alternate options — but have a preference to work with you.”
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Thank you. I did send an email to the hiring manager this morning. I understand that there is a process involved and that they are probably busy, it just stinks for us to be told we will know by a certain date and then have no response for a week or longer after the date we have been given. I do have another interview tomorrow for a separate company, but like this one, I have interviewed for this company before and have pretty much had the same response.
So for an update, I did get a call from HR this afternoon.
2 interviews, a third trip for testing, background checks etc
I was told sorry you were the runner up, and you’ll get a letter
In the mail. So I once again wasted a lot of my time! I sucked
It up sent the hiring manager a thank you for interviewing me response and
That’s it! Maybe I need to start looking at smaller
Companies cause these big ones treat you as a number! Another
Interview tomorrow, at this point I’m discouraged about
Interviewing at all!
Hi Kristen,
The fact that you were given a call from HR means — to me — that you weren’t treated as a number. I don’t think making it to the final stages of an interview is a waste of time, even if you are a runner up — it means you presented yourself well. And, typically, it’s quite likely, that the person hired had more experience in a particular area needed by the employer than you did.
That’s great that you sent a thank you note to your interviewer. I encourage you to not rule out this company — or your next interview. I once got hired for a job a year after I interviewed for the first time — and came in second. The person who was hired initially had eight more years of experience than I did. And when I joined the team when another opening came available, I learned a lot from her. And it was a great job.
Hold your head up high and keep going. Something good will come of your efforts.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I applied late last tuesday night for a job posting on a firm’s website (that had been there for about a week). The next day at 3pm I received a call asking if I was still searching to which I said “yes” and she said “so are we”. We scheduled an interview for Friday morning. Keep in mind, this job is in another city an hour away from where I currently reside that I am desperately trying to move to. They knew I would have to take time off from my current job and drive in for the interview. Anyway, the interview went great and we both seemed to really click with each other. They said that all of the associates would have to meet early this week and would let me know a decision by the end of the week. However, at the end of the interview, one of the interviewers asked for some sample work and two references. The firm ended work on that Friday at noon so I decided to send the requested material on Monday at 8am (which I did). In that same email, I thanked them and summarized my qualities and how much I’d love to work there. I haven’t heard from them and tomorrow is the end of the week and they get out at noon. When do I call????? The anticipation is palpable!!!! Thanks! (PS, its a very small firm (23 people) and the position is to fill for someone that is leaving)
Hi Jenn,
I don’t think you are out of the running yet. I’d let the clock run out today — and follow-up mid-week — next week — if you haven’t heard anything.
That’s great that you observed that they all seem to work well with one another. That doesn’t always happen, and it’s magic when it does! It’s a sign of a good work environment and it sounds like it was a good potential fit for you.
In my experience as a recruiter and a career coach who has worked with hundreds of job seekers, the hiring process almost ALWAYS takes longer than you would think.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
So you have helped me before Susan but I have a really odd question. I went on an interview today through a staffing agency. I always like to send hand written thank you notes after all of my interviews, BUT I am not interested in this particular job whatsoever and I let the staffing agent know that it was not a good fit for me. What do I do? Do I send a thank you but no thank you letter? Not really sure how the etiquette plays out on this one. I’ve never interviewed for a position where I definitely do not want the job? Any thoughts on what the next step would be, what if they want me to go to second round interviews with me? I have to come up with some complicated 30 60 90 day plan for this next interview and I have absolutely no experience creating one of these and frankly just don’t want to create it? I just think some of the duties are over my head and not a good fit for me. Even though I really do need a job, I just don’t think I would be my at my best with this one???? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks 🙂
Hi Heather,
Be honest it shows your authenticity and doesn’t waste anyone’s time.
Write a thank you note and write a follow-up note which expresses your gratitude for the interviewing opportunity and that — as all interviews do, it helped you assess the potential fit between their needs and their goals.
Let them know that this particular job does not appear to align with your goals as you would like to gain more experience in _______ first before you take on a leadership role — and that you think they’d be better suited with another candidate who has more experience in this area.
Then state what your ideal role is — share your strengths — and let them know if they ever have an opportunity that utilizes those strengths, you’d be happy to meet with them again.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I applied for a Financial Consultant position at a credit union near my house about 2 weeks ago. I was called for a phone interview, then brought in for a personal interview. The next day, they called and asked me to come in for a second interview. The lady said, “Can you come in early tomorrow? I know that’s short notice, but we’d really like to get things moving.” That got me pretty hopeful. 5 days later I hadn’t heard anything, so I dropped off personal thank you cards to each of the 4 interviewers. It’s now been a week and I still haven’t heard. Would it be a good idea to ask the status of the positions? There were 2 Financial Consultant positions available. I’m qualified and have experience. Both of the interviewers in each interview (4 different, all together) kept making comments like, “Oh good, this is good.” I also had a referral from someone in the supervising team of the branch, and have had other Financial Consultants encouraging me to apply for quite some time, one of whom was one of my interviewers. I’m just torn about whether or not to call. Waiting until the end of this week will be 9 days since my second interview. Advice please??
Kasee,
The hiring process often takes longer than you would expect — especially if the position is for a branch or office that is part of a larger institution. Unless the job is no longer posted, I would not assume that you are out of the running — they will need to jump through paperwork and authorization processes to hire anyone.
I’d recommend waiting another 3-4 business days and follow up next week to express your continued interest in the position if it is still available.
Good luck,
Chandlee
HI! I had interview with one of the banks in South Africa on 13/04/12 for a position as Sales Consultant i filled up some forms and i attached my id copy and matric copy then my interviewer told me that they will call after two weeks because they have to check my credit record now is already four weeks does this means i was not a perfect candidate for a job ? Can i contact them or not it will show them that i am not pro.
I would first like to say that I love this blog. I used the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” suggestions almost word for word and it works!! In saying that, I have been actively interviewing for about a month. After my last officially scheduled interview something told me to continue looking so I applied to a few more positions online. This lead to a few calls and an interview from a really well know prestigious company. I am now in the final round which is a face to face competing only against one other person and was told that I was the lead candidate and that they were very excited about me. Now this job has a salary at almost six figures. The other day I had gotten a call from another job and received an offer ( salary begins at mid 30’s plus commission). Knowing that I had yet to receive an offer from my dream job I accepted. I have rejected other offers so now it is just down to company A and B. Here is where I run into an issue. I leave for training in about a week. I have since mentioned to my dream job that I received an offer and have a week deadline before I make a final decision. I also told her that I see her company as a better fit and is preferred; in addition I am willing to try to risk asking for additional time if that is what they need and that they just needed to let me know. She advised that she will see how she can speed things up since I am at the “top of the pile”. I have not heard word in two days and am very nervous since I would like to reject the offer by next Friday before I actually officially begin work out of respect for the other company. I am not sure if I should call and follow up. So far I have always allowed them to call me but the clock is ticking. I am so stressed out and would love this job- it is literally the opportunity of a lifetime! Should I just wait it out, or follow up after the weekend (which would be 5 days or three business days) since I am on a time crunch. I am trying to make sure that I give the other company enough time to go to the next candidate and have already decided to reimburse them for the plane ticket to try to “mend the bridge” so to speak if it comes down to having to choose. I feel like this dream job is one worth fighting for but I don’t want to be pushy either. What should I do?
I recommend following up Monday afternoon with the company you have not heard from and let them know that you understand that you would not expect them to be able to rush a decision based on their timeline — but that you remain interested in working with them but should let the other employer know by Friday…
You are doing a great job overall by letting your first choice employer know what is happening in the process.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hello.
I got a job. Before they offered me a job, I told them I am going on a vacation for 3 weeks.
They offered me a job and said I can take my vacation and then come back and join them.I happily signed the offer letter, and filled up my personal information for background check.
(I am on a work permit, so my visa needs to be transferred from current company to another company).
With in 2 weeks I am leaving the country and when I come back, I will have 2 weeks before their said joining date. They haven’t asked me about my work permit related documents till now. Last Wednesday, I asked the HR and they said everything is fine and they don’t need anything from me as of right now.But as I told you, it is exactly I have 2 weeks before I leave the country.Am I unnecessarily being impatient? Shall I wait for their intimation, or shall I directly ask them about my work visa related documents?
Hi,
First, congratulations on your new job. That’s wonderful news.
My recommendation is that you assume full responsibility for your visa status and work permit information. If you know they will require certain paperwork and it is standard in the company where you are working, then you should provide them with any copies and information that they will need. Don’t ask them, just offer the information in an easy-to-understand, well organized manner.
If you cannot return back to your current location without the work authorization and will be crossing borders during your trip, I suggest you speak to your official government agency and find out exactly what you need and when — and how you should handle the situation.
It is okay to take a leadership role on this — people who don’t need work authorization may not feel the urgency as much as people who do and have experienced problems in the past. Again, the best approach may be simply to educate yourself about work permit requirements, and proactively provide them with the information that they need to get the information. (Example, “I understand average processing time for transfers is five weeks right now with ____ office, so here is my information in advance. I’ll be out of the area from ____ to ____ and am available at your convenience until _____ date. Here’s a phone number you can reach me through at any time: ______.
Good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
Ok I need some advice please.
I am currently a college student and I applied to an HR intern position at BCBG. I applied March 12th and received a phone call on April 9th. The person whom I spoke to told me that she would email me on Wed (April 11th) since she was going to speak to her manager regarding all the applicants. She asked me when I would be able to meet during the following week (this current week) for a fact-to-face interview. Since this is a dream position I have been anxious since April 9th. I sent her an email on the 11th about my status since she didnt email. I figured that she probably doesnt check her email often since it took her 1 month to call me from when I sent my resume. Therefore I called her last Friday and left her a voicemail. Should I wait until she gets back at me? Or should I call or email again? Now I am scared of messing my chances…if I have any in obtaining this position. What do you suggest?
Hi Imelda,
I have a feeling that nothing will happen quickly at this organization or with this person, so I would back off. You’ve reached out twice since you spoke with her on the 9th, so the ball is in her court. She knows that you are very interested. Contacting her more will just annoy her.
The reason it took so long for her to get back to you initially probably has absolutely nothing to do with how often she reads her email. It probably has a lot more to do with their own internal processes and procedures.
Your job now is to wait – at least until next week – before you contact her again. And, you need to also continue to look for other opportunities so you aren’t out of options in case this one doesn’t work out for you. So, keep looking.
Good luck!
Susan
Awhile back I wrote to you that I recently came in contact with a gentleman (Ron) that I worked with 30 years ago who still works for the same company and told me that a secretarial position would be opening up and for me to submit my application and resume to the HR person. Ron said he would give a heads up to HR to let him know it would be coming. I stopped by the organization to say hi, catch up with Ron, and meet the HR person. Ron said to me when I was leaving not to be afraid to keep in contact with Jason (HR). Your comment to me was more curious as to how there interview process worked, where do they post, do they interview internally first and so forth. I sent and email to Jason (HR) and cc: Ron asking those basic questions. Jason’s response: “I spoke with Ron and we are both in agreement that as soon as a secretarial position opens I will contact you. We do post internally first however I would also call you to be included in the first interview process. The only outside source I use at this time to post any (professional position) jobs is the Michigan Works Talent Bank. Thank you for your continued interest and I will be in contact with you as soon as a position opens up”. I don’t want to be a pest. But I would like to periodically send an email just to reiterate my interest as I don’t want this opportunity to slip by because I lacked any form of followup. What do you suggest? email, a written note mailed? How often? What should I say?
Hi Ashley,
Since they post their jobs at the Michigan Works Talent Bank, is it possible to set up an email alert at the Talent Bank in case a secretarial job with this company is posted? If there isn’t an email alert, I would just check the Talent Bank every week to see if they have posted a job. That way, in case Jason doesn’t remember to contact you, you will still know about their opening and can contact him.
Meanwhile, I would definitely send Jason a note using whatever method you used before (email?), and thank him for his assistance. It doesn’t sound like he wants you to check in with him very often, so I would limit it to once every 4 to 6 weeks, meanwhile checking the Talent Bank frequently.
Good luck!
Susan
hmmm, that is interesting….from my experience in Canada, contract staffs are always the first to let go if things go south. It is easy to do so because employers can just simply stop renewing the contract.
Another reason might be that banking middle office conducts projects, so it is easy to plan staffing needs ahead. For every new project, banks look for experienced people as contractors. If the project turns into an ongoing basis, i.e. from development to maintainance, contractors might get an opportunity to become permanent.
In bad economy, sales, marketing, even HR were the first to downsize, followed by contract staffs in middle office, permanent staff in middle office maintaining compliance and risk management programs the last.
Hi Susan,
just wanted to get your feedback on my situation, even though technically, it is still early days.
Two weeks ago I got an email inviting me to an interview asking me what time would suit. I wrote back, but got no response so rang the following day (Friday) and got through to the HR manager and arranged an interview for the Monday.
I went to the interview and met the HR manager and the MD for an interview which I thought went very well. It last around an hour and a half. At the end, I was invited back for a second interview, with the heads of the department via a video conference as they are in a different state.
Friday came and I went in and had the interview with the department heads. This was last Friday morning, first thing.
I thought it went well, but at the end, they told me they will be deciding on someone soon as there’s 4 people up for the role, with just one being selected in the end.
Upon leaving, the HR manager told me that they would be in touch early this week. On Friday afternoon I sent the HR manager and the department heads a thank you letter via email.
Now it is Wednesday afternoon and I have not heard anything yet. I’m very interested in the role and don’t want it to slip past me because it looked as though I wasn’t interested enough or something like that, so I was wondering, when would be best and what way should I follow up as regards the job status?
Hi Gary,
If you haven’t already checked in, next week will probably be good timing, given the holiday weekend that is upon us.
So many things can happen to mess up an organization’s plans to fill the job quickly, particularly if they feel they have 4 good candidates to choose from.
When you check in, tell them your name, the job you interviewed for, and when and who interviewed you. Then, ask for the status of the opportunity, the next steps, and the expected timeline.
I doubt that this position has been filled, but IF you learn that they hired someone else, thank them for their time and consideration. Then – if you are still interested in working with that employer – send them all thank you notes. For the time and consideration, again (in writing this time), and also for the opportunity to meet them and learn more about the organization. Reiterate your interest in working for them should a similar position open up again. Great way to make a very good impression, and can bump you up to the top of the list in case the person hired doesn’t actually take the job or leaves soon.
Good luck!
Susan
I have been e -mailing back in forth with a hiring recruiter. They set up a phone interview, had my number and didn’t call at the scheduled time. I called 20 minutes after the scheduled time and left a voice mail stating it was in regards to the position. Should I also send an email? How do I mention the no- call interview and a re scheduled one without being rude ? Not sure how to write the email…
Hi Linds,
It could simply have been a date/time mix-up, or even a problem with the phone number. I would send a very neutral email message about “an apparent mix-up in the timing” of the phone interview.
You were expecting them to call you (date and time), but the call didn’t happen. Perhaps you misunderstood the date and time, or perhaps they had an emergency or some other confusion (date, time, phone number). You are very interested in pursuing this position, and you look forward to speaking with them about it soon. So, you are wondering when they would like to reschedule the call. Include your phone number again, in case that was the source of the problem.
If you have an email address that you know works, send that kind of message to them, and see what happens.
Good luck!
Susan
A little over a week ago, I completed a second face-to-face interview with the individual I would report to (if offered the job) and her boss. At the beginning of the interview (before the higher-up came in), she brought up the company’s traditional benefits package and asked about my salary expectations. She also explained that she was hoping to have someone in place no later than mid-April. No official offer was made at any time during the meeting.
A week later (last Friday at 2pm) I phoned and left a VM as there was no answer. I have not yet received a reply (VM, email or snail mail) — How should I proceed?
Many thanks for your guidance
Hi Donna,
Hmmm… This process always takes longer than expected, and now we are into a holiday weekend coming up (at least in the USA) which can mess things up even more than usual.
I would wait until this weekend is over, and reach out again next week, maybe Tuesday or Wednesday.
Meanwhile, I would keep myself from fretting too much by continuing to job hunt. That will distract you and help you avoid the all-my-eggs-in-one-basket problem.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi there,
I had an interview for a job I really wanted and met with the owners, after they said I would hear back in 2-3 weeks. I immediately sent a thank you letter to them and 2 days later was called back asking if I could come in for a follow up interview with the managers. I did so right away and met with the managers. Things went fairly straight forward and after that the next day sent a second thank you email to the HR person for the managers’ time and better insight into the company… now 10 days have past and I have not heard back anything and am unsure of what to do… maybe the managers didn’t like, or maybe they went with somebody else. I was thinking of sending one more brief follow up email but is that overkill or would it make me seem desperate. SUSAN I need your thoughts…
Thanks
Hi Tito!
Hang in there! It sounds like you’ve done everything right, assuming the interviews went well. Don’t assume that anything is wrong. Most likely the process – as usual! – is taking longer than they thought it would.
This is Easter week, so it can be a tough week to get someone’s attention, but I think I’d try the HR person to see what is going on.
Be sure to identify yourself and the job you applied for. Also give the dates of the interviews and who you interviewed with and add anything you can think of that made you particularly memorable – an achievement, an employer, a story you told in the interview. You want to be sure that they remember who you are.
Then, ask for the current status of the jobs, and the next steps, assuming that the job hasn’t been filled yet.
My bet is that they are bogged down, and the holiday is adding to the confusion.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan.
I have been in the interview process with a large Insurance company for a Training position for the past several weeks. Began with a phone IV from HR, then an in-person IV with the direct reporting manager the following week, and finally a phone interview with the department head two Thursdays ago (March 22), she works out of state.
After the final interview on the 22nd, she said that they were planning to make their decision towards the end of the following week (around the time of this past Thursday or Friday), as I was within the top three she was interviewing. I have yet to hear back, and I feel that all of the interviews went pretty well, including my appropriate follow up letters and such.
I am now getting antsy about when I am going to hear back, and when (if I should) send a follow-up letter to check on the status of my candidacy. Any advice?
Thanks!
Hi Jason,
I can understand the “antsy” feeling about this. It has been nearly a week now since their self-imposed deadline, which is very often too aggressive for what needs to happen. So, I think it would be appropriate for you to reach out to the direct reporting manager this week.
Because this coming weekend is Easter, you might run into people being out of the office, which has probably impacted their decision-making process. I think I would call the direct reporting manager, who is local, to see what is going on, but a more formal letter is also a good idea.
If you call, after you introduce yourself, remind the direct reporting manager of the job you interviewed for, when and with whom you talked, and maybe something significant about yourself that seemed to resonate with this manager during the interview (school, employer, achievement). Just to help them remember you clearly. Then, ask for the current status of the job and the next steps in the process, if it hasn’t been filled yet.
You can do a variation of this in the letter, too, of course.
IF the position has been filled with someone else, send another letter (assuming you want to work for this company) thanking them for the opportunity to meet them and to learn more about them.
Hope this works out for you!
Good luck!
Susan
Hi, Susan.
I applied for a position in finance in one company here in Doha. I had an interview in Feb 2012 with the Finance Manager. Just last week, I had another interview with the Recruitment Specialist. Today, I called her and asked for the status of my application and she told me that the hiring manager (finance manager) has not given her the final decision. Is it okay to send a follow up letter to the finance manager?
Hi Mila,
Well, here in the USA, contacting someone who interviewed you in February would be OK now. In fact, it might be a very good idea. I assume that things are similar in Doha.
Good luck!
Susan
I’m a little bummed out. I went on a interview last Thursday I thought the interview went great. I received a call for a 2nd interview for that Friday. While on the interview the manager than stated that the director I interviewed with stated, ” I left a good impression”. With that said I thought the 2nd interview went well also, I was told I should be receiving a call by Wednesday and as of today I still haven’t heard back from anyone.
I did send thank you emails to both interviewers and I’m wondering whether I should actually give them a call or should I just give it more time.
I really want this job and if I don’t get it I just want to know what went wrong.
Hi Susan, I wrote you on March 9th, a couple weeks back just to refresh your memory its the EA position with a BIG insurance company(its a couple posts ago in this section)! Just updating some news! Well after exactly a month of waiting for the 2nd interview, I finally got it last Friday! I went really well, I really seemed to click with the girl that interviewed me. She said that my external recruiter would contact me next week (the 2nd interview was last Friday March 23rd) regarding next steps . . . so its now Thursday and no word to speak of from anyone 🙁 I definitely have that whole OCD thing going on right now, luckily I was able to keep myself busy for the first half of the week but now I am really getting depressed and second guessing everything. I really wish this process wasn’t soooo hard! I mean really! She said projected starting date would be some time mid April ish . . . . what????? The people seem to travel a lot in this company and there always seems to be someone missing from the equation so I have a bad feeling this is just going to drag out. How soon should I contact them to see what the next steps are . . . do I contact the external recruiter? do I contact the person I last interviewed with? or do I contact the first person I interviewed with? or if I contact the external recruiter and he is not responding, who should I then contact? It will be exactly a week tomorrow, and she told me they would try to have a decision by this week. So how soon should I contact these people? I have sent thank you notes to everyone I have ever interviewed with! The recruiter told me its between me and 1 or 2 other people . . . sheesh! Any advice would be appreciated in my OCD glazed over eyes! Wish I could just crawl into a hole until they call 🙁
Hi Heather,
Hang in there! Sounds like things are going well. Things seldom go quickly in large companies, and I think large insurance companies have the most processes, procedures, and hoops to jump through (banks and government are worse, if that’s any consolation). Start date in mid-March or mid-April (or early May) is all the same to them.
The external recruiter should have a good idea of what is going on inside the labyrinth, so I would contact him first, probably tomorrow or Monday. As you now know too well, it takes them a long time to do anything. Meanwhile, time to paint the bathroom, take up knitting, learn a new language, write a book, or anything else that will keep your mind too busy to fret about this.
Good luck!
Susan
HI,
I recently check the company web page for the position that I have interview 3 weeks ago. The position no longer posted, Is this mean the position already been filled?
Hi Dave,
It’s very hard to tell what that means.
Removing the job posting doesn’t automatically mean that the job has been filled, but it may have been. It does mean that they are not currently looking for applicants.
They may be still figuring out who to invite in for another round of interviews. They may be checking references. OR, they may be doing something entirely different because something unrelated must be handled before they can turn their attention back to filling the job opening.
Since it has been 3 weeks, it would b appropriate to check in with them to find out what is going on. Tell them the job you interviewed for, and when and who interviewed you. Then, ask for the status of the job and the next steps in the process.
Good luck!
Susan
Hello Susan-
I applied for a job on February 16 and finally had a phone interview on March 9th. They were hiring for 2 job positions, and I was being considered for both, but they were hiring for one before the other. After my phone interview, she said that they would be conducting second round interviews at the beginning of the next week. At the end of that week, (March 16) I hadn’t heard from her, so I followed up with a quick email. She then told me that I was no longer being considered for the initial job I interviewed for, but that she was closely considering me for the other job and that they would hope to do second round interviews for THAT job at the end of last week. Well, I haven’t heard anything again (which seems to be the trend), Should I drop another quick line? I don’t want to be a pest, but I need to play process of elimination as soon as I can!
Hi Feleceia,
Yes, I would connect with her again to see what is going on now. Perhaps they weren’t able to get to the interviews for the second job yet – these things seem to always take more time than anyone plans to have them take.
Hope you get some good news.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
I had a phone interview last Thursday. The HR person interviewing me told me that they were going to take the information to the relevant managers, and come back to me at the beginning or middle of the next week (hence this week). I hadn’t heard anything by the middle of the week so I sent a quick email enquiring about the status of my application. No reply yet (2 days later). What should I do next – call? Email again? I am keen on this position, but I also would like to know what I’ve done wrong if I don’t proceed, as this was my first phone interview ever.
Hi Kb,
Congratulations on getting through your first phone interview! Good to have that experience.
I think that I would call them, probably Monday afternoon or, better, Tuesday (because Mondays are often crazy busy days). Identify the job you were interviewing for, and when and who interviewed you. Then ask for the status and the next steps. If there are no “next steps” for you this time, thank them for their time and consideration and ask for feedback.
Since you are keen on this job, if you get bad news, send them a thank you any way. Reiterate that you enjoyed speaking with them and are very interested in working for them, perhaps describing why you are so interested in working there.
Hope you get good news!
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
I loved your posts on post interview strategies. Here is my complex situation. Would you mind to take a look?
The firm:
A big financial institute has been working on a very specialized compliance project across the firm and across all the states it operates in. The project started in fall 2011 and will last for many years. Most senior members were thus new to the firm. The position I was interviewed for is a mid level manager.
Me:
I am a recent graduate with multiple years experience in the exact capacity with another financial institute. So I am currently not working and under tremendous pressure. My skill set is attractive to this employer.
External headhunter and HR:
The headhunter hooked me up with the project and acted as liaison among the hiring manager, HR, and me. He set up all the phone interviews. HR took over for scheduling the super day. It seems to me that HR has certain protocols to follow since they only get to me through my external headhunter. In addition, HR discourage me to contact hiring manager directly and they never directly respond to my request for information after final interview.
Hiring manager:
The hiring manager and other professionals from the project all liked me. Since I know the business inside and out and I adopt a consulting style work approach, I was able to summarize my observations and to make detailed recommendations. In other words, I was there. After the interview, I got contact from my headhunter and put all my suggestions and thoughts into a memo as my follow up email.
Four days after the super day, HR told my headhunter that they are very interested in me and working on comp and contractual issues at their end. That was 3 weeks ago. Two weeks after knowing the result (I assume at that time, they have made up their mind of hiring me), that was last week, I sent HR an email asking for status. After two days, the hiring manager sent me an email and asked me to sit tight. HR also sent me an email through my headhunter reassuring their interest.
Now here is the issue. It seems to me they are opening a manager position for me and it is one level below the original position (which I totally understand because I had been in school full time for more than a year and the manager position is still one level above my previous job). The fact that creating a new job would require sign-offs from many groups might make the whole process unpredictable and extremely lengthy. I need a job before the end of April for visa issues because I am a Canadian not an American. (I know that they know I am a Canadian, but I don’t know if they know what they need to be aware of in hiring a Canadian.) So I have a deadline to meet, a lengthy process, an unfriendly HR protocol, a busy hiring manager who is also new to the firm, a headhunter who is pretty much useless in the communication, what alternatives do I have to make things happen?
I am also working on other opportunities and hope one gets through.
Thank you for listening to my craps.
A pan fried brain
Hi Ichbinmarc!
What an ordeal job search is these days, even without any complications like an April 1 visa deadline!
If this is not a multinational company, they may be intimidated by the visa process. If they are a multinational company (as many large financial institutions are), they may jump into action, once they know.
I see 2 options:
1. Tell the recruiter about the deadline, if he or she doesn’t already know, and ask them to share it with the client ASAP. That visa stands between the recruiter and the commission they will get when you land the job – which should motivate anyone with a pulse. If the recruiter doesn’t seem to “get it” about the importance or urgency, ask them if they have an associate who is familiar with the process and could lend assistance in this situation – a split fee is better than no fee!
2. If the recruiter really is a lost cause or totally inept, it sounds like contacting the hiring manager may be your best option. ASAP.
Good luck with this one!
Susan
Thanks, Susan, for taking your valuable time out to share my burden.
Isn’t it funny when you see many Americans went to Canadian banking industry after the crisis and now you see Canadians come down here for banking jobs.
It is a multinational one. Public record shows that they do sponsor. However, the fact that I am a Canadian citizen makes things more complicated.
Based on North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadians with certain professions qualify for TN visa. TN visa does not require corporate sponsorship and can be relatively easier obtained at the boarder. It is possible to categorize the job I applied for under “management consulting” depending on how they write the employment letter.
The fact that I just finished my full time graduate degree in the US also qualifies me for one year OPT. OPT does not require corporate sponsorship either. But there is a three month grace period. If one couldn’t land a job in three months starting from the beginning of OPT, one has to leave the country. The end of my grace period is the end of April.
The original position the headhunter submit my resume for was a quant position. The job description clearly showed “H1B sponsorship available”. So I didn’t think too much. Then the firm decided that I fit another position in the same team and interviewed me in person for the position I don’t know if they would sponsor or not.
Before the super day, my recruiter asked me for my status. I was thinking of using the OPT then switch to TN to boost up my chance. So naturally I said I don’t need corporate sponsorship. My OPT + TN solution should work if the contract can be finalized before the end of April. Now I am not sure. If I was other nationalities, then I would just say “only H1B”, in which case might well speed up the process if they sponsor. What an irony!
In my case, I don’t think I would make the H1B April 1st deadline. Because normally firms should wait after the candidate sighs the written contract then submit H1B filing. If I can make the H1B deadline then I definitely can make OPT grace period deadline at the end of April. But still I will have to write the hiring manager about my situation and cc to my headhunter. Now it all depends on how much the hiring manager likes me.
Sometimes I think it would be a miracle if I can pull this one out…
Thank you again.
A deep fried brain. (Maybe I just need to get married to a New Yorker LOL)
I apologize for turning this thread into an immigration one…Dealing with governments now becomes my hobby, not to mention the tax treaties between Canada and the US I need to be aware of in filing two countries’ tax return….so my stock trading through my Toronto broker would be an economic event occurred in the US and subject to both countries tax ruling….(just kidding)……deep deep pan fried brain…
Dear Susan,
I have an update now. The hiring manager called me on Friday and said that the HR has cleared the process of creating the new position. He will contact me for details of the responsibility of the position.
I decide to keep playing my “no corporate sponsorship required” card. The only problem is the position is a permanent one while I need a contract one for TN visa. Do you think it is possible to convince a multinational financial institute to make such change. It should be much easier than sponsoring me for H1B. TN visa has no quota and only costs me 75 dollars and also good for 3 years. I kinda feel socially irresponsible to compete with other nationalities for the limited number of H1B while I can simply get TN.
I plan to bring TN visa issue up when I start the process of negotiating contractual details, such as comp and benefit, with HR/hiring manager. What’s your suggestion? If the HR can be more candidate friendly and adopts a protocol with better communication strategy, then I would have already told them about my status.
I hope you have a great Sunday.
Sincerely,
Lance
Hi Lance,
I applaud your social responsibility in not applying for an H1B if you don’t need it. I hope your altruism is rewarded!
I’m not sure how rigid this employer will be about “permanent” vs. “contract” jobs. As you know, financial institutions have many formal procedures (although, looking back a few years, sometimes not the always right ones), and they may have a justification process for contract positions involving headcounts and budgets and other “administrivia.”
Can you get any more information about this employer and process from another source, like LinkedIn maybe? How powerful is HR in this organization? I’ve worked in HR, and it always felt like we were “underdogs” with no respect from the rest of the organization – although, when I left HR in that organization, HR was viewed as all-powerful.
Is this something that the recruiter could give you any insight into? Not asking this person for help, just for information. If they are a contingency-based recruiter, they have a stake in your success. No job for you; no commission for them.
I think/hope you are correct to wait until you have the offer or, at least, strong support from the hiring manager, before you broach this subject, but the delay could backfire, too, if the paperwork aspect of it is too arduous.
Hope you have a great Sunday, too, thank you!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Good luck!
Susan
Hey Susan,
Sorry for the delay in my update. Apparently the employer prefers spending more money on H1B to the easy and simple TN. So I am not going to insist on saving their money.
In addition, after 8 rounds interview, I will have to fly to their headquarter to do more tests……I am trying very hard to keep my spirit high…
Thanks,
Ichbinmarc
Hi Ichbinmarc,
So, doing things the hard way, are they, and no contract. I suspect it was the contract that was the issue for them. They may have viewed it as limiting their options too much – if you are a “regular employee” they can fire you any time they want.
Hope this works out for you – hang in there!
Good luck!
Susan
Update. So I finally flew to their headquarter this week and met four more guys there. So in total from October last year when I submitted my resume, I talked to 11 guys from that company in total, all in interview setting. For those four guys, three went well, one I am not sure what words he will put forward. Two interviews were very intense. I was told that they will let me know the next step by the end of today.
I guess no candidate can make sure to get everyone’s favor if one was asked to see everyone in the company. I am tired, and don’t care anymore.
Ichbinmarc
Hiring can be a long process — for both applicants and current employees. On the employee you met with who you felt like was unsure: try not to read too much into it. (He could have had a bad day or generally have a poker face when he meets candidates — this is not uncommon.) Don’t write off the job just yet. You’ve put too much time and energy into it. And if they are flying you to their headquarters, it means they are serious about you!
It sounds like you’ve put months into this hiring process, so make sure you follow-up with thank you notes as well. If the “one guy” interview wasn’t perfect, address any potential concerns in an individual follow-up note to him if appropriate.
Good luck,
Chandlee
After two weeks I send an follow up email to the hiring manager for asking the update status. It’s been couple day and he has not reply back to my mail. Is this mean that he think I’m not a qualified candidate so he would not bother to contact me.thanks
Hi Will,
No, it may not mean that at all. It could mean he’s out of the office, very busy, or ignores emails from applicants.
I would wait another week to contact him again, and I might try the phone the second time.
Be polite and professional. Don’t expect a rejection that hasn’t happened. Don’t be angry or upset (or the rejection could happen).
Tell them your name, the job you interviewed for, and who and when you interviewed. Then, ask them for the status of this job and the next steps in their process.
And, of course, keep looking! Maybe a better job is waiting for you if this one doesn’t work out.
Good luck!
Susan
Here’s my question: do some companies deliberately refuse to provide an answer to “what is the status of my candidacy” question for fear of some potential lawsuits if a candidate was not selected for a job? Is this a part of HR policy to interview candidates and then leave their inquiries unanswered so as to protect the company? Or are they just being completely unprofessinal and ignore candidates’ inquiries thinking that those who did not get chosen are just complete garbage and not worth a 30-second reply (e.g., “sorry, we’ve decided to move forward with other candidates at this time, but will keep your resume on file…”).
Example: I have had four interviews at a federal agency, two phone and two face-to-face, including one with an EVP. The HR person who set up and facilitated these interviews was very communicative and responsive, up until my last interview almost two weeks ago. She told me right after the interview that I’d be hearing from her in a few days, and after that – silence. My two e-mails and a phone call went unanswered. I’ve been nothing but very professional throughout the course of interview process, and thought I’d at least get the courtesy of SOME response. Which I did not…
Hi Alina,
Sorry it took me a while to get you an answer for this. Federal Government job search is not my field. So I contacted Camille Carboneau Roberts, Job-Hunt.org’s expert in Federal Government Job Search, and this is what Camille said –
Advice from an expert! You can reach Camille directly through her website, ccCareerServices.com.
Good luck!
Susan
HI Susan
I was hoping if you could give me some advices. I have an interview with a hiring manager and two technical leads last week. The interview came out pretty good. Even the two technical leads gave me a good feedback that I could solve all of their technical question. The manager told me that the hiring process take at least one week and he has 2 positions open. He told me after they select the two qualified candidates they will set up with an interview with the VP for the final round before submit to HR. It takes about one month. It’s been over a week and I didn’t heard anything from the hiring manager. I even send him a thank you letter. Is this mean that I didn’t get selected for the qualified candidate so I didn’t get any feedback from him ?
thank you
I hope you can give me some advice on how to proceed. I was offered a job last week. However, I still had interviews scheduled and wanted to follow through with those so the hiring manager told me just to let him know by this Wednesday but that I definitely have that job. I interviewed for another job on Friday that I would much prefer. I had 2 interviews with different people at the organization and was then asked to submit a writing sample which I did at 3pm on Friday along with a thank-you email. I didn’t say anything to them about already having an offer.
I don’t know what to do now. I’m afraid that if I accept the offer I won’t be able to schedule additional interviews with this new place. I’m also afraid to tell the new place that I already have an offer because this comes off as kind of pushy. The job I’m still interviewing for offers much better pay and room for advancement but if I don’t get I absolutely can’t miss out on the other offer. AHH!!
Any tips or ideas on how you would proceed?
Thank you so much!
Hi David,
You do have a bit of a dilemma, but one that other readers here will probably tell you happens sometimes. This is a tough one because the time lines are so close together for both jobs.
First, it’s not clear whether you have a firm job offer in hand for the first one. I’d hate to think you’re assuming it’s in your back pocket, when the company hasn’t actually extended you a definite offer.
Second, it sounds like the second job is the one that’s the best fit for you . . . the one you really want. You’re right not to tell them that you have another offer. Think about it. If they know about it, they may not continue to consider and interview you. The interview process costs them money, and unless you’re a candidate they really, really want, they may not want to invest more time and money in someone who’s not a sure thing.
Since you don’t have to let the first company know until Wednesday, that gives you 2 more days to play with. See how far you get in those 2 days with the second company.
I can’t tell how strongly you feel about the first job. Would you be happy with it? Maybe you should sit down and weigh out the pros and cons. Would you be willing to let it go to play out the interview process with the second one, knowing you may lose out on that one, too?
I think it comes down to how much of a risk you’re willing to take in playing for time. If the second job is your dream job, you may decide it’s worth giving up the first opportunity . . . unless you can figure out a way to get some more time, beyond Wednesday, to either accept or reject the first job. Any chance of that?
Don’t know if this helps you, but I’ve given you a few things to consider.
Good luck!
Meg Guiseppi
Member, WorkCoachCafe Team
I am an 18 year old high school graduate and I work at a retail store. I have been working there for 6 months. I recently applied for a Teller I position at a bank on March 4th, 2012. The human resources manager called me two days after I applied. I did a phone interview with her and she set up an interview with the branch manager of the bank last thursday. I showed up 15 minutes early. I dressed professional (nice career blouse, black dress pants, pearls, light makeup, and wore my hair in a bun.) I brought a copy of my resume, shook her hand firmly and made eye contact. She asked me a series of question, I answered and she told me I gave great answers. She also told me I had a very nice resume. The interview lasted about 30 minutes. I shook her hand firmly and thanked her very much. The next morning I sent a thank you email to her. Five days later, I called her and asked her if they had made any decisions yet based on the position. She apolgized and said they have been very busy but that they would contact me when they made a decision. I told her I understood completely and thanked her. About an hour later, she emailed me and thanked me for the thank you email and told me they would be making a descion soon. So do you think I have a good chance of getting the job?
Hi retailgirl187,
Yes, it sounds very promising! But NO guarantee, of course. I would wait at least another week before I contacted her again. You want to show how interested you are in the position without being annoying. The process always takes longer than the job seekers want it to take, but employers, particularly banks, have their formal processes and procedures that must be followed.
Meanwhile, keep looking. If this one comes through in time, excellent. If it doesn’t, you won’t have wasted any time waiting for it.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Would just like to consult with you on the proper action to take to know the status of my application.
HR had already told me that I passed all the interviews and have asked me for my references for background checking. HR has also asked me of my current compensation package as well as my expected salary. After that conversation though, I haven’t heard of them for a week now.
I would like to know the status of my job application but is unsure what to do. Is it ok if I call or send e-mail to follow up? Appreciate your advice on this. Thank you.
Regards,
CK
Hi CK,
Things sound promising. To figure out what is going on now, I would stay in touch with your references to see when they are contacted and what was said. Checking references is a good sign that you are a “finalist” for this job.
I’m not sure how long ago you had the interview, but, if it has been a couple of weeks, I think it’s safe for you to reach out to HR to see what is going on.
If you are comfortable calling them, reach out via phone. Don’t expect them to remember you (and don’t be surprised or hurt if they don’t). Tell them your name, the job you interviewed for, and who and when you interviewed. Then, ask them for the status of this job and the next steps.
If you don’t feel comfortable calling, send an email with the same information.
Good luck!
Susan
Hello !
Let me give you recap of my story.I am a software guy. I spoke to the people of a particular company on Jan 15th and 20th. And then I had personal interview on Feb 17th. The interview was perfect. After 10 days they called me and said due to some business reasons they had to close that position and as the people who had interviewed me have a given a strong recommendation they asked me to apply for another position in another department. At first I felt so sad when she said this on phone and my mind was blank for couple of seconds.But then said O.K. and we hung up (The job position is totally different than the position I applied previously, for which I had interview.But I checked the website, they don’t have requirement for the position that they asked me to apply).
So next day, director from different dept called me and asked some casual questions and after interview the same evening I got a call and was scheduled for the personal interview in the next week. Everything looks fine till now, apart from my mental agony that I am going through. I know that it is not appropriate to ask the responsibilities of the job at this point. I know that I cannot ask that question to Director of dept when he is asking technical questions. So I am worried what would be the questions about? Now different people are going to interview me. I am little nervous what they would ask? At the end of the phone interview the director said , you have my email, you can contact me with whatever questions I have. So what should I do? What should be my mindset?
Hi SStraggers,
Ask for a job description for the new job, if you don’t have that, and some information about this department – what it does and where it fits into the overall organization so you are sure that it is appropriate for you. Tell them you’d like more details on the new position. Explain that you are happy to be discussing a position with them, but the switch from Job A for Department A to Job B for Department B has been somewhat disconnected. You want to understand the organization as a while, and also how this department and it’s products or services fit into the big picture.
Then, can you do some research online to learn more about what the department does, the products or service, etc.? If it’s not clear, you should probably ask them because it could make the interview process more challenging than it needs to be.
The director told you to contact him with whatever questions you have, so I would do that.
I think that your mindset is that you want to do your best, and you don’t have enough information right now to do that.
Good luck!
Susan
hi Susan,
I was hoping if you could give me some advice…
i applied for job and i received a call for interview after 1 week, i attended my first interview with hr mgr and it was a very good interview .. then 2 days later she called me for interview with the branch manager and it was an excellent interview. he told me to wait a call for last interview with the owner cuz the owner likes to see all the candidates that will be hired … i attended my last interview and i felt so comfortable when i noticed that the hr mgr and branch mgr made a very good report and they attached 4 papers to my profile …. the owner said he’s so happy and he want me to be part of the team ….. i waited 2 weeks and no reply…. i’m now in bad mood toward that work and i don’t know if it’s good choice if i send an email to figure out if my last interview wasn’t successful.
I don’t know what should i write to them and if it’s good choice to contact them
can you help plzz
Same here, after all 4 rounds of interview, talked with HR about my salary for 20 mins, then they told me that they need to talk to other interviewers for more information and give me his card and wait for contact. 8 days has past now and still nothing, the reason this waiting is killing my last nerve is without an official offer, I cannot start to negotiate my visa sponsorship, and the date to submit application is April 1st. Even if I got the offer today, I will still have to give my current employer 2 weeks notice, and it will be April by the time I work for them. If no visa this year, then I have no choice but going back to my country. I just hate all the rules you need to follow and times you need to waste. Cuz they never know the whole future of the candidate depends on it and most of the time he just can’t wait! I was so gonna send a email today to check in, but since you waited for two weeks already, I will wait one more day!
Hi Nan,
Unless they told you not to contact them, I think it would be appropriate for you to send them and email to ask what the current status of this job is. If they don’t already know about your April 1st deadline, I would share that with them because – if I understand correctly – if you don’t have a visa by April 1, you must leave the country. So, then they would have no opportunity to hire you after April 1.
Meanwhile, I would certainly be looking for other positions, in case this one does not come through for you.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Hasan,
Well, if you haven’t already reached out to them (very sorry I didn’t see your comment earlier!), I would certainly reach out now. It sounds very promising.
Often for reasons that have nothing to do with the job seeker, it just takes a long time to get through the formal process to be able to make an offer – people are on travel, on vacation, out sick, etc. and aren’t available when needed for the process to run smoothly and quickly.
Keep your message positive and professional. Remind them of the job you interviewed for, when and with whom you interviewed, and some important detail about you that they seemed to feel was very important (a former employer, an accomplishment, whatever seemed to stand out to them). Then ask them the status of the job and the next steps in their process.
Of course, keep looking, just in case this doesn’t work out.
Good luck!
Susan
Thank you very much for this comforting blog! It is incredibly frustrating to go through this process, and is somewhat a relief to see I am not the only one going though the same thing So I have a couple questions!!! I submitted my resume to a XYZ Insurance company for an Executive Assistant Position for the Vice President team. I filled out an online interview thinking that it was probably a long shot. Then amazingly about a week later I got a call and had an over the phone interview, so excited (there were about 300 applicants)!! The guy told me that he wanted to talk to the hiring staff about setting up an in person interview (yay!). I got the in person interview!! It went amazing, at least I thought so! I sent a thank you letter (typed and mailed same day not emailed) immediately!!
The lady I interviewed with in person said that she thought the interview went well and that this position was created because the current Executive Assistant for the Vice President team needed help, so there would be 2 of us. There were 8 people that interviewed in person. She said the next step would be to have a second interview with someone higher in the management and said she would get back to me by the end of the following week (the interview was on a Friday).
No word . . . I called the guy that I had the phone interview with (1 week later)as she said either herself or he would be in touch. I asked him if he knew what was going on or if they were interested in giving me the second interview, because I have other offers which I do. He said they were very interested in giving me the second interview, but the lady that was supposed to interview me is out of town and they are trying to find someone else and they are having scheduling issues. I said great!!! It has now been two weeks since I had the first in person interview . . . . . . . . I don’t know what to think now??? Should I call her or him on Monday and ask for a new timeline? He said they were just having trouble finding someone to interview me . . . are they just pulling my chain? When I met with her she said the projected start date is March 12th well that is Monday??? Do you think that because this was a created position that it will take more time than usual. Because this was a position where no one was fired or left?? Should I follow up on Monday . . . I don’t want to keep bugging them if they are already having difficulty. . they said it was now between 2 or 3 people me being one of them????? Any suggestions would be amazing, I really want this job! Thanks for any possible outside insight 🙂
Hi Heather,
To be one of 2 or 3 finalists is very good! Projected start dates are often wishful thinking, so I wouldn’t get too concerned about the March 12th date. The process usually takes more time than anyone, on either side of the situation, want it to take.
More than two weeks between the first and second round of interviews is not surprising, given that a key person was out of town and others are having “scheduling” issues. This sounds like a very large organization with a lot of policies and procedures, so it wouldn’t be surprising for them to move slowly. In my experience, insurance companies are very by-the-books kind of places.
If I understand the timeline in your narrative, you had the in-person interview 2 weeks ago. You contacted them after the first week, and now you are wondering about contacting them on Monday – basically your second call in 2 weeks.
I think you may have taken yourself somewhat out of the running by telling them about “other offers” you mentioned in the call a week ago. They may expect you that you have accepted one of those offers by now and no longer be available.
Since you are still interested in this job but not employed, check in with them next week to let them know you are still available and interested in this position. Do your best not to let any of your frustration show. Focus on being business-like and professional.
Good luck!
Susan
Thank you Susan for your sound advice!!! It does make me feel better. The guy I spoke with on the phone the one that did the phone interview was actually a recruiter and doesn’t work for the company itself, he works for accolo if you ever heard of it and he is in an entirely different state. So I just explained to him that I had a couple pending interviews and that I wanted to know where I stood with the company. I also told him that I was super excited to work for the XYZ Company and that I just wanted to make sure that there was interest in setting up the second interview. Which he then told me there was. I have technically not contacted anyone from the actual insurance company itself since the interview (2 weeks) just the recruiter that called me in the first place.
So I will call the lady that I met with in person on Monday (haven’t talked to her since the interview aside from the thank you letter), to see if she has a new timeline for me and to re-express my interest, even though I am frustrated I will not show it of course!!!!!! I consider myself very professional even when I don’t want to be. They are a huge insurance company one of the biggest, I have personally never worked in the insurance industry or for such a giant company either, so thank you for shedding some light on that for me about their technicalities! I just love your site and it really helps calm my nerves, I was so happy when I stumbled upon it. So a big thank you to you and your team who keep this site alive and thank you for not leaving me hanging as much as the interview process has 🙂 I really appreciate the quick response and your wisdom. If I hear any good news I will post.
Oh also forgot to mention I am currently employed by a wonderful company and the insurance company knows my reasons for leaving my current company and what I am looking for. So they know I am looking for the right position and that I am not looking out of desperation but for the right fit for the both of us. It’s just the waiting is killing me!!
Hi Heather,
Good that you currently have a job. That should reduce your stress.
And, very good that you have an advocate – an external recruiter. Be sure to stay in touch with him!
When you contact the lady you interviewed with, don’t expect her to remember you. After you introduce yourself, tell her the title of the job you interviewed for, who you interviewed with (include the recruiter), and when you interviewed. Then, ask for the status of the job and what the next steps are in their process.
Good luck!
Susan
This blog and your responses are so helpful during this infuriating process!! Ok so yesterday I had a call saying that a company would like to do a phone interview with me. I got the call at about 2:50pm but didn’t hear the voice mail until about 3:05pm. The voicemail said to call back and leave a message with a good time to call and they would get back that day. I called and left a message saying I would be free the rest of the day. I didn’t get a call back. Should I call back today if I haven’t heard from them by mid-afternoon? I have an interview with another company today at 3 and am afraid of missing the call again. Thanks.
Hi David,
Yes, by all means, call them back and give them your schedule for today, and for next week, too. And ask them to set up an appointment for the call. You don’t need to go into ANY details about what is happening today or next week. Just indicate the times that you are “unavailable” to speak with them.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
First I would like to thank you for this discussion.
I went to a career fair on February 16, 2012 and met with a potential employer. This gentleman(Mr. X) said that he was highly impressed with me and that he was confident that I would be teaching people at his company within 30 days. Mr. X said that I should keep in contact with him via email/phone (be persistent) since his schedule is very hectic and the HR department is overworked. He said that he would act as my advocate for a position within the company.
The first time I sent him an email he sent me a response that he would circulate my resume. I waited a week and gave him another call and email (Feb. 24, 2012). I did tell him in the voice mail that I was also sending an email (so that he didn’t feel like he needed to call me back). He responded that he would circulate my resume again. Today (March 8, 2012 (two weeks later) I sent an email to Mr. X and the HR (with Mr. X cc) department at this company asking about the status of this position.
I would normally say that this was being to pushy but Mr. X did tell me that I should be persistent. Is this being to pushy?
Hi Melissa,
They seem to respond positively each time you contact them, so it must be what they want. Or they are very poor communicators if they aren’t happy about it.
I would normally think that this is being fairly pushy and recommend that you back off for a while now to see what happens.
However, some employers WANT and need persistent/pushy employees, and if a job seeker isn’t pushy enough, they don’t get hired. The question is whether or not being this pushy is outside of your personal “comfort zone” to the point that you wouldn’t be happy working in this kind of environment.
Hard to tell what exactly is going on. See if you can pick up any hints online (GlassDoor.com, Indeed.com, Google, etc.) or from any friends or contacts you might have inside this organization.
Good luck!
Susan
Dear Susan,
I sent a follow up e-mail to a job I’m very interested in getting this morning. It has been a week today since my interview. The Hiring Manager walked me to my car and even said he thought the interview went well. I haven’t heard any response from my e-mail and I know that they finished up on Monday with interviews. Should I assume no response is my answer. Like everyone else on here, the waiting is horrific. One minute I’m sure I will get an offer and the next I’m convinced I did not.
The worst part is, many times they never contact you to let you know that you haven’t been chosen. I am still searching and have an interview next week, but this particular job is just stuck in my mind.
Should I follow up again next week or just forget about it?
Thanks!!
Kimberly
Hello Susan,
I have had 6 interviews over the last 4 weeks for a IT BSC position at a manufacturing company. The last interview was seven days ago. All interviews were great and follow up/thank you notes to everyone sent. Feedback from everyone that I interviewed with, including the hiring manager, was very positive. My last conversation with the hiring manager was one week ago and he said everyone was really impressed with me, he is excited to bring me on board and thought I would be an excellent fit. He was waiting for feedback from my references. As of last Friday, all references have provided feedback and now I am just waiting to hear. I do know (from an inside source) the hiring manager wants to hire me and is waiting for final approval from management; however, management is out of the country. I am torn about emailing the hiring manager for an update…what is appropriate here without being annoying?
Thank you!
Hi Cindy,
Take a deep breath, and chill out! Fortunately, you know what is going on thanks to your inside source – excellent! So, what would you be accomplishing by emailing the hiring manager for an update, particularly if the hiring manager knows you have an inside source?
So, wait for management to get back into the country and have the time to approve this hire. You could put the whole thing at risk by being too pushy now.
Find something else to do with your time – I know it’s hard not to think about this, but give it your best shot! Right now, continue your job search, take up knitting, train for a marathon, paint your bathroom, write a novel, whatever you need to do to distract yourself.
Given that you do not YET have an offer, it’s not a bad idea to keep looking, just in case…
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
I interviewed a few weeks back for a position and the HR manager has been in contact with me letting me know where they are in the decision making process and asking questions in relation to relocation assistance. I got a call today from their secretary wanting to set up a conference call for tomorrow with myself, the HR manager, and head engineer. Does this mean that I should be prepared to negotiate an offer?
I had an interview for a purchasing position last Wednesday. I felt the interview went well. It was pouring rain and the interviewer walked me to the car with his umbrella, saying to me, “I think the interview went well, don’t you”? I replied yes and asked when he would be making a decision. He said he had to interview a few more people and that he should know Monday or Tuesday.
Well, it’s the end of day Tuesday and nothing. Is it too early to send him an e-mail to inquire about a decision being made yet? I really want this job but feel that maybe one of the interviews he had after me was a better fit for him and the company! Yikes! I’m driving myself crazy…. Any advice?
Hi Kimberly,
These things hardly ever go as quickly as everyone hopes. My bet is that they haven’t finished yet, so I would wait a few days before contacting him again. Maybe next Monday, if you can wait that long? You don’t want to be annoying, but you do want them to know how interested you are. Calling today could be annoying.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
I had an interview with a law firm 7 weeks ago, and it went really well. After one month the managing partner (MP) called me, asked me a few questions to confirm my commitment to the firm (such as, flexibility to relocate if needed). I told the MP that once I commit, I commit! He then told me that I should expect an offer to be emailed to me in two days time, and explained that I would have 10 to 15 days from then to accept/decline. It’s been two weeks now but I haven’t received the written offer. I understand they are extremely busy as the MP actually apologised for the delay in getting back to me about the interview (he travels a lot).
I would like to follow up with the firm, but I’m not sure how best to word an email to the MP.
Hi Jo,
Just be completely professional and business-like in your email. Re-introduce yourself by referencing the day and time you spoke with him, and the job you discussed. Indicate that you have not yet received the offer letter he mentioned, so you are curious about the status of the position and if there is anything else he needs to know.
Perhaps the offer letter was sent to the wrong address or something else happened logistically that caused the delay. I would ask about that possibility, too, since he seemed so firmly (not a pun) to indicate that you would receive an offer.
I’d be surprised to receive a job offer from a law firm without having to provide references and other documentation about you and your work. So, if they haven’t asked for references, I would expect that. Quickly Google your name, if you haven’t already, to see if something is out there that might have derailed this offer. The “problem” (a.k.a. “digital dirt”) could be about someone else with the same name, of course, messing up your online reputation. Be on the lookout for that situation, too.
Good luck!
Susan
Hello Susan. I’m debating whether it would be helpful to follow up after a promising phone interview I had exactly two weeks ago. The organization I interviewed with is a small non-profit in a rather remote location. I interviewed with the director (the only full-time employee along with 4 or 5 part-timers), and she said she had a large number of applicants, but she also told me at the end of the interview that based on our conversation she would consider me as a finalist. I was hoping things might move relatively quickly given the small size of the organization. The day after the phone interview, I sent a nice follow-up thank you letter (as an email attachment). What do you think about following up again now that it’s been two weeks?
Last week I had an interview for a seasonal cashier position at the home depot. Tomorrow will be a week since my interview and I still have not heard anything, although there were no time limits laid out for when I would hear back about this job. I’m just wondering how and when I should follow up about this job. Should I call or email? Which is more appropriate? Any advice would be great!
Hi jae,
If it’s convenient for you, why don’t you stop by and see what is going on. Perhaps you can talk with the hiring manager to find out when you could expect to hear from them about this job and what other steps in the process there might be (drug testing, reference checking, etc.).
If you aren’t comfortable stopping by, you could call or email. My fear, however, is that – unless they gave you a number to call that isn’t a general Home Depot phone number – your call will get lost in voice mail jail. The same thing could happen to an email, unless you have someone’s personal email address.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan
Just wondering if it’s okay to send an employer an emailing requesting that they contacting me even if I didn’t get the job? I’ve had 2 interviews, but I have a job offer with another company coming my way this week (which they are aware of). I just don’t want to sound pushy/annoying asking, and have no idea how to word it! Any advice??
Hi cBernard,
Caution: Until you have a written job offer in hand (or email from the employer’s domain name), you do NOT have an offer, so be VERY CAREFUL! Do NOT close ANY doors to any other jobs until you have that offer in your hand!
I think you indicated that the employer you want to email knows you have an offer coming from this other company, right? Just not too sure who “they” are in your comment above.
Since you have another job offer waiting (hopefully!) and since I believe you have told this company about that other offer, you have taken yourself out of consideration, and it is unlikely they will waste the time and energy to let you know you didn’t get the job unless they have an system that will do that automatically. They will fill the job with someone else. Asking for confirmation of that would be annoying, I think, to most employers.
However, if you liked that employer, I would send them an email that is a “thank you for taking the time to interview me” message. IF these statements are true, indicate that you would have been very happy to work there, enjoyed meeting the people, and having the chance to learn more about them. Do NOT close this door forever!
Good luck,
Susan
Hi Susan
Thanks for the reply.. sorry that I didn’t explain my situation very well! During my 1st interview, when I was asked where I was working I explained that I’m currently doing temp/contract work for a company and they were hinting that they want me to stay on as a full time/permanent position…. BUT I also told the interviewer that it wasn’t something I’m interested in and explained why and how I would much rather work her for company (etc.. etc)…. that interview got me a 2nd interview with her assistant which happened last week (Thursday) and again I think it went well. The company I am temping with right now has asked me for a sit down meeting end of this week and even tho I could be wrong I believe it will be to discuss me staying on full time. I don’t want to mention this to the place I interviewed with BUT I was wondering if there is a professional way I can email this new company and request if I can find out if I got the job or not when they make a decision? or is that a interview no no?? I don’t plan on using this “job offer” as leverage, just as you said… it will wreck my chances…. basically I’m wanting to send a follow up emailing saying thank you… also asking if or when they will be making a decision. What are your thoughts?? Thanks!
Hi cBernard,
Ahhh… This makes more sense. Thank you for clarifying.
Since company #2 (where you interviewed and want to work) knows about the temp/contract situation and since you don’t really yet (!) know what company #1 (where you are currently temping) will be saying in Friday’s meeting, you have two thing to consider:
1.) You probably don’t need to accept the offer Friday, assuming that you get one.
Perhaps the salary isn’t right, perhaps the benefits aren’t good, etc. You need time to think about it. Anyone would! If they make it a take-it-or-leave-it-NOW offer, I’d probably leave it, if I could afford to do that. If it’s a fabulous offer, you might decide to accept and learn what you can in that job.
2.) You really want to know if company #2 has made an offer to someone else or if that opportunity might still be available to you.
If you haven’t already sent a thank you to the assistant, do it now – you need all the allies you can have.
If you did send a thank you to the assistant already, then – no earlier than this coming Thursday (a week after that 2nd interview) – you could contact company #2, and ask about the status of the job you interviewed for. Be business-like and professional. Remind them of who you are, the job you interviewed for, and when you interviewed for it.
A phone call is probably quickest and most reliable (unless they’ve told you not to call), but you could send an email, too, if you are more comfortable with that, and if you know you email messages get through to them.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan
On jan 15,20 I spoke to them on phone.On feb 17th I had personal interview.It went extremely well.The person said I would be their junior team member.After 1 week I followed up an the HR said the team was happy interacting with me.Now it is more than 2 weeks.I did follow up again and there is no reply.Whenever I call her it goes to voicemail .what should I do now ?
Hi Sstagers,
Right now, you back off so you don’t become annoying.
Notice the timing on this. They seem to take about a month between steps – Jan 15. and Feb 17. So I wouldn’t reach out to them again until the week of March 18.
If they reach out to you before then, great. If they don’t, you can reach out to them that week.
Meanwhile, keep looking for other opportunities.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks for this great post – very insightful and stopped me from sending a follow up email. I have had around six interviews with this company – the last one being on Wednesday last week. Soon after the interview, I sent a Thank you note to both HR and the interviewer. They both replied instantly and interviewer said he was sure that I would succeed in this role if hired as I had very relevant background. HR reply was more like ‘you are welcome’ one liner.
Last interview was with a senior manager and he seemed happy. He did mention other people being interviewed so there might be one or two other candidates in the process.
Should I send an email to HR asking for an update after 5 days? She has been getting back to me in 1-2 days for earlier rounds and they are normally very quick at getting back to candidates. Their website says that they will get back to you within 48 hours if you are unsuccessful and may take 1-2 weeks in making an offer if you are successful. Now it seems like they are either waiting for an candidate to finish interviewing or getting the offer ready. In both cases, HR person should have some sense of what’s going on.
Do you think I should send a brief follow up email or continue to wait to hear from them? Thanks in advance for your feedback.
John
Thanks for your quick reply,great advice and positive advice. Their HR lady called me today to give an update. She said that she didn’t have any feedback yet and will get back to me soon. She also mentioned that hiring manager asked her to bring back another candidate for a final interview. They had interview this candidate before and didn’t like him/her and hence I was being interviewed. It seems strange that after rejecting that candidate, he/she is being brought back. I know I may still have a chance but I am not too hopeful now. Is there another way to read this situation?
Hi John,
I’m glad that HR somewhat put you out of your misery and got back to you. At least they’ve made contact, so you can assume they’re still interested.
It will just make you crazy to try to read the situation . . . sounds like there’s no definitive answer floating around in the cosmos yet. Unfortunately, it can still go either way for you. Just sit tight and let things unfold, knowing you did a stellar job of presenting your credentials and unique value for the job. You’ll be that much better at mastering interviews, should you have to go through it again soon.
Good luck!
Meg
Hi Susan,
I had an interview at a retail store 2 weeks ago, and it seemed to go pretty well. When the interviewer was saying goodbye to me at the end of the interview, she said that they would start calling candidates for their cashier positions (the positions I interviewed for) in 2 weeks to tell them whether they were hired or not. She also mentioned that they would rather not receive call backs… she was quite adamant about them calling me, not the other way around.
If they do not call me back by the end of the day next Monday (this Wednesday will be the official 2 week mark), would it be a bad idea to call them back anyway? In my past experiences with job interviews, the interviewers have said pretty much the same thing, and have never called me back… even though they said they would call whether I was hired or not. So you can see why I’d be a bit paranoid that I’ve been listening TOO well or something. I know I won’t know anything until after Wednesday, but I’m just worried. Any advice would be VERY much appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Shantelle
Hi Shantelle,
Yes, you see/hear “no calling!” often, mostly, I suspect because too many people call too often so work doesn’t get done. And, employers are often bad about calling back the people who weren’t hired. I suspect no one wants to deliver bad news, so it gets postponed indefinitely.
Why not stop by next Monday, rather than calling? If you didn’t get the job, ask in a very professional and non-threatening manner for feedback about why you didn’t get the job so you can improve. No “attitude” or hurt feelings showing – just a professional inquiry for feedback. It could be very helpful for future interviews or it could simply help you understand what happened with this opportunity.
If you don’t feel like stopping by on Monday or if it is apt to be a busy time for them, then calling (or stopping by) at a less busy time is a very good idea, if you can.
Good luck!
Susan
Thank you Susan! I will definitely be trying out the in-person method of contact in this case. Somehow that is less intimidating to me than calling anyway, haha. Thanks again, and have a great evening!
Shantelle
Good luck, Shantelle! Hope it works!
HI there,
I had an interview with an organization for an internship at the end of January. The interview went extremely well, ending with a mini-tour of part of the office, and an introduction to the senior VP of the department. They told me that they would inform me of their decision by the end of February. It’s now March 5th… and I haven’t heard anything. I do have a friend who got the call for one of the spots in the same position, though (they are hiring several people).
My question is: how do I go about with follow-up? At this point, I’m going to assume that I was not chosen to be a part of the program, but I’d like to send a follow-up regardless. Do I wait a few more days? And what exactly would I even say??
Thanks.
Hi Jenna,
Don’t assume the worst. Call the HR person, on the 6th. Identify yourself, the internship position, and the date of your interview. Ask for the current status. Be business-like and professional.
It could be that they are making the offers in phases, and they haven’t hit your phase yet. Or, the answer could be “not now.” If you get the not-now answer but you would still like to work for them at some point in the future (maybe not an internship), send a thank you for the time and opportunity and tell them you would love to work there at some point in the future.
Good luck!
Susan
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
At the interview, I did not yet fill out an “application” or anything like that. Would that effect HR’s knowledge of my status? Also, will HR inform the person I interviewed with that I called them?
Thanks,
Jenna
Do you know if your friend completed an application? It may not be something they ask everyone to do – it might be what the people who are hired do.
Chances are good that the HR person will inform the person that you called. If you haven’t already called HR, you could ask them to do that. Or, depending on what HR says about whether or not a decision has been made, you could contact that person yourself.
Good luck!
Susan
I recently came across XYZ Company that I worked for a many years back. A gentleman, who is now the VP worked there under a different capacity when I was there. He mentioned a job would be opening up in a couple of months. I stopped in one day to say hi and catch up. He told me to complete an on-line application and submit my resume to HR. He told me as I was leaving not to be afraid to follow-up with HR so I am fresh in his mind when the job opens up. How often should I email HR? What should I say? I don’t know much about the job except that it is working in office administrative capacity and well a couple of months could play out for awhile. XYZ Company was one of the best jobs I had and the VP worked with me and knows that I am capable of good things, and luckily we got along well when I worked there. Again, I just need to know how often and what to say exactly to HR. Thank you.
Hi Ashley,
This sounds like a good lead for you!
I would send HR an email, referencing your discussion with him (include his name and title), and that he suggested that you establish contact with them. If you know his email address, copy him on the message openly (NOT bcc). Ask them to will let you know when the job is posted,
Options if they don’t want to let you know when the job is posted:
1. I’d have a bunch of questions for HR related to their job posting process:
* Are jobs posted “internally” for a while before being made public? Large employers often do this to help existing employees find new opportunities for advancement and to encourage employees to refer friends or colleagues for the jobs.
* Do they post their jobs on external job boards? All their jobs or only some of them? Where would this one fit?
* Do they post their jobs on the corporate website?
* What is the schedule for posting jobs? Perhaps they schedule posting their new jobs by noon every Monday on the corporate website, for example.
* Do they have a way for you to be automatically emailed with a job is posted?
2. I’d also do a search on Indeed.com for jobs from this employer. Indeed “aggregates” jobs from thousands of sources, like Monster and CareerBuilder, and also from employers, associations, and many other job sources. If you find jobs from this employer listed there, set up an account on Indeed and set up an “Alert” so you are notified when new jobs for this employer are published.
3. Then, I would check out LinkUp.com, another “job aggregator” which collects jobs only from employers. See if this employer’s jobs are included in LinkUp. If they are, set up a “Job Alert” on LinkUp, too.
If none of these options work for you, then I would just check in with HR every couple of weeks.
Good luck!
Susan
I had an interview recently where the hiring manager suggested that I might get a verbal offer that day. That didn’t happen, but he emailed me that night saying he “should be able to call me” the next day, but that also didn’t happen. Now I assume there are probably good reasons for the delay, but at this point I’m wondering how long I should let this go before politely inquiring about a new time frame.
Also, I worked with this company several years ago, so I know the hiring manager fairly well. Would this affect how soon I should call back?
Hi Lea,
If you know the hiring manager fairly well, you should have a good idea of how tolerant and patient he will be with you. It sounds like he made some strong statements to you about hiring you, and then followed up with an email.
I would definitely replay to his email and ask him how it is going, and I would do it soon. It could be that he is waiting for a sign that you are really interested in the job.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi!
Great feedback and blog!! I have a question.
S, I seem to be in a bit of a pickle, I have had two great interviews for a management position for a store I am VERY interested in working at. Following the second interview I was invited to do a trial shift with a woman who would be my assistant store manager, the owner of the company wanted to see how we got along and get some more feedback. I did the trial shift yesterday, (March 1st) and it went well. The assistant manager told me that I was the only person doing the trial shifts, that I am the front runner, and kept referring to instances as if I was the manager already! A gal even came in on my trial shift and asked if they were hiring but she said no!
Well, now I am waiting for feedback from the owner on whether or not I am getting the job! Is it poor taste and too pushy to send a follow-up e-mail this early after a third interview-trial shift. I obviously really want the job, but I do not want to come off as pushy or desperate!
Any feed back and/or advice would be awesome!
Hi Anne,
I’m not that familiar with “trial shifts,” but assuming that they have checked your references, done the drug test, and all the other “administrivia” I would think that an offer would be very close.
If this store is very busy on weekends, I would not contact them now, but I would reach out when you are sure that they are not swamped with customers. Perhaps Monday would be better?
Good luck!
Susan
I applied for a job about a week ago and got called in for an initial interview this week. It went great, the interviewer said that it was one of the best she’s had, and that there will be a second round in a few weeks. I sent her a thank you email saying how much I wanted to be the program manger of STEP. She emailed me back a few days later saying:
“It was a pleasure meeting you as well. Thank you so much for this email. I will keep you posted on the STAR program. Take care.”
I immediately emailed her back apologizing for calling it the STEP program, explaining that it was a force of habit from previous work, and that I’m still interested in the STAR program.
Will this oversight affect my chances of a second interview?
Hi NFels,
I doubt that this will negatively impact your chances of a second interview. But, if it does, would you really want to work there? Everyone makes mistakes, and you recovered quickly. So, if they hold it against you, I’d be surprised.
But, keep looking!
Good luck!
Susan
Thank you Susan! 🙂
You’re welcome! Good luck!
Hi Susan,
I had an interview for one big company few months back and I am still in touch with them through email. I got an email on Feb-20-2012 from the manager stating that he will call me to discuss further about the position. But I have not received any call or email yet.
In the mean time, I got a job offer from another company (small company on Feb-28-2012) which I should decide in a week or two. However, I love to work in the big company and would like to know if they can offer me a job before I have to decide for the small company. Could you please help me how to call or email the hiring manager of the big company and get the information about the update and ask him if it is possible to get offer in a week or two.
Thank you.
Neil
Hi Neil,
I would Reply to the most recent email you received from the manager at the big company, and explain the situation. If you have a phone number for the big company, you could call them to tell them the situation and reference the email you sent. Do NOT name the small company.
Frankly, I doubt that the big company can go through a big-company hiring process in time for you, and I would NOT recommend turning down the small company’s offer while you wait for the big company to go through their processes – which could take a long time and still leave you without a job.
Stay in touch with the big company for the future. I’d be very surprised if it works out for you now, but it might work out at a later date.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
I had a job interview for a great company back in November 2011. A friend of mine that works in the company passed along my resume. I followed up via email about 2 weeks later and received a response that the position was on hold until after the new year, and to keep in touch because I was still in the running as a candidate. I sent an email follow up mid January, and did not receive a response. All of the contact has been with the recruiter. So my question is should I contact the hiring manager instead of the recruiter to check on the status of the position? Or should I move on?
Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Can you do both – follow up, and move on?
Since you have a friend who works there (and who may receive a cash reward for referring someone who is hired), ask your friend if he or she can figure out what is going on. Perhaps your friend can contact the hiring manager.
My gut instinct says if they were going to hire someone, they would have posted the job by now.
So, have your friend check to see what’s going on, but definitely move on.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan
I had an interview at a very small company with the owner two weeks ago and went very well. I sent a thank you letter, next day to him and to his assistant. During the interview he mentioned that he will contact me. I have not heard back from him, and I really would like to take that job, since I think that I have all the skills and experience that he is looking for. Should I email him?
Thank you
Deb
Hi Deb,
If it has been more than two weeks ago, I think you are safe to contact him. Be sure to remind him of when you spoke and the position you spoke with him about. Don’t expect him to remember you. If there was a particular point that seemed to resonate with him during the interview, you should probably mention that as well.
Good luck!
Susan
Hello
I would like your opion on my situation. I relocated to a new area and was blessed to interview for a postion much like the one i held for the past three years in my home town. I had applied three times prior too with the same agency and for other postions but I came to understand later that they hired internally for each of these and it was not a reflection of my qualifations ( I called to inqurie and that was the response) During that phone call the ED of the agency had me to email her my resume and she then infomred me that another positon would open soon and I should apply. That brings us back to now…I applied for that positon and was interviwed for it on 2/10. After the interview which went great I was taken on a tour of some of the agency, introduced to other staff that worked on the floor, and infomred on how to work the elevators!!
I asked during the interview when a desicion would be made and I was told two weeks but hopefully sooner. Tomorrow will be three weeks. I have heared from the person that interviewd me once. A week after my interview I emailed my thank you letter. She responed with the salary offer of the position asking what my expecations were and inquired if I had left references. My response to the salary offer was that it was somewhat lower than I expected the hiring salary to be however that does not deter me from wanting the position I also offerend to send offer refferences. She replied that she would check with HR to see if they recived my list of refferences but it would help her out alot if I just emailed another copy–which I did. To date none of my refferences have been contacted. Do you think the salary answer hurt my chances of the job. I thought her responses were still pleasent afterwards but you just never know. I have only called once this week and left a message wihch has not been returned at this point.
Hi Caydence,
A good sign that you were asked for your references, but not a good sign that they haven’t been contacted.
It’s hard to tell how they took your response to the salary offer, but it sounds like you gave them a good, honest response, and indicated that you were still interested in the position.
Since it has been a couple of weeks since your last contact with them (right?), I think it’s appropriate for you to reach out to her again to see what is going on now. Remind her of the job you interviewed for (with job requisition number or whatever their internal identifier is, if you know it), who you interviewed with, and when you interviewed. Then politely ask for the status or when you can expect to hear from them again.
If I were a betting person, I would bet that this was another internal hire, but I could easily be wrong (that’s why I don’t place bets), and it would be good to know for sure.
Good luck!
Susan
Thank you. I appreciate your response! It has actually been a week since my last contact with them. That was via email in regard to salary and refferences, but a total of three weeks has passed since interview. I called once this week and left a voicemail which has not been returned! I am not sure what this all means I really had the impression they were very interested and wanted to hire soon. In fact when they walked me to the elevator I was told that i WOULD be hearing from them followed by a very assertive handshake!!
Hi Caydence,
They may very well be interested in hiring you. But “work” can get in the way of doing things as quickly as they think they will be done. People go on business trips, get sick, go on vacation, etc. MANY things can hold up the hiring process, and most of them have absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the candidate or the need to fill the job. It’s one of the things that drive HR people crazy.
Since you didn’t get a response to your voice mail this week, I would definitely wait until late next week to try again.
Meanwhile, stay in touch with the people you gave as references, without driving them crazy. Ask them to let you know when they hear from this employer. That will be a very good sign that things are moving forward.
Meanwhile, keep looking! I’m sure that handshake was well-intended, but…
Good luck!
Susan
Hope I can get your opinion on this. I had an interview on 2/10 and it went very well. I was told a decision would be made on or before 2/17. I sent a thank you not immediately after the interview. I waited until 2/21 and sent an email. I got an auto response from the director (my interviewer) saying she would be out of the office until 3/1! I called on 2/22 and was told by the receptionist that a decision had not been made but assured me that I would hear shorty. So tomorrow is the day when the director comes back. Do you think I should call tomorrow of I haven’t hear by 3:00 or so or wait till Friday. Is that unreasonable based on what they told me earlier? This is a small place with no HR department or large bureaucracy . Thanks for any help you can give me to ease mind.
Hi Chris,
These things always seem to take much longer than anyone expects. So, even though they have missed their own deadline, I would back off. If the director is just getting back into her office today, she has a lot to catch up on, and I’m betting that filling this job is not her highest priority right at this moment, particularly in a small place without a lot of employees to help her.
So, let the woman get things under control in her office before you contact her. I would recommend waiting until Monday, March 5, before you contact her again.
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks so much for the quick response. I’ve read all of your blogs and trust your judgement. Even though the waiting is excruciating, I’ll keep sending out resumes and finding ways to pass the time till Monday! My biggest fear is that I didn’t get the job and they didn’t feel the need to inform me, I would hate to know I was going through all this stress for nothing but I’m hoping that they simply haven’t decided yet.
Hi Chris,
That’s exactly the problem. Employers are very bad at letting people know bad news, so people end up wasting time waiting for offers that never happen.
Hopefully that won’t happen to you, but I’m happy to read that you are continuing to work on your job search – just in case.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
I interviewed for an engineering position out of town one week ago today. It seemed to go very well and they stated that they would be in contact, but did not give an exact range of time. They did state that they wanted the chosen applicant to begin work by April 1, which does not leave a lot of time. I sent a thank you email the day after the interview and have not heard anything. Would it be appropriate to inquire about the status of my application, or do I need to wait until 10+ days have passed? If offered the position I will need to provide my current employer with 2 weeks notice, and will also need to make moving arrangements for my family, so I am anxious to find out.
Hi K,
Yes, waiting the 10 days is what you should do before contacting this employer again.
I wouldn’t stress a lot over the April 1 starting date. For the right candidate, they will wait an extra week or two. I would definitely not cut down on the notice to my existing employer.
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks Susan. Without contacting them, I received an email from them today that the head engineer is on a business trip and they will be making their decision early next week. They also asked about whether I own or rent my home (I assume that this is a question that relates to the relocation assistance that they offer.) Should I take this question, and the fact that they took the time to contact me, as a good indication?
Hi K,
Yes, very good indications! But, keep looking in case something happens (job cancelled, business closed, etc.).
Good luck!
Susan
I just received a call from their secretary to set up a conference call for tomorrow with the HR manager and head engineer- should I be prepared to negotiate an offer and details of relocation assistance at this time??
Hi K,
It always pays to be prepared for those discussions, but don’t assume that’s what the call will be about. View it as another interview, and prepare for that, too.
It does sound very promising though!
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
I had an interview on 17th feb. it goes well. after my thank you letter they asked for reference letter in the last week.
now i have sent all the required info since Friday and till now i don’t have any update.
Should i ask for update now if so what should be the contents of this mail???
Hi KS,
I would wait at least a week before I contacted the employer again. They have a lot to do on that end of the transaction and it always takes more time than job seekers think it should.
Have you heard from your references that this employer contacted them? If they haven’t been contacted yet, I would add another week to the delay before contacting this employer.
If your references were contacted, ask how they thought the discussion went. Who called them? When? What did they ask about you? Did they share anything about you – that they liked you a lot and were hoping to hire you soon or that they had some concerns about something in your experience or background?
The best advice I can give you is to be patient. This is not a fast process!
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks.
Yea They contacted to my references on the same day and get a for filled. They also ask me to send them my pay slip which i send along with other documents on the same day.
In simple they have gathered everything about me since last weekend.
Ok I am waiting as per your advice.
Regards,
khurram
Hi KS,
Sounds like they do have all the documentation they need. Next week would probably be a good time to “touch base” with them to see what the next steps are. There may be additional interviewing with higher management to get “buy in” from those higher up the organization. But it could be almost over.
Keep job hunting, just in case…
Good luck!
Susan
Hello,
I interviewed with this one company about three weeks ago. The interview went well. The HR person does mention that it will take at least two weeks before I can hear anything back from them.
About a week ago, I got an email from the HR person who told me that the management have not made any decision yet and they are still interviewing.
From the internal sources, I got the news that they (the people I had the interview with) do like me and recommended me for the position.
Still, I do not yet hear anything from the company.
Should I call the interviewers? What should I ask? Also if I do not get them on the phone, is it a good idea to leave a message? Some people are not very good answering the messages on the phone.
Should I also follow up with an email after leaving a message on the phone? How soon should I do it after leaving a message on the phone.
Hi Bob,
The great news is that you have “internal sources.” Excellent! And the news they have for you is positive. Also excellent!
If your internal sources are correct, it sounds like there is some sort of hold up somewhere else in the organization. MANY things, most having nothing at all to do with you, can cause delays – approvals or sign-offs from people traveling for business, sick at home, on vacation, or too busy with some other crisis.
I would follow up with a phone call late this week or early next week to check the status. Remind them, politely, of who you are and the job you are waiting for a decision about. Give them a couple of days to respond to the phone message, and send an email. Also check with your internal sources to see if they can get an idea of what the hold up might be.
Good luck!
Susan
Susan,
Sorry it’s taken a few weeks to update you. I received the job offer this morning!!! Let me back up, I did take your advice and followed up via email on Sunday night January 29. I heard back from HR on 1/31 again apologizing for the delay and that they were glad to hear from me. I actually received a call from the VP on 2/6 apologizing again for the delay and she asked if I would be available to come into the office and meet on 2/7. She apologized for the short notice. Well I assumed that I would receive the offer on 2/7. I did not. She brought me in to meet with her and the HR manager for an update regarding some leadership changes and to ask additional questions. The meeting ended with her stating that she will follow up with me in a few days with an update on the decision making process. I was disappointed and decided at that point that I would not focus on this particular position and would focus on my other available job opportunities. I actually had an interview on 2/9 with another company and proceeded with that interview. It went well and I had a 2nd interview the following week. Well I was offered the position with the second company last week and proceeded with the background check and drug testing. I was contacted this past Friday confirming that I was cleared to start in 2 weeks. I accepted the offer…. Well this morning I get the offer from the other company I’ve been waiting on since mid November!!! The second position is more of an entry level type sales position (not in my field so I would need to learn the business) with the potential for growth but the first position is a senior management position – I’m just concerned about the amount of time it took for the offer. I’m somewhat concerned about the leadership changes as well. However, I would still like to accept the offer but have already accepted the other job offer — I’ve never been in this situation – I’m very grateful that the job offers are finally coming – I’ve been unemployed for 6 months– I’m nervous because of what I had gone through with the layoff — do you I play it safe and take the entry level sales position or take a chance and move forward and accept the Regional Business Development Manager position. And if I take the position how on earth do I tell the other company after I’ve accepted their offer? Thanks again for your input!
Hi Nancy,
I assume you have written offers from both employers. I wouldn’t make any major decisions, accepting or rejecting either offer unless it is in writing.
Assuming you have the written offers, I would probably stick with the job I had already accepted, personally. But I know that people successfully back out of acceptances often.
I’ve worked in companies with “new leadership” and things are crazy for a while. Sometimes the corporate culture changes, too, and the company becomes a much less appealing place to work.
On the other hand starting at the bottom in a new field is risky, too, although I would think that “business development” and sales are fairly closely related fields.
If you decide to go ahead with your acceptance of job # 2, I would send employer # 1 a very nice rejection letter thanking them for their interest and the offer and reiterating your interest in working in their organization some day.
Regarding backing out on job # 2, I would tell them the truth – that a job you wanted, and had interviewed for before you applied for their job, came through unexpectedly, and you are rescinding your acceptance. I would be very surprised if they didn’t have other people qualified for that entry-level job who are readily available to fill the slot, but, if they get cranky, you might need legal counsel.
I have always been somewhat fatalistic about this kind of situation. If job # 1 was really meant for you, that offer would have come in first. But, it didn’t – maybe a sign from “the Universe” or maybe just bad luck.
Good luck!
Susan
I did write a follow up email after 1 week of the onsite interview, which in my opinion went perfect. The HR replied to me that they are deciding up on final steps of the feedback and added that team members really enjoyed interacting with me. What exactly does that mean? Can I be hopeful of something good to happen?
Hi Sstaggers,
This is a good sign that you are still being considered. So, probably more steps to go through, but this is a good sign.
Good luck!
Susan
Hello Susan!
As you said probably more steps to go, do you think should I follow up her every week still? She did say that she will contact me after final feedback.
Hi SStaggers,
I would ask her if it’s OK to check in every couple of weeks. If she says OK, that’s what I would do. If she says no, ask her what time frame would be better.
Good luck!
Susan
I had an interview on 2/8 and then a second face-to-face on 2/10. Both interviews went really well, they said they wanted to make an offer by 2/24 but have not heard anything. I sent my thank you notes after each interview and on 2/19 I just dropped the hiring mgr (who had been directing the interviews) an email saying hope he had a nice weekend and look forward to hearing from him soon. Now he didn’t respond and still have heard nothing – you think this is a bad sign? Should I send him an email since i didn’t hear anything on 2/24?
Here’s something I;ve never encountered before, so I wonder if anyone else heard of this practice, or if it’s a “new standard” nowadays…I have been interviewing with a small, but well-known well-established non-profit company for a director-level position. First phone interview with HR went well, I am invited to meet the hiring manager and his peer. This meeting goes well too, I am invited (that same day!) to meet with the company’s CEO, EVP and other senior level folks, as well as a second meeting with hiring manager. I go into this meeting, everything is great, even discuss a department’s 12 month strategy with the hiring manager…3 days later I get a call from HR. I am thinking they are calling to make me an offer, as she starts the converation with, “so how did you like the team?” and “are you still interested in working for us?”, that sort of thing. I reassure her that I loved everyone I’ve met with and consider this job the best fit for me, etc. etc. Then she drops the bomb on me, saying they identified several (!) top candidates and cannot decide on a single one to chose for the job, so they want everyone who made it to the top of their list to come over to the office and deliver a presentation (with deck and everything) on the topic of their choice to the hiring manager and his team….and would I be interested in doing this, or would I prefer to drop out? I said I would, and she stated that she will e-mail the presentation topics & guidelines sometime in the next week, and schedule the presenation shortly thereafter (no dates were given, just some very vague timelines). What do I make of this???? My HR contact there never once mentioned this before, when she and I were discussing the interviewing process and timelines.
Hi Alina,
It’s not exactly standard, but it is definitely not uncommon. I do know people who have been through this and “won” the job.
It does feel a bit like bait-and-switch, or (in my more paranoid moments) a way to pick the brains of some very good people without paying for it. But it is one way for an employer to get an idea whether or not the potential employee is as good as they seem, see how candidates react under pressure, and also see how high the level of trust is. So many people do a fabulous job in the interview process, but are disappointing after they’ve been hired. This sounds like a variation on the “fishbowl” interview method.
Interesting that they had so many good candidates at the director level that this is the only way they can pick out the “winner.”
I would say go for it!
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan!
I had my 3rd interview (a technical interview) on Feb 3rd where I was told I did a great job and that they were looking to make a decision within two weeks. I had not heard anything back so I reached via voicemail out last Thursday and asked if she could share an update. She responded that afternoon via email and thanked me for my follow up and that they are still looking into a few things and she is sorry to keep me waiting so long. She hopes that she will be able to get back with me early this week. I have not heard back yet and Its been a week since our last conversation. Should I just move on or reach out to her again?
Thank you!
Hi Michelle,
The hiring process always takes longer than job seekers want or need it to take. I hope that you have heard from them by now. If you haven’t, I’d try another email, since she emailed you in response to your voice mail the last time you reached out.
I would definitely keep looking. SO many things go on inside an employer before an offer is made, and so many things can slow down the process (people out sick, on vacation, traveling, etc.), and they may not finish that process in time for you.
Good luck!
Susan
Good afternoon!
I had submitted my resume for an IT Specialist position on the 6th of Feb 2012 with a company that has nearly doubled in size since Nov of 2011. After not hearing anything, I stopped by the office on 9th of Feb, just as a polite “Checking on the status of my resume” which turned into an somewhat an on the spot interview with the HR Manager. That went very well and she advised me the CEO was on travel and not due back until the following Monday the 13th of Feb 2012. I received a phone call the day after I met with the HR Manager requesting an interview for Tues Feb 14 2012 with the CEO, Controller and HR Manager. The interview went very well, I answered all of their questions in a concise, confident manner and we even exchanged several laughs together. I decided to wait a few extra days and hand delivered 3 separate interview thank you letters addressed and enveloped to each of the interviewing managers on Friday the 17th of Feb 2012. I was told during the interview that I should hear something back by the 7th day and it has been 8 now and so far no word. My first thought was to continue the trend of personally paying the office a visit but thought it might seem desperate and overly anxious. I am leaning towards sending an e-mail thanking them once again and asking politely for an update on the position.
At present I have not reached out to them for a status update and I am rather uncertain as to the best to do so. Again, I do not want to seem over zealous but this position would be a life changer for me. I am currently working, but it is a 192 mile round trip 4 days a week which has put a strain on my relationship with my three daughters (I am a single father) and ever so difficult to get them to all of their sporting/school events. The position I am hoping to gain is roughly a 20 mile round trip with an increase in pay!
Any advise you could afford me would be greatly appreciated.
Joe
Hi Joe,
This sounds like a big improvement for you – I hope it works out for you!
These things always take longer than anyone expects or hopes, particularly the job seeker. I bet that something got in the way of a timely decision – travel, illness, or some other crisis typical with a company growing so quickly.
You’ve done the up-close-and-personal several times now, and you don’t want them to think you’re a stalker. So, I would follow up via phone or email with the HR person on Friday of this week.
Note – if you don’t get this job, don’t give up on this employer! Send (don’t drop off) a thank you for taking the time to interview you, to each of those very busy people. Tell them it was nice to meet them all, and you look forward to speaking with them about another job in the future.
Good luck!
Susan
Its been just 3 days after my interview .i noticed that they ate not looking for that position.but they did not convey me anything.on the other hand person who interviewed me hinted that I would their tem member in the conversation.don’t exactly know what to do.
Hi Swetha,
The short answer is “it depends.” There are many variables – the level (entry level vs. management) and “sensitivity” of the job, how much time they have to make the hire, the size of the staff, and the number of people they need to check references for.
Typically at least two or three references are checked; more are checked for jobs involving handling money or confidential information; fewer may be checked for jobs that have high turnover.
Good luck!
Susan
It’s hard to tell what is going on with so little information, but I would wait until next week to contact them to see what is going on.
And, I would keep job hunting, just in case…
Good luck!
Susan
I had a interview on Feb 3rd and all went very well. The Vice President that was interviewing me did explained that she could not make a job offer due to the job being open, and Interneal canidates can still apply. She states please allow until after Feb.13th after the job closes. I called and left a message on Feb 20th. I have not got any response back. What should I do? If I should do anything? Thank You.
Hi Nikkia,
Vice presidents can be very busy people who are often well protected from “distractions” like job seekers. Was there anyone else you spoke to – an HR person or a recruiter? Or the VP’s assistant? It would probably be more productive to try to reach one of them, since you haven’t heard from the VP. Tell them who you are, when you spoke with the VP, and the job you discussed with the VP.
Be sure to be business-like, polite, and confident in your conversations. Ask for the current status of the job and what the next steps in the process will be, assuming that the job is still open and you are under consideration.
If you get no response from the staff the next few days, you could reach out to the VP, perhaps via email this time, to see what is happening with that position. Don’t expect that the VP will remember who you are or the job you interviewed for. Simply state the facts: the job title, the date of the interview, and that she recommended to you get back in touch later in the month. Then ask the status of the job, as above.
If you still get no response, I’d give up and move on.
Good luck!
Susan
I interviewed for a position on February 13, 2012. I sent my thank you notes early on the morning of February 14, 2012. Interviews for the position were scheduled for February 13-14, 2012. I am pretty certain that I am the only candidate who was flown in for the interview. The other candidates were local. It was a panel interview with four individuals, and I did well during the interview. However, I walked out not knowing when the company anticipates making a decision and also not knowing the point person in terms of future contact (the interview was set up by a HR representative located in a different geographic region). While I understand that it takes some time to make a decision about which candidate to hire, I also do not want to appear disinterested by letting several weeks go by without following up. I have read some articles that say that a candidate who does not follow up runs the risk of appearing disinterested, and that can cost them the job. When do you suggest that I follow up? Do you recommend that I follow up with the individual who scheduled my interview or the HR representative at the location where I interviewed? Finally, do you recommend that I follow up via email or via telephone? Thank you.
I had an interview on 2/17 thru networking. It seemed to go ok. I asked about the next steps and when they look to make a hiring decision. The said they had two more individuals to interview. One scheduled for the week of Feb 20th and another the week of Feb 27th. Does it seem a little odd that they would be spaced out like that? Do employers say things like that if they don’t feel you are a contender?
Hi Ashley,
They might make a statement like that if they don’t feel you are a “contender.” They might also make it because it is the truth. Employers also have work that needs to be done, in addition to finding someone good to fill a job, and it could be that this employer is so busy that things got stretched out. People travel on business, have vacation time scheduled, and other things impact scheduling.
So, don’t take it personally. Your networking contact may help you understand what is going on.
Get back in touch with the employer the 2nd week in March – after that 3rd person is interviewed. If you haven’t already, send a thank you to each person you interviewed with on the 17th.
And, keep looking – it doesn’t feel like this job will be filled very soon.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi. Thank you for what you do here it’s very helpful. Okay so here’s what has been driving me crazy. I interviewd for a job on the 3rd and was told that I would be informed by the 10th whether I’d been selected for 2nd round interviews. After I hadn’t heard back I sent a follow up email kindly asking about the status of the opportunity. She responded Monday evening that “they’re currently contacting ppl for 2nd round interviews and someone should be contacting you to set that up shortly.” I’ve heard nothing yet am I just getting the run around? Thanks!
Hi Kim,
You could be “getting the run around,” but my guess would be that you are not. You are probably under consideration and will be contacted by early next week. If you haven’t heard from them by next Wednesday, I’d reach out again to see what’s happening..
It seems that the hiring process, particularly when an organization has more than 50 people in it, always takes more time than anyone thinks it will or should. The the whole process – approvals, signatures, schedules coordinated, calls made, and so on – all takes time and attention and a certain amount of luck.
So, keep looking for other opportunities, just in case this one doesn’t work out. But, I bet you hear from them soon.
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks for your response. I guess I ultimately have no choice but to be patient but I just thought that it was strange considering that up until that point they’d been responsive eg. I applied Friday evening they responded the following Monday morning. Also, they interviewed me quickly. So I got a little perplexed why I hadn’t been contacted for a 2nd interview even though she said I’d be contacted “shortly” to set it up. And let me just say I hate the ambiguity in the word shortly.
Hi Kim,
Yes, being patient is usually the most appropriate option. The early part of the hiring process, particularly for the first few people interviewed can go very quickly. Then, for the second round, things can get bogged down. As more “important” people become involved in the process and the number of people involved may increase, coordinating calendars internally can become a nightmare or at least a major project. And that can slow everything down, even if it’s only one person who is the one with the tightest schedule.
There is so much ambiguity tied into so much of this process, unfortunately. I think it’s fear of hurting feelings and also fear of legal issues. Hiring anyone, particularly in a large organization, is not a simple thing to do.
Keep working on your job search so you have other things in your pipeline, in case this one doesn’t work out.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan. I’m glad you recommended being patient. I woke up this morning to an email extending me the opportunity to come in for an in person interview! I guess it really does just takes more time than the average job seeker would like to get things together! Thank you and take care! Kim
Thank you for the update, Kim!
Yes – time flies when you’re on the hiring side of the equation because you’ve got so many other things to do, but it drags an inexorably long time when you are the job seeker.
Good luck!
Susan
Hello,
I went for an interview a week ago,and it seemed to go well (in fact I answered “yes” to all the questions in the “How To Tell if a Job Interview Went Well” article). But I have not heard back. I know a week is not long, but the employer mentioned that they need someone immediately since they were short staff members. So I was wondering if I should send a follow up email or not? (I did send thank yous after the interview). Thank you.
HI Michelle,
While they may certainly have meant that they wanted someone to start “immediately” – “immediately” means after they’ve made up their minds, gotten all the approvals (particularly in a big company), and completed all the paperwork. So not hearing for a week is not necessarily a bad sign.
So, if you can, wait until the end of this week to check in with them and see what is going on. Be polite, confident, and friendly, not anxious or angry. Ask them what will happen next, if they need anything more from you (references or ?), and when you can expect to hear from them again. Then, ask who to stay in touch with for the status, assuming you are still under consideration.
Good luck!
Susan
I didn’t see a reply after your last response to me, but there have been interesting developments and I wanted to let you know. As you suggested, I called after it had been just over a month. She said she had been meaning to call me, and that she was not going to be able to offer what I was asking. She didn’t come back with a counter-offer, but rather she said she didn’t think she would be able to offer me enough to come work for her and I said “You never know until you try”. She then said that before making an offer, she would like me to come take a tour of their facility and talk to some of their people.
When I arrived, the person I was supposed to meet had some personal issues so I met with their Production VP for the tour, and the CFO and Chief Talent Officer for the second part of the visit. When I left they said that I was who they have been waiting for and they would be making an offer after they had a chance to talk amongst themselves. They came back with an offer today, and it was just under what I was asking. In all, I will be making 8k more than I currently do, which is only 2K less that what I was asking for. I received the formal offer letter tonight.
One of the things that impressed them was that I took the initiative to contact them, which is EXACTLY what you told me to do! Thanks!
Oh, John, that’s WONDERFUL news!
Thank you for sharing “the rest of the story” – continuing the narrative of what happened when you reconnected. Excellent work – congratulations on a great recovery from her initially negative position! So, your instincts that this was THE job for you were right all along. GREAT!
You are very welcome for any assistance I provided! You just made my day – probably the whole week!
Cheers!
Susan
No, thank YOU! This event is life-changing for me in so many ways (I’ll not elaborate, because I know that I have a tendency to ramble), and without your advice it would likely not have ended this way. You have made my year! YOU ROCK! THANK YOU!
You are VERY welcome! My pleasure! 🙂
Cheers!
Susan
I am so glad I came across this site. Thank you for what you are doing.
I am obsessing about a situation while waiting on the phone to ring… For a while now…
What should I do next? Here is a timeline of events:
Nov7-applied for job, recd Notice of app recd a day later.
Nov 27- second email received back from hr gal stating she was having trouble getting her managers in the same state, but she was excited to have me interested. I had been highly reccomended by her staff.
Jan 6- call to set up interview.
1/10 interview went well. She discussed benefits with me and I asked at end of interview if there was any reason they would be reluctant to hire me. Answe was absolutely not knowing what you have done in the community. Said they would know by weekend or first of next week.
No word- so I called 5 days after interview and was told her brother had passed and she would be out for a week and reschedule the remaining two interviews and would definitely get ahold of me by last week. I did send a sympathy card because we knew her family… It had been 8 biz days and I followed up with a vm asking her to please call me either way and that I hope I wasn’t to the point of pest and still very interested. Still no call back or email from her or administrator. The position is for a resource director for a non profit nursing home at two nearby locations. I am still in my current job but am physically sick everyday from stress and anxiety from this job. Cannot quit until I get another position. I am still applying for other jobs, but none of them resonate with me like this one.
What do I do?
Thanks!!!
Hi Bea,
Wow, tough situation!
I think I would back off for a while. Losing a close family member is very tough, and it sounds like it is taking longer for her to bounce back than she probably expected. I would leave her alone for a couple of weeks. No more voice mail messages and no email messages until at least 2/10 – wait until the week after that if you can.
Keep applying for other positions, and do it with full intention.
This one may work out for you, but it could take an extra month or so longer than it would have without this family death. Or, it could be put on hold for a longer time. It’s hard to tell what is going on.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi there,
I am so glad I came across this site! I first interviewed with this world wide company via phone in mid November for a regional sales position. I was then invited for a face to face panel interview (President, VP, CFO and HR Manager) in early December. I thought it went pretty well. I was even given a tour of the facility by the president. I was told they were looking to fill the position by the first week of January. A couple of days later I was asked to submit information for a background check (which I did) . A week before Christmas I received a follow-up email from the VP stating she wanted me to speak via phone to a Regional Business Development Manager. I spoke with him for about an hour. I thought the conversation went pretty well. With the holidays approaching I just assumed I would not hear anything anyway until the first of the year. A couple of days into the new year I received a follow up email from the President stating she was wanted to touch bases with me and was still interested in speaking further with me. She apologized for the delay and mentioned things had been pretty hectic with the holidays. In the meantime she asked another Regional Business Development Manager to give me a call. That person called me later that day and we spoke for about 30 minutes. The person mentioned hearing great things about me and they were equally impressed with my background. The person ended the call be stating that they would definitely pass on their seal of approval and looked forward to working with me. I had not heard anything since. I sent a non intrusive follow-up email to the President after not hearing anything else for 2 weeks. I sent this email last week. I mentioned in the email that I was still interested in the position and that if she had any additional questions for me during the decision making process to please feel free to contact me. I have not heard anything. I’m truly stumped on this one. I have an interview with another company early next week and will focus on that but I really wanted this particular job. Should I follow up in another week or so or just let it go and let the chips fall…..
Hi Nancy,
Keep following up, periodically. Next week would be a good time. It sounds like a big job, so it’s a big decision for them to make, and they may be taking their time making it. It is interesting that you didn’t get a response to last week’s message, but it could mean nothing more than that the President didn’t have anything she could share at that time.
Moving on with your job search is exactly what you should be doing, but I’d let them know you are still interested and available – at least for a while. Polit persistence pays often pays great dividends. And, as usual, you never know what’s going on “behind the curtain” at this employer.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
I had an interview on 7th November 2011 and the hiring manager told me they were looking to hire people for December 2011 and May 2012. I sent him a thank you email and he didn’t respond. He said we’ll get back to you by the end of month. So I contacted him in December and he said they are still in process and will get back to me as soon as they decide something. But I haven’t heard from him till now. Is it ok to send a follow up email again?
Hi Rency,
It’s been at least 3 weeks, so you should be safe following-up, and I’d start with a phone call rather than email.
Don’t expect him to remember you from your name. Remind him who you are, when you interviewed, and the position you interviewed for. Then, just ask for the current status, and their plans going forward.
I like to get permission to stay in touch, and the best way to do that is to ask them which method of contact they prefer – phone or email? And which phone number or account should you use? Don’t ask for permission – ask for HOW to stay in touch. It can make a big difference in the response you get.
Keep at it. Polite persistence pays off!
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
I have a little bit of a dilemma with this consulting job that I really want. So before Christmas, the HR manager called me saying that they will call after the Christmas break to schedule an interview. Christmas passed, and then new years… So I called the HR manager back on January 3 and she told me that the recruitment for my city was delegated to another person and she was surprised that she has not called me to schedule an interview. She said to wait a few days and she was sure that she will call. I waited until January 11 with no call, so I called the HR manager back and asked about the status of my application. She was clueless and I asked for the contact info of the other HR person but she said it would be better to contact her instead by phone. She told me to call her back the next day so that she could tell me about the status of my application. I called her the next day and I got her voicemail, I left a voicemail stating who I was and what I was calling about and to call me back (approximately 10-15 second voicemail). She didn’t call me back. I called again on January 24 and got her voicemail again, and again I left a voicemail (practically identical to the one before).
So my question is… is this a lost cause? and how often should I be calling her back if she told me to call back and still has yet to contact me. It is extremely frustrating how they initiated the conversation and then left me hanging.
Any advice?
Hi Roy,
I’d cool it on the calls for at least another week, and move on to focus on other opportunities now. It’s not clear that this is a lost cause, but it could be – at least this time around. It sounds to me that they are a bit disorganized. Or, the HR manager could just be disorganized. Or, she could be trying to put you off “nicely” (if slightly dishonestly).
February 1 is only a week away. I’d wait until then to leave her another polite message reminding her (nicely!) of the history you have with her, and reiterating your interest in working with them. Just reconnecting briefly as in your last 2 voicemails, if you end up with her voicemail. If possible, I’d try calling from a different phone – just in case there is any call screening going on.
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks i’ll give it a try in February
Hi,
I had a first in-person interview (2 hrs) with a small firm I’m extremely interested in, everything went well, and had a second interview (2.5 hrs) the following week on a Wednesday. The director of HR said she’d get back to me on Thursday or Friday in regards to next steps – however, I didn’t end up hearing back from her for 10 days. She didn’t provide an explanation, but stated that she’d like to have a phone call discussing the position at a set time the following day. I accepted, but she never called at the designated time that she gave. I left a voicemail and sent a follow up email after the fact, but have not gotten a response in the last 3 days. What should my next step be? Wait patiently for her to contact me? Follow up via email by the end of the week if I haven’t heard back? Really frustrated & stumped here (but I’d love to have the job!), I haven’t encountered a situation like this before. Thanks!
Hi Sam,
How odd that she set up the appointment but didn’t call or respond. I’d reach out again next week, but I’d assume that the answer was no and go ahead with my job search.
Everything might be fine – possibly an unrelated crisis interrupted things – and she may call you again as though nothing had happened.
This doesn’t “feel” right, but it’s hard to tell what is really going on, and you may never find out. So, keep looking!
Good luck!
Susan
Here’s my question:
I applied for a position as an Executive Administrative Assistant with a large organization in my area. I received a call a couple weeks later for an interview. The interview went great! I was told by the Executive Director that 175 people applied for the position and only 10 were called back. I was called later that week for a second interview. It didn’t go as well as the first, as she hardly asked any questions. She did most of the talking and I thought that was a good sign. The following day, I sent an email to each of the 4 individuals that I interviewed with, simply thanking them for their time and consideration. The HR manager wrote me back, stating that they were going to meet later that day, and make a decision. This was 6 days ago. Has it been long enough for me to call (or email) and request the status of my application? Or should I give it more time?
Hi Carrie,
I’d drop the HR manager a quick note tomorrow to ask about the status of this job. If you don’t get a reply by Monday, I’d give the HR manager a call. Just checking to see what the status is. Not angry. Not frustrated. Just checking…
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks, Susan! I didn’t see your reply until after I’d already called the HR director. I was very polite, and told him that I just wanted to know whether or not they’d made a decision. He was really nice, stated that he’d been out of the office for 3 days sick, and apologized for not contacting me sooner. Now I kind of feel bad for calling, but he did say that he would definitely follow up with me either way, hopefully sometime today! I really need this!… will keep you posted 🙂
((Say a Prayer))
This is what happens – as job seekers, our job search is the center of our Universe. And when something doesn’t happen as expected, we always assume the worst when, in fact, usually what has happened has nothing at all to do with us. Like this situation. Hopefully he’s feeling much better!
Do keep us posted! Saying a prayer and crossing my fingers!
Good luck!
Susan
I applied for a job in Oct 2011. I received a call in Nov that this job was to replace a person who resigned. However, the employee withdrew her resignation and the position was no longer available but that their company was growing and said she would like to keep me in mind for future opportunities. I got a call in Dec and set up a phone interview on Dec 15th which lasted about one hour – phase 1. Then with expressed interest on my part I was asked to complete a Career History Form as phase 2 of the interview process. I heard back about 3 days after I submitted the completed form and was asked to be patient. Then I got a call for a face to face interview which took place Dec 28th – phase 3, which also took about one hour. I met with HR and the supervisor of the position I was being interviewed for. However, the supervisor could only spend about 15 minutes in the interview as she was called away on an ugent matter. So I finished up with HR. It took another 3 to 5 days before I heard back and was asked to take the Kolbe Index – phase 4. After completion I got an email asking me again to be patient and that it would take 5 to 7 business days before they could follow-up. HR did follow-up as promised and asked If I could come back for a 2nd interview with the supervisor since we did not have much time to speak on Dec 28th. I was scheduled for Friday, Jan 13th. This ended up not being an interview but more with the supervisor showing me the day to day operations of the job and reviewing how their database program works. I had a few questions afterward, one being are there any additional phases before a hiring decision is made. The answer was no. The supervisor asked me if HR had asked me for references yet. I said no but did have them with me so I gave them to her. She said HR would follow-up with me the week following Jan 13th. To date, my references have not been contacted and HR has not contacted me. What should I say in my followup call?
Well, Ashley… An interesting narrative stretched out over several months, and it appears that yet another hold up has occurred.
I would just check in with HR to see how things are going, patiently and politely. Ask what the next step is, and if they need any more information from you. It may be that the supervisor was misinformed about the process, didn’t effectively pass on your references, or some other crisis – from a cold to a firing – has intervened to interrupt the reference checking or whatever the next step is.
It still feels very promising, but I wouldn’t discontinue any of my other job search activities until I had a written offer in my hands.
Good luck!
Susan
I had an interview on the fifth of this month I think it went welll they but they told me to wait two weeks for a call but I didnt get a call yet an its driving me crazy I really want this job please help what should do ? Should I call or just wait?
Strangely, Zellena, sometimes this is a test – how interested are you in the job and how well do you follow directions?
So, since the 2 weeks they wanted you to wait are over, it’s time to make that call – or you might be demonstrating both a lack of interest and an inability to follow directions.
First thing Monday morning is probably not the best time for a call back if you want someone to be able to spend some time with you on the phone, but Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning should be better.
* Tell them who you are and the position for which you have already interviewed. Be prepared with the date, time, and name of the person(s) you spoke with.
* Explain that you were waiting for a good time to call back, and are still very interested in working with for this company and with the people you have spoken with so far.
* Ask what the next steps are and when those next steps will begin.
* Ask how and when you can stay in touch with them about this position – or other positions. Get permission to call on a weekly or monthly basis, and/or get an email address of someone to stay in touch with.
Before you hang up, clarify the name and title of the person you are speaking with, so you will have that for your notes (and for your thank you card/email writing).
If they are vague in their responses, press – gently! – for as much specific information as you can get. Politely thank them for their time and attention.
Then, hope that the next steps happen, but also move on with your other job search activities. Don’t wait for this opportunity to work out – or not to work out. Keep rolling.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
I’m hoping you can assist me. I had a phone interview last week on January 10 and was informed by the hiring manager that he would like to bring me in a face-to-face interview. He stated I was exactly what he was looking for and will be in touch with me in a week or so to set up the interview because he needs to get permission from his boss to fly into the location that is close to where I’m located. I followed up the next day with an email and have not heard back.
Should I contact him by phone today or should I wait until next week Tuesday? Would it seem too pushy?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Kind regards,
Waiting patiently
I get the posts from everybody wondering “whats next??” after what they felt were promising interviews and I get sad then I get angry. I rejoice at the success stories but I am still hurt for the people that are waiting for calls but the only time the phone rings is when I bill collector is calling. Ok so I was and plan to be in the position of a hiring manager again. When I was interviewing I was always prompt with my feedback and kept others on the team on task when it came to this. The reality is that this thread should not even have to exsist OR it shouldn’t be still getting this much traffic for this long. HR people and all others in charge of hiring have to be better. Its not right and its not fair to keep people on hold and in limbo. They need to be mindful and I do not accept the excuse that they are so busy. Hire a temp! Go through those resumes, send emails, make a call. Don’t ignore people that only want a simple yes or no. Time out for all the games!
Ronnie, I’m sorry for venting but these posts were just really making me feel sad for the job seekers. I look forward to more of your upbeat and socially relevant career topics in 2012!
Hi, I’m in the middle of a job search, and I have some questions.
I’ve sending out resumes, and a company was pretty keen on me. A senior manager emailed me back almost immediately after he saw my resume, and we talked on the phone that day. But ever since then, it’s become extremely difficult to get hold of him. When we talked on the phone, he said he needs to get apporval from his boss to fill a position he thinks I’m a good fit for, so I emailed him about a week later to get an update, but no response. I emailed him again in about a week, but still no response. After a couple more emails, I called him one day, which is about a month after our initial contact. He remembered me and said he was going to talk to his boss later that day and suggested we talk on the phone next day. But he didn’t call, so I called him only to hear he couldn’t reach his boss the other day and he was going to talk to him later that week. So I emailed him about a week later, but still no response. I’ve heard he’s a good manager from people who’ve worked with him, and I want to believe he’s been just busy. Should I just call him again, or would it annoy him and backfire? I’m thinking maybe I should follow up with a phone call about a week after the last email I sent. What do you think? Or do you think they just lost interest in me?
Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Mike,
This isn’t feeling really promising to me. If you really liked them, I would stay in touch via email once or twice a month, but I’d definitely move on with my job search. In your email, indicated your strong interest but also that you don’t want to be a nuisance.
Unless this is a sales job you are seeking, and they are testing your follow-up process and selling skills, my bet is that they either are not really ready to hire right now, or they aren’t really interested in you at the moment.
Good luck with your job search!
Hello All,
I am reading all of these comments and I can totaly relate..
I was laid off from my employer almost 3 years ago. I have since relocated to another state because the market was so bad. In my search I have found nothing that measured up to what I was going before, (responsibility, benefits, pay, ie). I finally came across a job relative to my last position. I had a phone screening December 20th. They called me in for a face to face interview with the VP on January 7th, which I thought went very well. I sent a thank you letter to the person I interviewed and sent a follow up email to the HR Rep on January 11th. I was also informed that the VP will select his final 3 to do a final interview with the Owner. I was also told the training starts January 23rd. It is now Tuesday. Should I follow up again?
I am getting a bit eager because I have other interviews going on this week and don’t want that to interfere if they call me back for a final interview. I would at least think they would take care of this as soon as possible so that the candidate/potential employee can prepare to start work on Monday. Why is it so hard to say “Yes” or “No” you have/don’t have the job?
This is frustrating and I really want this job and am willing to put everything on hold until I hear something. What should I do?
Hi Genny,
I’d keep working at the new opportunities and interviews. Don’t put it all on hold for this one opportunity.
I would definitely contact them today since it is now less than a week from when the training is supposed to start, and I think I would call. If you can’t speak with someone, then send the HR Rep an email and ask for an update on the status because of the trianing deadline. Expecting you to have you processed in as an employee and ready for the trianing in less than one week could be a challenge for them – and for you.
Good luck with this one and the rest of your job search!
Regards,
Susan
I have a dilemma where I was interviewed just this past Friday for a job that I really want. It is within my field of expertise, I’ve wanted to work for the company for a while, and I thought the interview went well. However, they’re still interviewing few more people. Few hours later, I had another interview for a job I don’t care much for but am capable of doing, already know that it pays pretty well, benefits, and I was offered the job. I asked to give a few days for an answer.
So even though it’s Monday, would it be pushy to contact the first company to check on my status and let them know that I was offered a job somewhere else but I really want to work for them? I’m really pulling my hair on this one all weekend long!
Hi Tia,
Yes, you have a legitimate reason to contact the employer you want. Explain the situation carefully, without mentioning the name of the other employer. Ask the status of their process and when they are going to be making offers. Maybe there will be enough time.
Good luck!
Susan
Susan, thanks for the feedback. I contacted the company I really want to work for explaining my situation, and they were still considering me for the open position. The company owner said he is still interviewing few more people before making a decision, but would like to take me in as a contractor to work on couple projects to get a sense of the process between me and the company.
Then, this week I was invited for a second interview to meet with the co-owner… That second interview was today. 🙂 It went really well, I thought. The co-owner said I had the qualifications and personality that the company is seeking. However, they’re still interviewing few more people, but was informed that because I was given contract work, and none of the other candidates did, it was a positive sign.
So here’s to more waiting, but I am feeling positive about it. 🙂
EXCELLENT! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
I last posted on January 3rd. I ended up calling HR on the 4th only to be told that there were a couple interviews that could not be conducted due to the holidays. The interviews were conducted on the 5th and I was told I should hear something by the 13th.
At the end of business on the 12th, I was applying for jobs on an online site when I noticed this same position was reposted that morning. So, I called the hiring manager instead of HR. He told me that the decision was being put off due to year end processing and that I was one of the top contenders for the position. I was also told to feel free to call at any time if I had other questions, but a decision would likely not be made until the end of the month.
I am now confused. Though I like hearing that I am a top contender, why the job reposting? Could it be that the right hand doesn’t know what the left is doing? I do not have all my eggs in this basket, but it is a position that suits my needs and would like to have. In the meantime, still searching.
Any advice/opinions on this?
Thank you
Hi Jennifer,
How frustrating! Things were moving along so nicely, and now everything seems to have shut down for a bit.
You may never know why this happened — it could be any number of things — so try not to fret too much over it, and please don’t blame your interview performance. The delay probably has absolutely nothing to do with you or your fit for the job.
I’m glad you’re not focusing solely on this job. Other opportunities may present themselves but, also, keeping busy with your job search plan may lessen the sting of this annoying development.
Since the hiring manager left the door open for you to call at any time, why not call him in a week or so to see if you’re still in the running.
Good luck landing this one!
Meg Guiseppi
Member of the WorkCoachCafe Team
OK, I need some advice, and this seems to be the place to get it. I am in the Safety Industry, and I am assigned a Risk Management Consultant through our W/C carrier. This consultant was impressed with my job performance, and when another of his clients said they were looking for someone in my field, he gave them my name. I sent them my resume, I had a phone interview in a few days, and an onsite interview 3 days later (On December 14th). The interview lasted 3 1/2 hours (we were there an hour and a half after they closed) and she mentioned the possibility of coming back for a second interview, but she didn’t say when. I thought the interview went VERY well.
I already help others in my community develop certain programs, and I told them that even if they decided to go another way when filling the position I would still work with them because I am good at it and I enjoy it. On December 27th I emailed an invitation to the event (Safety Professionals from around the community were also invited, and for the same reason as her) and on December 30 she replied and said she would make it if she could. I did not see her there, but she could have been there because there were over 200 people there and I missed many of them.
The consultant who gave them my name said they told him I was still a “strong candidate” but he did not know when I should expect to hear something. It has now been almost a month since my first interview, and I am extremely anxious to something (ANYTHING, for that matter). I know I already contacted her by inviting her to my event, but should I try to contact her again to let her know that I am still interested in the position? I don’t want to be annoying, but I really want to know something!! ARGH!!!
I should mention that they have had the position open since August and they are being very selective. Apparently they have hired a few people who didn’t work out, and they want to make sure they pick the right one this time. I know this message is long, and I appreciate your time!
Sorry for the grammar/typos… it is 2:17 in the morning and I am off to bed! Again, thanks.
I think I’d wait until Monday afternoon (the 16th, so, technically “over a month” since you interviewed) or Tuesday to contact her.
Then, I’d call. Mention that it has been over a month since you interviewed, and you don’t want to be a nuisance but you were wondering how the process was going and when she expects to fill the job. Since it was the holiday season, you understand that schedules can slip, but you are still very interested in working for the company. Does she have any questions for you or anything else she would like to discuss?
Since the position has been open since August (!), either it’s not an urgent need for them, or they’re being very picky. It would be good to know which is happening – perhaps your consultant friend can give you some insight.
Depending on how friendly and encouraging she sounds, you could ask if she would like help with any projects. It would give all of you a chance to see how good the working relationships could be. This could potentially be a deadend for you (they hire you for the project and decide they don’t need you full-time), unless you are considering building a consulting business of your own.
Meanwhile, I’d keep looking for another job and keep my public profile high.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Work Coach Cafe Team Captain
Thank you very much for the advice. The individual I spoke with is extremely busy because she has been performing all functions of the position I have applied for in addition to her primary duties as HR Manager (she says she has so much work that she pretty much lives there). With as busy as she is, would emailing her be less effective than a phone call? I’d like to convey my interest in the position without interrupting her too much. Again, thank you for your help!
Hi John,
Hmmm… It’s been open for 4 months, and the HR manager is doing the job along with her own job. Yet, she hasn’t set up the second interview for you. Doesn’t feel promising to me.
I’m feeling like this isn’t going to be filled any time soon, sorry to say. Perhaps they are waiting for the “perfect candidate” to appear – that is happening a lot lately. Perhaps she’s contemplating a career change, and this is good for her resume. Or, perhaps her part-time efforts are sufficient so there is no urgency to fill the job. Hard to know.
A phone call is an interruption, but if she has voice mail, she can ignore it, particularly voice mail with caller id. When you speak with her, ask for permission to call her once a month. If she says no, don’t call back, but do send an email every couple of weeks reiterating your interest (if you are still interested).
And, I’d move on to other opportunities, no matter how much I wanted this one.
Good luck with your job search!
Regards,
Susan
Again, great advice! Thanks!
This is beginning to feel less than promising to me as well, but I do have a feeling that it could work out. When we spoke I asked her why the position had been open for so long, and she said that they actually had hired for this position twice and that each person didn’t work out. This brought up a red flag, and when I asked her why the others didnt work out she said that many safety professionals have no accountability (this is definitely an accurate statement), and because of this they were unable to handle the accountability in place at her company. She wants the third time she fills the position to be the last.
She also said that she has been performing the functions of this position, albeit not very well. Their incident and severity ratings have been rising for several years and she does not have time to address the issues; the only thing she has been doing is the bare minimum in order to remain compliant.
Considering all of this, does it seem even a little more promising? I do still have high hopes for this position, but I have also taken your advice and I have applied for several more positions. Again, thanks!
Hi John,
Yes, it does seem a bit more promising – they are being very deliberate hoping for a “good hire” this time. Perhaps they feel they rushed the last two times, although clearly they didn’t waste a lot of time once it appeared the people were not working out.
It also seems a little more worrisome. As you suggest, definitely a red flag for hiring and then letting 2 people go so quickly. Excellent that you asked why they were let go! I hope she was specific on what kind of “accountability” they were expecting, and it’s the kind of accountability you are comfortable doing.
It would be very interesting to know who either or both of those people were so you could talk with them to get their side of the story. I wonder if you could track them down through LinkedIn doing a company search for former employees? Perhaps the duration was so short that there is no mention on the profiles, but if there is and they would talk with you, it could be very enlightening!
I think I’d also check GlassDoor.com to see what is being said there about this employer – if anything.
If you do land this job, I would be sure to ask for frequent feed back, and some documentation on the specific process they want the person in this job to follow. You want to know if they are getting unhappy with your work, too, so you can do a course correction to keep the job.
So, keep plugging on those other jobs. Hope this one works out for you, but if it doesn’t, something else will!
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
My husband has been waiting to hear from 2 companies. He interviewed with one in November and the other in December. He was told by one that they don’t like to keep candidates waiting so he would hear back from them either way. The other one was for a supervisor position. They talked about money and what his budget would be. They did a phone interview and then he was called in for a face to face interview. He was told his background was the most experienced that they have had from all the resumes they received. He was told he would definatly hear from them. Both companies still have the positions up on the website. He has called and emailed and still has not heard as of yet.
If companies are not interested they should at least tell candidates. I think they are rude and inconsiderate. I have been in management and hired as well. I would never have done that to candidates.
Absolutely agree, Bobbie. Very rude! And also very common. Today.
With all of the excellent people looking for jobs right now, employers are holding out for the absolute “best fit” they can find. In better economies, they would jump to offer the top candidate a job so that the top candidate didn’t accept a job with someone else (like the competition). They are as worried about that now, unfortunately.
The best solution is to keep slogging – keep looking without waiting for an offer from that employer who was so encouraging and enthusiastic last week (or yesterday). And, don’t stop looking until receipt of an offer – something from them in writing or (less preferable, but acceptable) in email.
Regards,
Susan
Work Coach Cafe Team Captain
I can identify with everyone on this post. In this current job market, is it acceptable for employers to be rude (broken promises to effectively follow-up)? If job seekers displayed the same behavior (arrive late to an interview), the consequences would be irreparable. Why isn’t everyone held to the same professional standard?
Hi Renee – I hear your frustration, and I agree with you! Being rude to job seekers really is NOT acceptable. But, it’s also not uncommon, unfortunately.
Many HR staffs are stretched very thin, because HR people are laid off too. And smart employers know that this kind of treatment hurts their “brand.” But it keeps happening. The process needs accountability built into it, and it’s not there yet.
I think it will change some day, when employers feel the heat from NOT treating job seekers and job candidates better. I’m hoping that will happen with the economy turns and the job market improves to the point where employers really are in that “war for talent” they talk about. They will have to be more professional, then, or face the consequences.
Soon!
Regards,
Susan
Work Coach Cafe Team Captain
HI! I got called for an interview last week, and I felt like it went fairly well. I was told that Monday was a holiday and they had some deadlines to meet Tues. and Wed. and it would be atleast Thursday or Friday before I heard anything. When I didn’t hear from them by Friday, I called to follow up and she said a decision had not been made because they had been so busy. I sent an email to the manager and his response was ” No one has been hired yet. They are still interviewing” He will have the final say in the job so I don’t know why he just didn’t say anything. Do you think that if they had already narrowed it down to the two he was gonna interview..he would have told me? This is driving me crazy!
Chill, Jessica. Yes, this is the most important thing in your world right now. But not in their world! They still have their jobs to do every day, probably too much to do (which is why there is a job open).
So, don’t ruin your chances at the job by bugging them. Wait at least a week before contacting them again.
Susan
Work Coach Cafe Team Captain
I had an interview on the morning of December 15. I mentioned I would be traveling out of state for the holidays and asked when the decision would be made. I was informed the position would start January 2 and the decision of who would fill the position would be made before the Christmas break. I called to check in at the end of the day on December 22. I was told the week had been busy and the decision would be made when the manager returned from his vacation after New Years.
I am being advised that calling in to check on the progress of the decision is a good thing and that I should do so as soon as possible. I believe, however, that calling too soon can be pushy and I thnk I should wait.
I would appreciate any advice on this. I have been out of work for a year and this part of the process seems to bring the most confusion & stress.
Thank you.
Hi Jennifer! We are in the EXACT same situation. The only difference was my interview was on December 21st. The company wanted someone to start right after the first of the year. I was traveling out of state for the holidays as well (but would be back in plenty of time to start after the New Year if they chose to hire me). I havent heard anything. I called to follow up last Friday & was told the person I interviewed with had stepped out of the office. I have gone back & forth about calling again. My husband thinks I should send a follow up email. I figure at this point I have nothing to lose but my problem is I have no clue what to say in my email. Please let me know what you decide to do or any advice from anyone else will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!
I think you’re absolutely right, Kasa. At this point you have nothing to lose. Call again, or sent an email, whatever feels most comfortable for you. And ask, politely, about the status of the opportunity.
Cheers!
Susan
Work Coach Cafe Team Captain
Jennifer and Kasa –
People often have personal deadlines to finish something, like adding a new person to the staff, before the holidays so that the new person can start immediately in the New Year. Then, “life happens.” And the deadline is missed, particularly common around the holidays, but definitely NOT limited to the holidays.
So, get back in touch, in what ever method feels comfortable for you. Don’t sound angry or be confrontational. Say/write that you hope they had a happy holiday season, and would like to hear soon about the job you discussed with them which they had anticipated filling before Christmas. Hopefully you’ll get good news!
Cheers!
Susan
Work Coach Cafe Team Captain
Hi,
I had a second interview with a company a month ago but I didn’t get the job as they hired somebody else who was more qualified for the position. Last week the same company had another job opening and my skills match up perfectly for this position. I have applied for this position but I haven’t heard back from them yet. It has been a week and a half since I have applied, should I call or email to see if they have received my resume/application, or should I just wait another week to respond?
This company responded to my first application the day after I sent my resume and we set up an interview for later in the week. I don’t know if this has anything to do with second job posting or if they are just not interested.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Chad,
Even though it’s a company you have spoken with before, this may be a different group, hiring manager or simply early in the process. Yes, you can follow up to HR to make sure they have your application and to see if there is any other information you can provide. Some companies may not provide feedback on receiving applications as they get so many for a posting. Hope you hear soon.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I completed three rounds of interviews with the recuiter, HR and supervisor and senior managers. I thought it went well. I liked them and I felt they liked me. I spoke to the recruiter who said they like me but felt they were not getting their money’s worth from him (the recruiter) because he only presented one candidate. The recruiter said although he felt he presented the best candidate, he gave them a few more resumes to review.
My interview with senior management was on December 2. It is now December 12 and I have not heard from the recruiter. I also saw where the recruiter advertised the position a couple of days after I last interviewed.
I don’t want to annoy the recruiter but I am anxious to know what are my prospects with the company. I am not sure if the recruiter is being honest with me and I should sit tight. Maybe they did not like me after all and I should get the hint to move on.
What should I do? Should I contact the recruiter one last time or treat this as a lost cause and move on? Thanks.
Karen,
Yes, you should stay in contact with the recruiter until you hear a definite answer. Lack of an answer does not mean no, it might mean that they are doing more interviews or just delayed in making a decision.
You may be interested in this post
They Re-posted the Job Should I Kiss it Goodbye?
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Hi, I’m looking for some encouragement (haha).
Several weeks ago, I had a job interview (phone) that went really, really, really well. I was surprised at how well it went even though it was all situational interview and was technical/engineering based. Two weeks later, I was asked to come for a site walk-through. That went pretty well as well. I thought it was going to be a second interview but I mostly just met the entire team and spent less than two minutes talking to the boss’ boss.
Two weeks later, I followed up with the person I interviewed with via email. He replied back a few minutes later that he was thinking of me while thinking about how his department was low on resources. And so I should give him a call.
And I called maybe 20-25 minutes later. He was hedging on the phone call, and we were talking about things that we had already talked about several times before, and so I told him (professionally of course) that I was still very interested in the job despite certain drawbacks (amount of work, # of weekly hours, etc) and was interested despite having another offer from another group within the same company as this guy’s…………
Yeah.
I really DO have a job offer from that other group, btw. (Let’s call this other group Group B.) My problem now is, at the time when I made that statement, I was seriously considering the offer from Group B even though I really would prefer to have a job with Group A for various reasons. But over the weekend, my husband and I sat down and weighed the pros and cons of the offer from Group B, and I’ve decided to reject the offer. Earlier during the phone call, I had asked the boss of Group A to give me a timeframe within which he will make a decision. He told me Friday. Since I didn’t hear from him, I contacted him this morning (Monday) via phone and left a message asking for an update.
I’m confused as to what to do in the future if I don’t hear back today. Do I continue to follow up? If I do, will he think I bluffed on the offer and was just trying to get a positive response? How do I do damage control? Is any damage control needed?
Totally confused!!!
To clarify (my super-giant post), my “despite certain drawbacks” statement was in reference to what the hiring manager was talking about himself. He was reminding me that the job would require a lot of grunt work and a lot of hours to be put in. I was only responding back in the positive.
Confused Fan,
Congratulations for being in such a good position withe multiple options! There are many questions we can come up for this situation like:
Can you have a frank talk with Group A about your dilemma?
Is the Group A job real, e.g. is there an open requisition?
Can Group B become flexible with their position to make it more palatable for you?
If you accepted a job with Group B could you transfer at a later date to Group A?
Since you are being genuine with the employer, do not feel you are playing one offer against another. Please let us know how it goes!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Thank you so much, Work Coach Cafe Team!!!
I really appreciate your prompt and sincere responses! 🙂 And I apologize for the crazy Group A / Group B mess I have going on in my posts!
In regards to your questions:
Though the same company, Group B is actually in a whole ‘nother state and in a whole ‘nother sector of the company! 🙂 While the job itself sounds really interesting (and would be new for me), there are many factors due to which I have decided to reject the offer.
You can guess that this is a giant, multi-state corporation that I’m dealing with — which means, the Group A manager may not much information, if any, regarding the other group’s offer. (From my understanding) To him it’s as if I have a job offer from another company.
And yes, the Group A job is an open requisition, and their website still shows that my application is being reviewed for the job (which is meaningless because the manager has to tick a little box saying they’re not interested, and this guy has way too little time on his hands anyway).
As to whether or not I can talk to the Group A manager frankly or not, I think I was pretty upfront with him about my situation during my call with him earlier last week asking for a status. But now that I will be declining the other offer, even if I wanted to be frank with this manager, I’m not sure how I could even approach the matter.
Can you give me some advice as to how I follow up with this guy now? And how I can broach the subject of having declined the other offer due to personal circumstances?
Confused Fan,
Glad out questions prompted you to think differently. At this point we need to leave it up to you to come up with the best method to deal with the individual, we just don’t know the people involved to provide good advice 🙂
– the Work Coach cafe Team
I had a phone interview with HR then with 2 days had a phone interview with the hiring manager. The hiring manager said the interview went very well and would tell HR to schedule a third interview with a small panel. I know one of the next interviewers was in china at the time of the second interview. This was last Thursday late afternoon. I have not heard from HR yet. Should I send a follow-up email? If so what should I say to not sound too anxious?
Heather,
You may know the best way to interact with this company. We typical recommend asking during an interview what the next steps are and when and how to follow up. In general, checking in once every couple weeks if you have not heard from the employer is reasonable. A simple note stating your desire for the job and that you want to check on the decision process would be fine.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Hi
I had a wonderfull interview a month ago with one of the company for a managerial position and they told me that they will get back to me within a week regarding recruitment status but its been more than a month now i havent heard from them though I have given couple of calls to the HR manager who scheduled my first interview and he previusly said that the decision making authority is on leave and through my resources I have confirmations that he was on leave its been a week now I have given the call to HR manager again as the decision making authority is back. The HR manager asked me to call back on Friday so please advise should I call him or should I wait as I am thinking if they want me they will give me call themselves as I have shown them my interest by calling them 03 times. Please also note that the recruiting company is in process of expansion.
Please advise
Awan,
Our suggestion is to stay in touch with the HR manager you have been speaking with. A polite quick call will show you have interest in the job. Best of luck.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I had an interview last week, where I did my internship a year ago. The manager told me by next week (which is yesterday) she will have to make a decision for sure and will get back to me. It has been 8 days now and I haven’t hear from her.
Should I write her an email to find out if I am still a candidate for this position? If so, what are the key points you think I should state in the email to reiterate my interest and her to consider me? do u have a sample of such letter?
Thanks! I appreciate your reply soon
Zara,
While we can’t provide direct wording for you, yes you should follow up with a call or an e-mail checking on the status of the position. Keep the call or e-mail short and pleasant to show you still are excited for the job and want an update on how the process is proceeding. We hope you get the job!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I had an interview last friday. Everything was great, he asked about when I could start and introduced me around to everyone and kept saying things like “you will be doing….” and “you’ll get ….” blah blah blah. It all felt great. As we left, he said that I should hear back over the weekend hopefully. But I heard nothing. I emailed him Friday afternoon thanking him for the interview and such. What should be my next step? Thanks!
Steve,
Sounds like the interview went well! Give the employer some time to process your application and the interview results. If you have not heard back within a week or two you should contact the employer to inquire on the status.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Thanks! So even though he said it would probably be over the weekend, I should still wait a week to send a follow up email?
Steven,
You can send a thank you note immediately, then give at least a week to follow up on the status. Maybe this will help:
Things to do While Waiting to Hear Back From an Interview
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
About 5 weeks ago, I had an interview for a job from a company in another city, after a phone interview. I felt good about the interview. After the interview, I sent a Thank-you email to the hiring director, then after another two weeks, I wrote him again to follow up my job application. So far, I have not heard any words back from him. I wonder if I should contact him again for the status? By the way, this company has reimbursed my flight expenses for interview trip.
Bob,
It does not seem you have been too intrusive with e-mail or phone calls. You should stay in contact with the director you interviewed with. Hopefully you will hear soon! BTW, glad to hear they reimbursed you quickly.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I had an interview for a position one week ago. The interview went well but the hiring manager said it will depend on what the other candidates bring and that she hoped to have a decision in the next few weeks. I sent a thank you email the next day. Question: should I send a second thank you/follow-up note now that it’s been a week. I believe HR is going to let me know either way but I think may have been one of the beginning interviews and don’t want them to forget about me!
Lisa,
The hiring manager said the process may take a few weeks and you already sent a follow up. One thank you note is enough. While we understand your excitement, you may want to wait longer before following up again as they told you it will take a while to complete the process. Hope you hear real soon!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Well, it’s been awhile since the last time I posted here. I just wanted to follow up with some (sorta) good news. I started a float pool position at a local university and I have been applying to regular, full time positions there. Within the last four days I have received two emails from positions I have applied to. The first one said that they would like to interview me within the next two to three weeks. The other said that the would like to interview me tomorrow. Of course I responded to both emails and I have an interview tomorrow.
My concern, if it actually happens, is if I get offered this position I’m being interviewed for. I am more interested in other job. If this happens, how should I handle the situation? It seems like nothing is set in stone for the other position. I don’t want to risk not having a job but I would also like to have a job that interests me more…
Hello,
I had a second interview for a position in a company im looking at on Nov 2 2011
I got a response 2weeks after that the interview was successful and that I would be contacted for the next level of the recruitment process.
I sent a follow up e-mail last week asking for the timing of the 3rd and final interview and was told I would be informed as soon as possible.
Im wondering – Should I send another follow up e-mail or I should just hold on???
Olbee,
Since it took a couple weeks for the first round and this is a holiday period you may want to wait. In the future be sure to ask how and when the employer will contact you and when you should check with them if you have not heard.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I’m in this situation where the HR office has told me they are still considering my application AND that the follow-up calls are very helpful. Still, it feels obnoxious. I’m keen to follow your advice except for them saying “feel free to stay in touch and follow up”…thoughts?
Chelsea,
You have to do what feels right for you. Of course you know the situation better than we do. Wow you handle the follow up is how you are as an individual feel is appropriate. As with the interview, the way you handle the follow up is an indication to the employer of how you would handle situations working for them.
– The work Coach Cafe Team
Had my interview on Monday for a Management position at a hotel that is rebranding in late January. Towards the end of the interview the interviewer (GM) said “I have a couple more interviews to do” then at the end he said, “let me give you my business card”. Now, what do I read into this?
Bret,
It sounds like you had a good interview and you have an idea of the process involved in filling the position. Since the GM gave you a business card you have the contact information to follow up in a couple weeks if you have not heard from them. Good luck!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Ok, followed up today with an e-mail asking the status of the position along with a statement that I know I would be a great asset to the company. Got a reply in like an hour from the GM stating “We are still in the interviewing process and have not gotten down to the final candidates”. Ok, what to think.. now I have to have the phone very close to me some more…. going crazy here 🙁
Bret,
As hard as it is you have to hang on and wait. While you’re nervous and excited, the employer needs to to go through their process and the timing may not match your expectations. Patience…
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I had a very good interview with a company two weeks ago. They told me that it will take 2 weeks for them to reach a decision. When I contacted the hiring manager, he told me that he has no authority to tell me one way or another if I am selected. He has given his choice to HR and I should wait for a message from HR……how to interpret this? Did I get the job or did not?
Krish,
Let’s hope you got the job! Like you, we can’t tell from this response, sorry… Please let everyone know how you did.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I am interviewing for an executive director position and I have already had two phone interviews, one with the recruiter and one with the area director. I was told that the next step would be to speak with the regional director and that I would hear from her soon. I already know who the regional director is and how to get in touch with her. Would it be appropriate to contact the regional director at this point?
Kirby,
Our opinion is that you should not contact the regional director until they reach out to you. If you feel very close to the regional direct as an acquaintance and your call would not surprise him or her then perhaps. We feel it may come as being too forward to go past recruiter and the other person you interviewed with. Best of luck!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Hello, I was in the mist of searching how to write a followup email to a second interview. A few days after the second interview and was about to do my weekly followup email and thanks to writers block I ended up here, and I have to say thank you guys very much for this post. I have been that guy that calls every week, no wonder, Iknow now I lost at least two jobs for being consistent haha and my college career center director told me to be persistent.. wow.. well here we go, onward with the hunt, and good luck to those like me looking for work.
Hi,
I need some advise. I had an interview last Monday for a Senior Financial Analyst position, and I thought it went okay. I was a bit nervous, stumbled on a few questions, but I seemed like a good fit. We are all alumni of the same business school, and my classmate who just got a job there even came in with one of the interviewers to say hi. Problem is I have social anxiety and could be pretty awkward. I don’t know if I’m just being hard on myself, or if they saw the same thing. Anyway, I followed up with the HR contact this Tuesday (a week after the interview), and asked him the status. He said something along these lines.. “They are still working on the offer”… “Should be done in the next 24 hours”… “by then you will know the decision”. Now I don’t remember exactly what he said, but it was along these lines, and he was very nice and made it seem like I was still in the running, though I don’t know how close he is to the actual managers who will be making the decision. When I heard the word “offer” I couldn’t help but get a little excited, but now that it’s been past 24 hours, maybe this means I didn’t get the job. In the next 24 hours you will know the decision, and it’s been 24 hours and they haven’t called, does this mean I didn’t get it for sure? Why would he say offer to get my hopes up, instead of just saying something like, “They are still interviewing other candidates”? Please help give me some peace of mind. I am wanting to call again (would that be a good idea), but I am occupying myself by inquiring to you. Thanks for everything.
Sincerely,
Selene
Selene,
Hiring managers – even HR professionals can be very insensitve at times. When we’re in the job finding process we put so much pressure on every word we utter during the interview. Second guessing the interview or the meaning of comments from interviewers can be maddening! We say it others, you need to do your best relax. Hopefully you will hear soon!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I am running my own investment company and presented my strategy to a senior executive at a large investment firm over a month ago. He told me he thought my strategy is interesting and hinted that it could fit nicely at his firm (he hinted they may want to hire me and have me build out the strategy for his firm). About 3 weeks ago, we had a short follow-up phone call and he told me he was going to have a conversation with the CEO of his firm about the strategy. He told me to call him in a week to follow up.
I called him one week later and he told me he was busy and hasn’t had a chance to speak to the CEO, so he asked me to give him another week and call again. I did so and left a message. I tried again one week later and left another message. So far I have not heard back from him.
I still would like to speak with him to see if there is any follow up from his talk with the CEO, but don’t want to be too much of a pest. What would you suggest?
Dave,
As you run a business, you know what it takes to make the sale. You need to balance persistence with over the top, stay in touch, leave voicemails but not more than once a week.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I had 2 interviews for the mid mangement post . They promised to let me know if meeting the president would be essential within a week . 2 weeks after still no answer . I left a message and a phone call to the GM and the HR . Finally the Gm responded indicating how busy she was and will try and be in touch within a week or 2 . Should I send another e-mail asking about the status?
Harry,
We suggest waiting the full time the GM said. Based upon what you have outlined, at least two weeks be before sending the next follow up. While you are anxious and focused on the GM may have other priorities that get in the way.
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Networking has really been my lifesaver! I have done so many freelance jobs via networking and it has been benificial financially and professionally (My portfolio is looking great these days!!). One thing to remember…networking can happen anywhere. Church, the salon, little league games, even a craft show has gotten me in front of key decision makers. I even have a huge opportunity in the works all because an elected official and I share the same hair dresser.
Another good resource is LinkedIn. When I see who the HR Rep or Hiring Manager is I check to see if we share any connections. I also see if I have any connections that have connections at the company. I got a reality check that just sending out resumes and making follow up calls are like shooting into the dark. Don’t get me wrong God’s favor is still God’s favor so if its yours you will get it. After all, those that tell you “no” or “You can’t do it.” are not on His advisory board thus they don’t have a say what He has for you 🙂 Good luck to everybody
I had an interview last week with the company that laid me off almost 2 years ago I believe the interview went well. I followed up with a Thank You letter/email and I’ve called one of the hiring supervisors twice. Should I continue to call or should I just wait for them/HR to contact me?
Hi Yolanda –
Typically we suggest sending a thank you note immediately after you meet with an employer and a follow up call or e-mail after a week or two if you have not heard from them. Since you have worked at the company you may know best how to much contact you should have with them.
Hope this helps,
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
Not everyone that is interviewing necessarily has to go through HR. If you’re good – you network or find a way to talk to the play makers of the company. There aren’t hard and fast rules on what to do and what not to do. Following up with HR after an interview – of course – is ridiculous. The person you need to get in touch with are the decision makers. AKA the people that are truly making the hiring decisions.
So much of interviewing can’t be made into text book one size fits all. It’s dynamic. What gets you a job at one place – might not at the next. Oh, and following up after an interview. I am not quite sure why you think this is bad? To get jobs I’ve wanted I’ve had to sometimes volley and follow up for more than 4 months before a job materialized. If you’re applying via job boards – then yes, you’re likely at HR’s mercy.
If you actually landed an interview by searching out the place you want to be at, did your homework – and know who to talk to – then yes – you’re damn right you’ll need to follow up! Especially, if they’re creating the position for you.
Anonymous,
Thanks for your addition. Networking is the best way to find a career, employer and a job. Many times HR is not the way in the door but HR typically does have input in the process. It’s important for candidates to understand that the HR person may have little decision power in the hiring process, just provides support for the hiring manager and the candidate.
Here’s a resource to try:
Network on Facebook with CareerFriend
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I had a phone interview for a position out of state. The interview lasted around 60 minutes.
I sent a Thank you note the next day. The interviewer replied thanking me for my letter and emailed me a job application and told me he would set up a second interview ‘Shortly”.
That was a week ago. I have not heard anything since and had sent back the completed application by overnight mail. As far as I know, none of my references were contacted.
NL,
In this case a week seems to be within the range of shortly. We would expect is would take a few days to receive your application and arrange next steps internally before responding back to you. You may want to follow up with a polite e-mail or phone call to check on the process.
When interviewing try to get a date or a time frame from the interviewer. You can ask questions like “when would be it be appropriate for me to check with you”. You might also want to ask the best method, telephone or e-mail.
Hope this helps!
-The Work Coach Cafe Team
I’ve recently had an interview with a recruiting agency, and was told the position they originally thought would be a fit for me might be too far of a drive. I was told they would like to find something closer, and I would hear back from them the next week. If I didn’t, I was to call. I didn’t hear, so I called and was told that “Your interview was perfect, and you don’t have to worry. We’re waiting for something to open that’s closer”, but this was almost two weeks ago. I was going to wait until the two week mark to call back and check if there is any news, but after reading some things here, I am not sure if that is a good idea. My only worry is that among all other applicants, but name and resume will get lost in the bunch.. Any advice?
Al,
Have they provided any specifics for you? Do you know have far the open position is from your home and would you be willing to drive? Maybe you speak with them to the details of when a closer position may open up and make a decision on if you rather drive a distance. Good luck!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
The Work Coach Cafe Team,
The distance was about a 40 minute drive, and I was willing to do it because the opportunity was fantastic, as well as with a company that is growing and thriving.. The person I had the interview with said he was hesitant to put me in the position, because during the winter months, driving can be a bit hectic. He then said that he liked me, and wanted to get me all set up and ready to go for when an opportunity presented itself that was closer. After I called the first time (a week later like I was instructed to), I was told the same thing and not to worry, but I still haven’t heard back from him. I just don’t know if I am to call again, or let it be. While I understand positions take time to open, I also worry that they will forget about me considering how many people they deal with on a daily basis.
Thanks for your help!
Hi! I love your blog and everything you wrote so much!
I had an final interview with a bank on last Thursday, but I forgot to send them a thank you letter and I still haven’t heard back from them. Then, I made a phone call to the HR person on this Thursday and ask her about the position status. She said everything is still on the process & I might have to wait longer time. And then she asked me how my job seeking is going and we have talked about 2mins.
Do you think that my action is appropriate or it will ruin my image? And what should I do next? Thanks!
Should I send a Thank you letter to them next week? Will that be too-much? Thanks again!
Janice, Seems to us that calling the HR person was the right thing to do for your case. Since the HR rep told you the hiring process is still ongoing, waiting will be best. Hopefully you will hear soon!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
HI- I love your blog, thank you! I was hoping to ask your advice. I had several phone interviews with one company and the HR contact let me know they wanted to move to the next step of the interview process and that he was going to try to get a hold of another contact who was the next step and let me know hopefully the next day. This was a wk and a half ago and I haven’t heard back. I know the company is going through a reorg and fiscal year is at end of the month but I can’t help worrying that I am out of the running . Do you think I should wait until it is exactly 2 weeks and follow up with a polite email? Or sooner? I would appeciate your insight!
Hi Kim,
Sounds like the employer has lots going on. No need to worry but you might want to drop a quick e-mail to see how things are going. It’s easy for the employer to get caught up in the “now” of their business with pending issues. While this may not match your desired timeline you have to be understanding. Best of luck!
– The Work Coach Cafe Team
I had an interview for the same dept. i work at, just another branch of it with a different supervisor. and after what seemed like a pleasant interview, she told if I had not heard back from her to please call back the following friday. I ended up emailing her because i hadnt heard anything and just simply said I was checking on the status of my application. she said she was still interviewing applicants and would let me know when she had made her decision. it’s been almost 2 weeks now and I wonder if I should email her again. it’s a job I’m genuinely interested in and I know the position is still open, I just don’t know if it’s appropriate or not to message her again.