For most people, the hiring process (and pretty much every aspect of interviewing for a job) triggers what I like to call the post interview temporary OCD blues. Although you want the decision process to move quickly, the time after your interview can feel endless. And brain-twistingly maddening!
I’m sure many of you can recognize the truth in this all too familiar-feeling scene:
“They haven’t called yet.”
I know.
“They still haven’t called yet.”
It’s only been five minutes since you last told me that.
“But I interviewed THREE whole hours ago. Why aren’t they calling me!!!”
This goes on for most of the next two or three weeks, in which time you’ve called or sent notes at least 6 times (please don’t), until you finally get the call for the second interview. Aaaaaaaaah! You feel your old self returning.
And it starts all over again …
Oh sure … this new job interview went well too. But right after the interview you feel the signs of temporary OCD returning. The obsessive thoughts and the compulsive need to contact them and make them act NOW! NOW. NOW!!!
“I know they liked me. They seemed to like me. Oh dear god … why didn’t they like me!”
I’m sure they did.
“Was that the phone?”
No. The dog sneezed.
“Why won’t they call me? Those self-absorbed, insensitive creeps. Don’t they know I’m waiting???? I hate all of them.”
It’s only been three days and they’re interviewing other people.
“It’s a stupid job anyway. If they don’t call by tomorrow, I don’t even want it any more.”
Makes total sense. I understand.
“That’s it. I’m done with the idiots.”
Good plan. Why be open to a job you want?
Just then the phone rings. You get the job. Wuhooo! You’re thrilled because truth be told they all seemed really nice and the job is everything you ever wanted. Ah. Relief at last.
Or so I hope in your case. But, if not, please don’t give up hope. It only takes one “yes!” And a lot of patience. 🙂
Why so long after your interview?
Although it all goes on behind the scenes as far as a job seeker is concerned, there are many good reasons why you don’t hear back right away after your job interview. Reasons that may have nothing to do with you. In fact, sometimes it can take weeks to hear anything — even if they really like you.
What might be going on that causes the delay? This post can help you understand. At the very least, maybe the silence won’t seem so personal. And you can put your energy to use looking for another opportunity. Two offers are even better than one!
⇒ What Really Happens After a Job Interview?
Going crazy looney-tunes nuts waiting
So what happens to you? (And believe me you are not alone.) Why do obsessive-compulsive behavior take hold of an otherwise lovely person’s body and brain?
Of course, we know it’s an awful, stressful process where you have absolutely no control over what they do or how soon they do it. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing back in as little as a day and waiting as long as four loooong months for jobs where I was the top candidate.
There is no absolute rule or standard when it comes to the job interview hiring process. I’m sorry. I wish there were. And I know it sucks. But seriously … driving yourself crazy by trying to second-guess what you can’t possibly know about is not worth it.
Sometimes emergencies happen. Or huge rush projects. Maybe people get sick. Or there are behind-the-scenes negotiations or politics. And none of it is about you.
The best thing you can do is give the very best job interview you can and then just wait for them to do what they need. Seriously. Too many attempts to get them to respond NOW can label you as high maintenance.
Sure, a pleasant note or two and an occasional polite call can help move things along — sometimes. But I suggest you do these things sparingly and without getting tied to an actual result. At least not one on YOUR time schedule. They will move at their pace no matter what we do.
So what can you do in the meantime?
⇒ 12 Ways to Stay Sane Waiting After a Job Interview
More posts to help
After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?
Stuck in the Waiting Game After 2nd Interview
How Often Should I Call an Employer After My Interview?
15 Things I Look for When I Interview People
So What Really Happens After a Job Interview?
What Are the Basic Hiring Process Steps?
Should You Send a Post-Interview Thank You? [Sample]
Job Rejected You? Sample Rejection “Thank You” Note
10 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job Offer
Job search help:
Job Search & Interview Resource Center!
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.
Hello,
I was recently approached by a multi billion $ company for a sourcing analyst position. I had an initial phone interview with the recruiter to go over my background. Upon completion of the interview the recruiter scheduled an hour long phone interview with the hiring manager for the same day. So I was interviewed by the hiring manager for an hour and she walked me through the role and responsibilities for the position and we also discussed my background in detail.
Next day I got a call from the recruiter and she wanted to schedule an onsite panel interview with the team along with the VP & Director of the business unit over next couple days. She scheduled the meeting while I was on phone with her. Next thing I was on-site for the interview and I thought I did really well in the interview. We had the interview scheduled for an hour and we were kicked out of the conference room because our interview ran a little longer than expected and there was another meeting in the room. Upon completion of the panel interview I was told by the recruiter that she will follow up with me over 2-3 days.
I have a practice to send a thank you email to the recruiter and the individuals that interviewed me a thank you note. Being that the case, I had sent a thank you email to the panel the day after the panel interview and I got a response back from the hiring manager and recruiter that we were pleased to meet with me and would get back to me in 3-4 days with their decision. So I eagerly waited for 3-4 days to pass by but it was a week already and I did not hear anything from recruiter, so I end up calling her to check where things are. She answered my call and told me that the company was still interested in me and they will get back to me in 1-2 days. Based on the conversation I was motivated that the company was still interested and I wait wait wait.. A week goes by and nothing. So I thought of sending a final email to the hiring manager and the recruiter to know if the position was already filled and if not letting they know that I was still interested and how can I add value to their organization. Within few minutes I got a response from both hiring manager and recruiter that they are still interested and will be back in a day or so. And this time the recruiter did call me back in a day and scheduled a 30 minutes call with the hiring manager for next day.
So the hiring manager calls me and she tells me about the emails that I had sent post interview and if was still interested in the position. Then she also made a comment that the panel felt I was seen as a little over confident during the interview and that I was on the fence and they had a lot discussion around it. Apart from that the company is still interested and she said that someone from HR or the recruiter would reach out to me next day!
Long story short 🙂 Is there any chance that I would get an offer for this job? Do they really want me or are they compromising with me if they happen to choose me? Did this had anything to do with the negotiation process? I mean they almost made me feel that I was on the fence and if they choose me for the position I wouldn’t have a lot of room to negotiate my salary?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
NI am there now and the wait is grueling. I actually have a job but I am unhappy there. The company underpays me and I believ it’s a matter of time before they go under. Aside from this, the job is unfullfilling and I know I can do better. I can easily be making double what my current salary is. I have actively been interviewing but this current opportunity is a huge step up for me. I am clearly a finalist as i interviewed twice and was given a work assignment which I turned in early (i was given 2 days).
I have notified my references that they MAY be getting a call and asked them to notify me if they did.
The stress comes from the fact that I have been here many times… I am often a finalist but never receive an offer. I feel depressed and that if this one doesn’t happen, i will be devastated. I really did dedicate myself into preparing as best as I could.
I guess I just need some hope. I am depressed and tired.
A job search can be a long, tough, very discouraging slog these days. It can be even tougher when you don’t have any interaction with other job seekers so you can see that many very smart people are struggling too. And, having another set of eyes to check out your resume and job applications can be very helpful. None of us know everything.
Are there any local job clubs nearby? Assuming you are in the USA, check out your local Career OneStop Center, stop by if you can to get some help. Also scan MeetUp.com to see if any job clubs meet near you. Even visit local places of worship to see if they have job clubs meeting there regularly — usually unassociated with any particular religion.
And, please Google your name. See if anyone with the same name (nasty politician, porn star, drug dealer, etc.) is visible in Google. Their actions may be impacting your job search because employers won’t know you aren’t that nasty person.
Hang in there!
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
You clearly do not understand OCD. I find it pretty insulting that you would mock a debilitating illness with worrying about whether you were successful in a job interview.
Very sorry that you feel this way, Vivienne. I am sure that Ronnie Ann intended no disrespect to anyone by this post.
Regards,
Susan
Thank you for your website. I find myself in the positon of waiting for a call back. I beleive I didi well in the interview but it has been 3 weeks. thank you for all of the really good suggestions to keep form going crazy while I wait.
I could have written a few of the comments!
I did follow up 3 days after the interview with thank you e-mails to all the interviewers. then a week after that I sent an e-mail to the HR Director with a thank you and last minute comments of why I would like the job.
So now I’ll wait some more.
Hi Carollynn,
It sounds like you did things well. Do remember that, while they are probably very nice people, they don’t really care why you want the job. So telling them why you would like the job may have felt good for you to explain, it didn’t make you a more appealing job candidate. Employers care how well you can do the job and how well you will fit in to their group.
ALWAYS, focus on the benefit TO THEM (the employer) – not the benefit TO YOU – if you get the job!
I would try giving them a call to see what is happenening since it has been 2 weeks since you last contacted them.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
I sent my resume to an employer on June 6th, received a call back for an interview on June 8th. I went in the for the interview this past Monday on June 11th and it has been the most agonizing three days EVER! I keep recalling all of the mistakes I made since I was so nervous. Sweat was literally pouring down my back because this is a job I REALLY want because I am… well to be honest ready to move on from my current job. I want a career, not a job and I hope to God I get this position. I kept forgetting things that I had practiced over and over again due to my anxiety. I even forgot the name of a project I worked on but that was because the project was over three years ago and I only dealt with it for a few weeks. I could only remember the acronyms, yet as soon as the interview was over I remembered it. I apologized to the interviewer and told her I could not remember what the acronyms stood for. I felt like a complete flunky who was unprepared. But we did have a connection and moved on to other projects I had worked on. She was very polite and responsive. I asked her when she would like someone to start and she said probably in July and that she would be conducting interviews the rest of this week and I should know something by next week. I don’t think I’ll make it. Any advice on how to keep me from going insane?! Also, this is nonprofit work I’m doing, which is all I did in college and I reiterated my love/passion for nonprofit work and how I wanted to align myself with an organization that I would be enthused about working for. Do you think that raised my chances of being hired?
There is a very good chance that the interviewer knew you were nervous and since you said she was very polite and responsive she may not even think about that one mistake. We all get nervous. I wouldn’t worry about that too much. Stop recalling all the mistakes you made. Focus on the good things. Was she leaning forward, did she keep eye contact, etc.? The fact that you told her you were passionate about nonprofit work and that you wanted to align yourself with an organization you would be enthused about working for says a lot. You gave her a reason you as to why you want to work there. I can’t say that you got the job or not but there is a possibility you did. Good luck!
Hi Mo,
I wasn’t privy to the interview and don’t know the organization in question, so I can’t speak to your chances of being hired. But showing your genuine interests and passions for a subject matter is rarely a negative in an interview.
Sounds like you did a good job with showing your level of interest.
As for the anxiety issue, you may want to find some strategies to work on that — from meditation or mock interview practice to simply expanding your access to more opportunities. It is always better to increase your chances if you can apply for multiple opportunities. I encourage you to keep your search open and continue to apply as you wait to hear back.
All the Best and good luck,
Chandlee
Thanks Chandlee and Evie!
Chandlee,
I just felt like I could have answered questions better and I keep recalling things I should have said and all of that fun stuff (sarcasm ensues). But yes, I really did express my interest in the position. Even in my follow up e-mail that very day I told her the same thing, that I wanted to wake up everyday and say I love my job and that I was enthused and excited about new opportunites. She did not reply back so that’s kind of why I am shaking like a leaf… I’m wondering if I should call back on Monday or not? I want to be labeled as persistent and dedicated, not obsessed and stalker. Thank you for your kind words. It is just that I am unhappy at my current job (although I thank the good Lord above everyday for a job) however, with a bachelors degree under my belt and the fact that I have been at my current job for three years, I am not being used to my full potential and there is no room for growth here. I want a career and to do what I know I am good at. That’s why I’m so irritated and anxious to hear back. I am trying to occupy myself with a good book but it doesn’t seem to helping much. Wish me luck! I’ll respond as to whether or not I got the job or not. I hope I did! She seemed very impressed because I left her copies of my work (writing samples). She said she rarely saw people who left her things like that, so maybe that’s a good sign and I’ll stick out. We also got personal and talked about why nonprofit is so near and dear to my heart and I told her a family story and a church story. So… maybe there is a good chance she could use me. We shall see… I think all of those things are good signs.
Mo,
The best way to keep running over an interview over and over again is to ensure you get another one even if the great job doesn’t work out. It sounds like you did a great job with the application process, one thing to emphasize in future interviews is to make sure you focus on the work itself — in addition to how the organization would be fulfilling for you! Make sure you don’t imply that you don’t put energy into your current job because it isn’t a fit. (It doesn’t sound like you did this, but be careful of this.)
Given that you have expressed so much enthusiasm, I recommend sitting tight and not following up again right now — and also that you continue to apply for opportunities in the interim. I’d like you have as many opportunities to choose from as possible.
Good luck,
Chandlee
I too find myself wanting to come at a prospective employer like a locomotive. All of my interviews(3 long ones) were wonderful. This company I want to join follows FCC/EOE guidlines. I keep trying to reassure myself that this is a process -not an event. I have done my research and applied myself in everyway. So now I wait as they have asked. They say they “like me” and as I think about reaching for the phone to call the manager, I pause. I think it is important to take time to remember the high points of the interview, play them back in your mind, that can fuel the obsessve tendancies while waiting for the offer. This job I want is a sales job, so I know I need to apply some strategy in call frequency to show my persistance, but in the same breath, it is kinda fun just waiting in the weeds to see who will make the next move.
Jayne,
I think you are playing it perfectly. If you want to follow up, one graceful way to do so would be with a potential client lead. Good luck and keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee-thanks for the words of encouragement. I sent a follow-up email on May 7th. The 2nd Interview was April 27th with radio station owner, his son, and sales mgr. Today I got the vague, benign response from the sales manager saying “he’ll be in touch” -it seems like a dead end. Yet, there were so many positive indicators but no offer-being in sales I knew something was not quite right. And the owner accused me of “pontificating” -kind of insulting-yes? I was just really enthused, nervous and perhaps too talkative. Time to move on…Job searching is hard on a person’s self esteem. I am just happy that I am not in a pressure situation and this is a “go at my own pace to find a better job” scenario-sorry if I am ponitificating!! [:0)
The really ironic thing about all of this is that I was a career advisor about 12 years ago. Time to take some of my own advice…but I appreciate yours too.
Jayne
Jayne,
Don’t assume you didn’t get the job. If he says he’ll be in touch, it’s possible that the decision has not been made at all.
As for the pontificating, I must say I don’t love feedback in the interview that is offered with words that often have a negative connotation — not the word I would use. That said, in the future, if someone says something similar to you — probably a good time to say, “What’s your take? What do you see as critical in this particular job?”
Job searching is a challenge on self-esteem — no matter who you are, how old you are, and what experience you have. I think we should all recognize this and do other things during a job search that also make us feel good about ourselves and our relationships with others.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and observations, it’s helpful to everyone.
Hang in there and good luck,
Chandlee
Thanks again for the good advice about word choice and seeking clarification. I take the “I’ll be in touch” line as code for “leave me alone”, the subtle brush off. The sales mgr kept using words like honesty and transparency throughout the interview, and while explaining their turnover problems. Now the vague terms and no timeline leave me feeling less than optimistic. I just can’t figure out how things went from hot to cold. I am guessing it is something I said or did that made them apprehensive…to be continued.
I really do appreciate the feedback from Work Coach Cafe.
Jayne aka Mrs. Menopause!!
Jayne,
Still sounds to me like you are reading meaning between the lines when I’m not sure there is meant to be. I’ve worked as a recruiter and I can’t tell you how many offers were delayed while I waited for a paperwork to get completed or get a sign-off from the CEO or CFO. On the corporate side, you may even aim to be vague and not share a timeline because you are fully aware that it’s very hard to meet all of your deadlines.
Hang in there!
Best,
Chandlee
I find that a week after the interview or an appropriate time has elapsed after the interview and no hint of them being interested in you, just accept that they don’t want you and move on. It doesn’t help to wait on them. Forget them, put them out of your mind; because if they want you, they know how to get a hold of you (phone, email, home address).
Hi Terri,
Accepting a “non-response as a no” is one way to look at the situation. While it never helps to wait on someone indefinitely, following up does two things:
1. It lets the employer know you remain interested — and that’s important to employers as they want to make offers to people who will accept them.
2. It can provide closure — and insight if you aren’t selected. If you simply don’t hear back, you may assume the employer is not interested. In reality, often employers don’t respond because something has changed internally — perhaps the hiring process has been delayed or — they’ve decided not to apply for the position. Sometimes a follow-up can yield this information — which also makes the psychological process of the job search easier.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I think the only way to handle things post-interview is to pretend you didn’t have an interview and keep plugging away at job hunting.
What makes this feel especially hard is when you have only one possibility in the pipeline and hinge all expectations on the one. I’ve done it lots of times and I now realize I need to not think about that company, not expect anything, and work on finding more companies and jobs to apply for. It’s the only thing a candidate can control.
Not putting all one’s eggs or hopes in the basket is important especially since the recruiting process is non-logical, arbitrary, flaky, and every other adjective you can think of. It stinks, but that’s the way it is. It makes no sense.
So, like dating, keep moving forward, meeting people, and focus on the things you can control.
Excellent advice, Nancy!
Keep plugging away at job hunting, and focus on the things you can control. Yes, just like dating!
Couldn’t have said it better, myself.
Good luck!
Susan
I stumbled upon this website yesterday and have been perusing it like crazy ever since. I must have had the conversation in this article almost word for word several times in the past few days.
I sent in my resume on Monday (the job was posted on Sunday), and I got a call, complete with an impromptu phone interview Tuesday mid-morning. It seemed to go relatively well, though now I’ve thought of a million better ways I could have answered a question or two (naturally).
I was told that she was going to ‘share her notes with the recruiter’ and that I’d be ‘hearing from them soon’, which sounded promising. I know that not much time has passed, since it is Friday. Still, I definitely have the OCD blues. It FEELS like I should have heard back already since the call came so quickly.
This job is, literally, my dream job… the very same job that was the direct cause of my working toward degrees in the hospitality field in the hopes of getting a job similar to it! So, even though I know I shouldn’t, it is hard not to hang so much hope on getting it.
Hi Tamra,
Please be patient with them! You may have been the first person interviewed if the job was only posted two days before your phone interview. They may have had several responses, several phone interviews, and much to consider since then. Plus, SO many other things are going on “on the other side” that is not about you and not even about filling this job.
Most of the time, several people are involved in the hiring process, and they have daily work to do. So, participating in the hiring process is “extra work” for them – not always fun, either.
Find something else to do – paint your bathroom, take up knitting, write a book, attend a seminar, do ANYTHING else so that you aren’t 200% focused on this job.
Best thing you can do is to keep job hunting.
Wait until the end of this week before you contact them (and next week might be better). After you tell them your name, remind them who you are – the job you applied for, when and who you spoke with on the phone, and something memorable about you (former employer, accomplishment, etc.). Then, ask for the status of this job and the next steps in the process.
Hang in there (and keep job hunting so the bad luck gremlins focus on a different job and leave this one alone). 🙂
Good luck!
Susan
Well, I got called on Sunday about an interview with the person I’d actually be replacing on Monday. It wasn’t so much an interview as it was him offering to answer any questions I might have. I was prepared for a more formal interview. So I know I floundered a bit. (Note to self: Prepare questions for interviewers instead of just preparing ANSWERS for the questions they might ask.) Today was his last day, but I haven’t heard anything. Nor have my references.
Meanwhile, I’ve been offered a job with a company that I interviewed with a month ago… quite out of the blue since I’d kind of thought that was that. (We’d all decided the position I’d interviewed for wasn’t a good fit for me at this point in my life.) The pay and hours aren’t as good, but there is that scared part of me that wants to take it just because it has at least been offered…
Aaaaaaaanyway, thank you so very, very much for the words of wisdom and for even taking the time to respond at all. It is more appreciated than you possibly can know right now!
Hi Tamra,
You are very welcome, and good luck making your choice!
Susan
Hm…
I know I have temporary OCD because I have read this article and How To Tell If The Interview Went Well about three times! I suppose this is healthier than having a cocktail (or five) which is the other thing I feel like doing.
Anyway, it’s been a week and I was told “for certain” that I would have an answer tomorrow. This makes me happy since the article says that being given a definite date for reply is a positive sign. The craziest thing is that I felt so unbelievably confident right after the interview ended, like, “I nailed it!” I was given a tour and introduced to some other staff members (also positive.) And then time passed and doubts set in. Now I’m like, “Someone better must have come in after me!!” I wonder why the confidence fades?
It gives me a good laugh to read everybody’s comments on this site and how they all feel the same way.
Hi Andrea,
Glad you can laugh about the situation! 🙂 That’s the best attitude.
I bet your first “I nailed it” feeling was correct! I think confidence fades for most of us as our imaginations run wild thinking of terrible things happening. This is why staying busy with your job search, avoiding the all-your-eggs-in-one-basket situation, is always a good idea. Keeps you too busy to worry.
Don’t let the wait get you down. When (!) they call to offer you the job, tomorrow, be confident and professional. Don’t be too grateful, and don’t accept immediately. Ask for time to think it over (a week or two), particularly if the offer is less than you were expecting. Think about it (even if you only think about it for 10 seconds after you hang up), and don’t quit your job search or your current job (if you have one) until the offer is made to you in writing (or email) from someone authorized to commit the organization to hiring you!
And, know that if it doesn’t happen for you tomorrow, a better job is waiting for you!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! Keep us posted.
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks for the prompt reply and the vote of confidence. I got a call first thing this morning to say that the decision has been postponed until tomorrow!!!
One more day of nail biting. I suppose it’s good that they are keeping me posted. I guess it means they respect me as a candidate.
Do you really think I should ask for time to consider the position before saying yes? In the interview we discussed a salary that was more than I initially asked for. Also, the job is exactly what I want – a curriculum and teaching position at an Art & Design College. My first instinct would be to shout, “Yes! Absolutely!”
This reminds me a little of “playing hard to get” when you are dating someone. But I think I’m better at doing that!
Anyway, I’m taking the tack of mentally pretending I didn’t get the job and applying for other suitable positions at the moment.
Hi Andrea,
I think it’s always a good idea to ask for time to think things over, particularly if the salary isn’t what you expect. Yes, the “playing hard to get” analogy is perfect!
However, if you know that you really want this job, playing hard to get might not be important to you, and it will delay receiving that first paycheck.
Perhaps you can have this strategy – if the salary meets your expectations, you can immediately accept over the phone. If the salary is below your expectations, you can ask for time to think about it.
And, mentally pretending that you didn’t get the job is an excellent idea. So many people waste time waiting for job offers that don’t materialize! I’ve done it myself a time or two, and it makes not getting that job a really big let down.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Ronnie Ann,
You have perfectly spoken what was in mind, This shows that what i am going through is nothing new but a routine in everyone’s life. To cut it short I am posting MY OCD Blues in 3 simple steps
1. I got a call from this company they scheduled telephonic interview round on 15th December 2011.
2.After 1st round OCD Blues started as this was a very good opening it was like a Dream coming true
3. I got a call on 20th Dec 2011 telling that I have cleared 1st round and i will be having the 2nd telephonic interview round immediately in another 3 hours.
3. I finished the 2nd Round i was confident that i have done it very well, OCD Blues where cured only on that day, to return the following day , My OCD Blue started again. I did not hear from them for 3 weeks. I did all that you explained, deleted their telephone number deleted all their mails and promised myself to go on with life as they are not the only people who can provide job.
4. On the 2nd Day of the 4th Week i Got a call from them that i have cleared 2nd round and i will have the 3rd and final round on that same day after 5 hours. OCD vanished only for that day. 3rd round conducted on 11th January 2012.
5. OCD again are running HIGH as till today i haven’t herd anything from them it’s almost 2 weeks i did send them a remainder politely asking for the status, they have not replied.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW!!!!!!!!
Hi Arvind,
You have every reason to be climbing the walls with what’s been happening. But it does help to know that what you’re experiencing is practically universal with all job seekers, doesn’t it? You are certainly not alone, and this is a good place to vent.
As Ronnie Ann pointed out so insightfully, the second-guessing can tear you apart. A contrary loop keeps running in your brain, telling you one second, “They really like me” because I _______ (said all the right things, smiled a lot, pitched myself perfectly — fill in the blank with the good stuff) and another second “Maybe they don’t like me because I _______ (was nervous, said that dumb thing, stuttered with my answers, forgot to shake someone’s hand — fill in the blank with whatever bad stuff you’re ruminating about).
With all that noise in your head, it’s probably difficult to concentrate on anything at all, and get anything done. You need to quiet your brain. See what you can do to distract yourself for a time, and get that loop to stop running. Ronnie Ann offered some great suggestions. Here are a few more — take a walk (even inside the house), take a close look once again at the family photos you have around to remind you of good times, call a friend and talk about anything but that job, go to the gym, cook something you really like, if you don’t cook, think about learning.
What should you do now? Since you haven’t reached out for 2 weeks, you can give it another try. If you’ve gone through 3 rounds, you must be high on their list, so they should understand how anxious you are for an update.
Good luck. We’re all hope you get good news on this soon!
Meg Guiseppi
Member of the WorkCoachCafe Team
I LOVE this website! I’ve been job hunting for over 2 years, but more so these past several months in an attempt to quit my current job. This site has helped me cope with many things regarding job searching, interviews, etc.
I had an interview this past Friday with a company who is currently seeking a full time Web Developer. Luckily, I’m acquainted with one of the girls who work there, and later found out she is the person who will be needing the replacement. I contacted her firsthand regarding my schedule because I go to a community college in the mornings and am currently seeking a part time position. She got back to me and said the company is open for a part timer. I’ve spent hours polishing up my resume and cover letter prior to the interview, and finally scored an interview with the company. I thought it went rather well. They asked questions directly related to my skills and experiences that I’m sure would help the position I’m after (I don’t feel that way in most job interviews). The company owner said I have “excellent skill sets” but is undergoing few more interviews and may hire one part-timer and one full-timer. Whatever the case is in their hiring decisions, I hope I get hired ’cause I want the job SO bad.
I just hate the waiting part and as much as I try to occupy myself and stay patient, it’s nearly impossible!
Hi Tia,
Congratulations on landing the interview – maybe the hardest part! – and doing so well in it.
I know the waiting part is also terribly hard but, instead of just focusing on “will they or won’t they offer me the job”, I hope you’ll keep moving ahead with your job search plan, in case this one falls through.
By keeping at it, you’ll be looking for and staying open to new opportunities — possibly even better than this one. And, of course, the activity will pre-occupy you a little and keep you from dwelling on that one job too much. You know the saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”.
But I hope you get that call soon!
Best,
Meg Guiseppi
Member of the WorkCoachCafe Team
Hi Alex!
Sorry the other job didn’t work out. But I like your thinking.
Not sure what the ethical/contractual boundaries are as it relates to the recruiter (let them decide that), but if it were me, I’d certainly give it a try with a great cover letter and even sharper (matched to the job) resume.
Let them know you are really interested in the job and would even consider taking the job on as contract work (if that’s true) just to show them how well you can fit in. You might even admit you let interview nerves get in the way but are sure a second interview would show them a lot more of the real you and what you have to offer.
Not sure any of that will work…but if you think it’s worth a chance, why not?
Good luck! Would love to hear what happens.
Hi Ronnie Anne,
An up-date and a question. I didn’t get the job I had been interviewing for 🙁 but I am still on contract so I am working. A little while back I had applied for a position with a company through a 3rd party recruiter. I ended up getting an interview. Prior to the interview I met with the case manager associated with the recruiting company and he told me all kinds of things to say. Well needless to say, none of the stuff he was talking about came up and needless to say I screwed up my interview:(. Now I see the same company hasn’t hired anybody and they advertised for the job again and asked for no 3rd party recruiters….
I honestly feel I screwed up because of the “pep”
talk prior to the interview. Do you think it would be a waste of time applying and going down that road??? I know the worst they could say is no, but……????I know this is a bit off topic, but any advice would help.
Thanks
Thank you so much, your take on the post interview process made me realize that I am not the only OCD waiter out there! I had a great relaxing laugh while reading your list of things to do while waiting.
I’m so glad, Sharon. Thanks. I write this stuff just for folks like you. Good luck!
Hi Motoki!
Good analysis. I join you in hoping for the latter. 😉
Just so you know…I got one job after an offer was made to another candidate AND they actually started. Screwed up royally. Company came back to me. Now I don’t say this happens all the time, but it certainly speaks to staying in touch no mater what the outcome. But also…always be looking until you have an actual offer in hand. 😉
I have my fingers crossed for you. Good luck!
There are two companies I’m waiting to hear back from. For one of them, the HR lead has been very kind to give me updates whenever I follow up. Some things she said were “We’re still interested” but I guess they were interviewing an additional person. She mentioned the Hiring Director was coming back into the office last Thurs and they would be ready to make a decision. She said she’d get back to me later that week but heard nothing. My guess is I’m a backup to the guy they made an offer to, so she can’t say anything. The best case scenario is that they haven’t made a decision yet. I’m hoping it’s the latter.
I had a second interwiew about a week ago, I was told that I am a strong canidate however she is still conducting interviews but a desision will be made by Wed. I have not received a responce yet. Question, what is a strong canidate and why do employers tell you that they are still interviewing, hello obvious?
Hi Tammy S!
Actually, not obvious. You could have been their last candidate interviewed before the deliberation process (which could take weeks) began. They were being nice and keeping you informed. Many employers don’t even do that.
As for what a strong candidate is…one whom they are considering seriously. Some go right into the “no” pile.
It’s not uncommon not to hear on the date you were told and so no way to interpret it. At this point, all you can do is keep looking elsewhere with full energy (always a smart approach) and, if you haven’t heard back by midweek, send a polite e-mail expressing your continued interest and asking if there is anything else they need from you at this point.
Good luck!
I don’t envy you the waiting, Alex, but glad you have the contract position in the meantime. Really appreciate your keeping us posted. Hope you hear something SOON!
Good luck getting the position you want, Alex. ~ Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie Anne,
Just a little follow-up to my recent posts. I am working the contract position and I did follow-up again with the HR department where I interviewed. She responded again March 4th that they had not made a decision as of yet who would proceed to the next step and she would make contact when this decision has been made. On the one hand it was nice getting a follow-up reply but more waiting 🙁
This week is March Break, so it may be another week.
Alex
Hi Sandra!
Glad the article helps. You are most definitely not alone in doubting and second-guessing after the interview.
If it helps at all, the purpose of an interview is not to see how you answer each and every question, but the feel they get from you and whether they think you can not only do the job but fit in with the rest of the company. And most of that is communicated apart from the precise words you use – although of course they help paint the picture.
BTW…having your future supervisor there is a critical part of any hiring process – although I know it can be unsettling. You want to meet them too!
Despite your many doubts, I really hope you get a nice surprise from them. And if for any reason they do decide to go with someone else, please send them each a lovely note telling them how much you enjoyed meeting them and that you hope they will consider you for a position in the future.
Best of luck! Would love to hear how it turns out.
~ Ronnie Ann
Hi Alex!
OCD moments do have a tendency to bounce back. Hopefully by now you’ve heard something, but if not…just let things rest for a while. You’ve done all you can.
As much as I know it helps to feel like there’s something to do, she is not going to forget about you or the position even if you don’t contact her. Once they have a small pile of the narrowed-down candidates, it’s not like they forget them. 😉 At this point, a follow-up in two weeks is totally cool. And it may take longer than that., so brace yourself. Now is not the time to start bugging them or looking over-anxious. Remember…you are still in the interview process.
Good luck, Alex. Please continue to keep us posted!
~ Ronnie Ann
Hello Again,
What I have heard from asking around is that they are hiring 16 individuals all together and they had interviewed 60+ people. In the meantime I have made myself available for a 6 month contract with another company which starts mid March. In that respect I’m confident, but the full-time position is what I am hoping for. Not to get totally OCD, but are you saying follow up with her 2 weeks from today or 2 weeks from the date of her response?? Also, when I do contact her again, should I bring up the fact that I will be working contract for another company. Oh and this contract is through a Personnel company so it’s not a contract in the strictest sense that I can’t break it. I have already informed the Personnel company in regards to interviewing with the other company. One question always leads to another Ronnie….. 🙂
Thanks
Alex
Alex,
I don’t have all the answers (no one does) which is why I don’t answer all the questions. 😉 There is no exact number of days nor an exact way to handle this. Just know if you if you are one of their top choices, they won’t forget. So obsessing is just not worth it.
As for the other stuff…I’d like to hear what YOU think. Oh and final thought…sometimes the “wrong” choice opens doors we never imagined – so trying to do everything right could lead us astray too. Isn’t that a brain twister? ~ Ronnie Ann
Thanks Ronnie,
I think in regards to my Temp position, I will keep it to myself for now. It is on my resume as a place I have worked the past couple of years (six months starting March are peak time) so in that regard the interviewing company already knows about them. In regards to the follow up, I will give it another week before sending a quick note, that will be 3wks from my initial interview and 2 weeks from my 1st follow-up. That is if I don’t receive a call this week or a letter.
Again Ronnie, I thank-you for the info.
Alex
I have a big smile on my face, Alex. Seems you have some good answers after all. 😉 And you’re in a great position either way. Can’t wait to hear some happy news…I hope. ~ Ronnie Ann
So this morning I had my 2nd interview for the job I’ve. Been waiting to hear from for months. It was S.T.A.R interview,with two interviewers,one was asking the questions and the other was just observing and listening(she was also a supervisor for the position I applied for).which made me a bit nervous.I answered the questions to the best of my ability and knowledge. They said they would let me know in a couple of weeks if I got the job or not.
Now I can’t stop thinking about how I really messed up on a question I answered,felt I could’ve told me a better one and that the one really bad answer just ruined my chances of getting the job
I sent the recruiter a Thank-you letter hours after my interview,but now I’m just so anxious to know if I got the job or not.I keep doubting myself. So I completely relate to this post =(
Great attitude, Alex. Nice response from her…and so quickly. That alone puts you ahead of so many people who never hear back at all. Of course, what we all hope is that you eventually hear “we want you.”
Fingers crossed on getting to the next step…and beyond. Look forward to your updates.
~ Ronnie Ann
Not to be reverting back to the OCD moment, but I have a question for you. Now that she has contacted me in regards to my e-mail, how long should I give it now to follow-up to my follow-up????
Thanks
Alex
Hi Alex!
How dare they indeed!!! Glad the article helped…even if only for a brief non-OCD moment. 😉
Best of luck, Alex. Hope you hear back soon. Would love to know what happens. You sound great.
~ Ronnie Ann
I did e-mail HR Friday to find out whether they had made a decision regarding my candidacy, I wasn’t really expecting a reply until Tuesday, if at all, but she did reply Saturday evening much to my surprise. No they hadn’t made a decision and yes she will let me know when they do and to enjoy my week-end…. It was a nice way to respond. I do know the next step is an aptitude test then second interview with the site manager. I am confident of my abilities, I am 48 and have a lot to offer. I truly enjoyed the article and other articles as well on your site. I will definitely keep you posted.
Thanks
Alex
Great article. I interviewed a week ago with a company and they still haven’t called, How dare they…..Anyhow I related perfectly with this article.
Thanks
Hi LouiseGB! Thanks for your great comment.
And I agree with what Mallory learned from your words that “remain(ing) confident that you did your best is probably the best thing you could do for yourself.” Absolutely. It’s all we can ever do.
Hope you managed to both give yourself permission, Mallory, and follow through. 😉
Here’s an article and comments about re-posting:
http://workcoachcafe.com/2009/05/27/they-re-posted-the-job-should-i-kiss-it-good-bye/
To quote my article, best advice is: “Keep looking for a job even while waiting to hear back.”
At this point, best to put your full energy into looking for another job. If this job still happens…great. But if not, the right one will come along.
Good luck!
~ Ronnie Ann
I just noticed this comment from over a year ago, but the same is going on with me right now too. The “re-posting” thing. I’ve noticed that this company has kept the job posted on their website and on other job search sites right through the interview process. I’ve been a little baffled by that myself. After the initial application there are 2 steps to get through before being chosen for a face 2 face interview so it’s not like we interview candidates are a shot in the dark. I asked how many would be interviewed and was told 3. That seems like a small number but was encouraged by it, 33% chance isn’t so bad compared to 0%. I assumed that one of us 3 would get the job because HR made us jump through hoops to get to the interview in the first place, which to me meant all 3 of us are qualified and all the team has to do is choose which one of us they like best, how long could that take? So a few days ago I noticed that the listing finally closed so I figured great they’re going to start deciding, but yesterday it was re-posted. I know there are 2 of these positions, but I was under the impression that they already had someone working in one for a while and they’re looking for the 2nd….the speculation is driving me crazy. Trying not to let it, but what Kevin said a year ago, that he hasn’t been officially blown off but the listing is right back there which means other people are still applying and therefore will have to be considered. I’ll always have that ray of hope until I get that official rejection but the lack of information and communication is starting to get really old. I know if I email my recruiter I’ll probably not get a response and if I call I’ll make a pest out of myself. It’s Friday, I’ll be happy around 5pm when I know for a fact that nothing will happen and I can give myself permission to not focus on it.
LouiseGB I know exactly how you feel. That’s what happened to me, immediately after my interview a week an a half ago I couldn’t stop thinking about it and had that unreasonable expectation that my phone would ring that day. Logically I knew it was absurd, but still, couldn’t help it. A week and a half later I still do a great deal of wondering, checking obsessively for a reject email, and waiting, but I can focus on other things now. But to remain confident that you did your best is probably the best thing you could do for yourself. I have to remember that myself sometimes.
Thanks for all the great advice above and all the posts. I had an interview yesterday and I have spent the whole day today checking that my phone is switched on and feeling as if I can’t concentrate on anything…now, I’m just going to relax, be confident that I did my best and forget about the outcome! Thank you.
Thanks Mallory and Jonny! I replied to Mallory on another post, so if you’re interested you can read that here:
What the Heck Goes On Behind the Scenes After a Job Interview?
And Jonny…I so appreciate your words of comfort and encouragement to Mallory and all my readers. The most powerful words for others come from those who have walked in their shoes.
Thanks to both of you for being part of this blog. I wish you all the best!!
~ Ronnie Ann
This blog is great for a ton of reasons… you get honest and real perspective from actual job hunters; not some HR Recruit wannabe who actually works as a personnel placement agent, recruiting agent for some job agency, or some commission motivated glorified job poster. They have no experience in the actual hiring process… all they do is send people over to companies for the actual interview. Long and longer process during the hiring process clearly is the norm… so ignore all the nonsense noise out there that screams utter nonsense that may have been valid 5-10 years ago. Nobody gets hired on the spot; not even within 48 hours. From the moment you heard about the job, saw the ad, got a referral to the day after the interview… it could take well over 4 weeks. I read other job sites just to get a laugh at all the irrelevant and useless drivel that are passed off as some useful advice. It’s comical really. 2-4 weeks to just get an interview invite is the norm from my personal experience as well as from what I read and hear from my friends. And actual offer or rejection could be another 2-4 weeks from the date of your interview. All in all, the entire ordeal per job could take anywhere from 4-8 weeks or longer. Don’t get discouraged because 2 weeks passed by without a news. Please don’t…
This is just the thing I needed to read..I literally typed into Google search “did I get the job” and this site came up. I just interviewed for a job that suits to me to the core…it’s absolutely what I should be doing. The interview went as well as I think it could have 2 days ago, so I left very pleased. And I was told there are only 2 other candidates. But now I have the post-interview blues/OCD big time. It’s so unreasonable and not logical to think they’d call me the next day but still, I can’t shake it. Especially in these hard times when I don’t exactly get an interview every week. This was my 2nd one in about 6 months. I can’t stop thinking about the phone ringing, I can’t stop thinking about what they’re saying about me, I can’t stop fantasizing about how less qualified the other 2 candidates are, and I can’t stop checking me email for the dreaded reject letter. But just to read this was therapeutic and I feel better today than yesterday because I actually went out and did something rather than sit in and sulk all day…so yes, getting involved in anything else is helpful and I will try to make jam for the first time today. I’ve also been blogging about the job search in general I call my blog the Job Search Grumblies. I think also, saying the Serenity prayer to myself helps when I get so deep in thought that I’m on edge over it…it helps even with out the god part if you’re not religious like me…it’s just the first bit really…”God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.” First, the concentrated focus on something else slows the heart rate and the realization that serenity will help more than OCD brings me back to earth a little bit. For me it’s mostly the not knowing that drives me crazy. If I had some idea of when the decision would be made I could relax about it for now. If I knew there was no hope for this week, I wouldn’t obsess about the possibility of the phone ringing or the reject email coming in right now and I could just sit back and enjoy the idea that I’m still in the running. Oh well, but like you said, they’re going to do their own thing at their own pace.
Thanks for adding to the conversation autoprt! Absolutely…focus on continuing to look for the best job you can find until you actually accept an offer. Sometimes, you can even open up to ones you think aren’t as good, since during an interview process, surprises can happen. 😉
Best of luck!
~ Ronnie Ann
the best tip is to forget the job and keep interviewing if possible but only with jobs that are as good if not better than the one you really want. many times you think you have a job and if by chance you find out they’ve hired someone else at least you are not starting from scratch
Well Tarry…you certainly are patient and persistent. 🙂 Have to admit I’m surprised you waited this long to get back in touch with them, but at this point your instincts are good…you have nothing to lose by contacting them.
Although it’s often hard to undo an initial impression, it’s at least worth a shot. But rather than apologizing (not a good follow-up tactic), a polite note saying you are still very interested and hope they are still considering you would be the right tone. And, athough usually it’s best NOT to mention nervousness, if you really know you left a bad impression, you might politely add that you were a little nervous and would love another opportunity to show them what you’re really like to work with.
While at this point there’s a good chance it’s time for you to move on and look elsewhere (which you should be doing anyway), this is definitely worth trying. Good luck, Tarry.
~ Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie and other gurus,
I’ve been reading your forum for months to realize where I went wrong during my interview.
Here is my story.
1. phone interview in Oct-09
2. Onsite interview, gave presentation etc., Dec-09
That was my first interview and as you had mentioned in one of you posts, to overcome nervousness and to pose to be confident I was ‘way-full-of-myself’. This was more pronounced during my presentation and while meeting junior members of the group. Obviously the junior members told the hiring manager that the will never work for a boss like me (i have a friend working there). But that is not me, I had overly performed as I was desperate for the job. I might have sounded over-confident, arrogant or aggressive.
It is almost Apr-10 now. I never heard back from them. So it could be a big NO to me. However, can I send a letter to the hiring manager apologizing that I could have done better during the interview. It may not change things. What would you advice?
Thank you
Tarry
My absolute pleasure Alicja. Thank you for this comment as well as your others. Please be my guest any time. 😉
Congratulations and best of luck on the new job!
~ Ronnie Ann
Been there, seen that. After two-three weeks of OCD they finally called me back, saying they couldn’t reach me on the phone (which I know was impossible as I watched my phone 24/7 and didnt miss ANY call). But they’ve offered me a job so I forgave them 😉
Thank you so much!!!
Hi RSA!
Thanks for adding your voice. You and CB bring up such an important point. If the job hunt is hell for most of us, what must this feel like for folks like you with real OCD.
Glad it helps you to know how much this effects the rest of us too. Wish I could help. If it is of any comfort to simply let us know how things are going , please feel free to stop by as often as you need. 😉
Meanwhile, here’s a big hug: {{{{{RSA}}}}}
Good luck!!!!
Thanks for the advice Ronnie and for starting this post. Coincidentally, like CB, I have OCD too and it’s a nightmare—I can hardly do any normal activity since I started the job search. Still it helps to know that “normal” people go thru it and have survived it. Take care.
Hi CB!
Hope you’ve gotten some good news since you wrote. I can only imagine how hard it is with real OCD!
Thanks for writing and trying to make others feel better. 😉 I wish you the best of luck.
Cheers!
Hi from the UK.
What excellent advice! I am waiting to hear back from an interview to continue my studies here in England and the advice you have given here has helped me a lot.
The problem I have is that I actually suffer from OCD, so something like an interview when you are told ‘You’ll hear back soon’ can make your life literally hellish. I guess one thing I would say is that things could always be worse, you could have real OCD!
Thanks again for the great advice, CB.
Hi AJ!
Smart. Hope your waiting ends soon – with good news. I sometimes think we could find solutions to all the world’s problems if we could just harness all the waiting game energy! 😉
Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
I have been doing a lot of these things. I started blogging, I picked up an old sport, I tried some new activities and just generally went outside my comfort zone.
I love news like this! Even with the low-ball offer, a job you want is priceless.
Congratulations, Kevin. And if I may…wuhoo!!! All the best in your new job.
Ronnie Ann
Well, I guess it all worked out for the best. I got an offer today but they low-balled the offer, but its a job I want. I am happy. Thanks for everything Ronnie Ann, you are superb =)
Oh Marie! This is GREAT news. Wuhoo!! Thanks for letting us know. Fingers crossed that all goes well. But I’m sure it will.
Congratulations on a job well done and a new one beginning. I wish you all the best. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. 😉
Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann, I was recommended for the position! The HM informed me that I should expect a formal offer soon. Since the position requires a background check and other HR formalities he cannot extend the final offer himself.
Great comment, Marie. I wish everyone could have that attitude!
Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
Hey, Ronnie Ann, one of my references -that the recruiter really showed an interest on talking to when I first interviewed for the position- was called. And she told me that she believed that her feedback was well received. I know she is a top notch reference, she is a former supervisor whose always praised my performance, skills and potential.
And yeah, I did get nervous during the interview, but -now that I remember- that didn’t hindered me from smiling and keeping eye contact. Maybe, after all, I wasn’t the horrible mess I thought I was. You know what, if I don’t get the position I know I am going to be sad; but at the same is an ego booster knowing that I got so far into the process. 😉
Hi Marie!
Congratulations on getting a handle on those post-interview OCD blues. You done good. That said, it’s really ok to let yourself feel a little excited about the reference checking. 🙂 I would never suggest people give up feeling! But also wise to know it could mean anything or nothing.
What it does mean is they are interested – maybe enough to see if your interview nerves were just that and not reflective of who you are as an employee. Interviewers know we get nervous and often can look past that if they like you. A hopeful sign at the very least. Keep up the good work in the meantime. 😉
Good luck! Please let us know what happens.
Ronnie Ann
Hello!
Ronnie Ann, I followed your advice and I actually stopped thinking about the interview and the possible aftermath (anywho, what happens next is out of my control)…and yesterday, I checked my email before going to bed and one of my references told me that they called him about me (from that job). I am trying to remain calm and neutral, but, does that means “something”? 😀
Kevin: Not sure it helps, but I’ve headed searches where I continue to post the job for internal reasons, even when we already have some good candidates. And sometimes the new posting is pre-scheduled. But then again, if I were you I’d also keep looking! 😉
Jackie: As I wrote Kevin, reposting can have many meanings. We’ll never know all of them 🙂 Snail mail is always a nice thing. Can’t hurt!
Good luck to both of you! Please let us know what happens.
Ronnie Ann
Just a reminder: As stated on my blog and on this post, I had to stop answering individual questions, but will occasionally add a thought or two when I can.
I was invited onsite for an interview after successfully getting through two phone interviews. Just like Marie, I screwed up. I was extremely nervous, which was pointed out by the interviewer. She tried to make me feel more comfortable, it worked, sorta. At any rate, I was able to get through the interview, and I felt like I answered the questions to their liking. I was told that I would get a response by the end of the week/beginning of the following week. I did not hear anything. I sent thank you letters immediately after the interview via snail mail(I sent thank you letters to the previous interviewers as well). I followed up exactly a week later, via telephone, and I was told by the recruiter that a decision had not been made. I noticed that the position has been re-posted for another week. I was thinking of sending a second follow up via snail mail re-iterating my interest. Should I?
Well, the company still has not blown me off-but it looks like they are desperately looking to find any candidate to interview. How sad, they’ve posted the same job listing at a forum I frequently go to-this was yesterday(4/1/09). I thought they had people lined up to interview and I find the hard cold truth(I just was not good enough)-they are still looking for people to interview which means I’ve been put off until they can go through all of them. If only they had the decency of telling me they will no longer consider me. RRRrrrrhgg.
Thanks for making the effort to answer my concern Ronnie Ann, you’re so nice.
You’re right- I am just going to pretend nothing happened and just go on with my life. If I do get a phone call, I will be sure to post the good news-in the mean time-I’ll try to emulate a fish (7 second memory) and forget about it. =)
Kevin
Hi Kevin!
Thanks for the very kind words. 🙂 While I’ve pretty much stopped answering individual questions (see end of post), as a fan of sanity I will suggest you please stop trying to analyze the situation. You just don’t have enough info to do that!
Unlike most places, they’ve given you great feedback and at least you know they are very interested. They may be covering their bases or there may be one or two people whose resumes are too interesting to pass up. No way to know until you know. So please just let it go. You’ve done your best. Really.
In the meantime, keep looking for jobs and do whatever fun and creative stuff you can to divert yourself from the post-interview temporary OCD blues! 😉
Good luck! Would love to know what happens.
Ronnie Ann
Hi there,
This is a great humorous post, I’ve spent good time reading through the other posts as well, and I think they are fantastic-also, keeping things in perspective-its greatly aiding in keeping my sanity; thanks.
Here is the story. I passed the phone screen and was invited for an on-interview. Interviewed with 5 people and I thought it was mostly very pleasant. [I guess this company’s interview process is the same for everyone] The whole thing lasted about 3 hours (1 hour more than the estimated 2 hours I was told). They took me to lunch-probably to observe. At the end, they asked me if I had any final questions and also asked me to take a “profile” test (more like a mini SAT if you asked me). I sent all my thank you letters as well that same afternoon. I was contacted the next morning and asked to provide references, which I did, and I got confirmation they were contacted. Couple of days later, I got an email-it read something along this lines-
“We wanted to give you a brief update.
We all enjoyed meeting with you, we believe you have the potential to be a productive member of our team. At this point we will be interviewing a few more candidates, and hope to reach a final decision in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks for your patience and be in touch soon.”
Does this mean I am the back up plan? I am trying to assess my situation and I am beating this dead horse with useless thoughts. What are your thoughts?
Ronnie Ann,
Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Aw Marie! I feel your pain. Have been there myself. You did your best. Sometimes practicing too much makes it hard to be spontaneous, but it doesn’t mean they didn’t like you.
Don’t forget to follow up with a very coherent and charming thank you note. And don’t sell yourself short even now. You never know! 😉 And if this one doesn’t come your way, I hope the next one is even better!
Good luck, Marie!
Ronnie Ann
I went to an interview yesterday and after practicing for weeks (because I REALLY wanted that job), I screwed up. Got nervous, rambled on some questions, sold myself short…it was as if all the confidence I usually portray abandoned me as the conference room door was closed.
Still, I am anxious about the possibility of the phone ringing…because, they told me a decision was to be made on about 3-4 weeks.
*sigh*
Great to hear from you, Mr. X. Appreciate the kind words. Glad you found some things here to help. Since I don’t own a cell phone (yes…it’s true), I didn’t even have bars to watch so I simply stared at the silent phone.
Still hoping one day – when the time is right of course – to hear that you’ve found a FABulous new job. In the meantime, keep on truckin’.
Ronnie Ann
I used to watch my phone after interviews. Making sure I had enough “bars” so I won’t miss a call. It usually didn’t ring….unless I wasn’t even expecting it.
For the last few ones, I’ve just learned (with kudos to RA for helping me do that) to forget about it and move on to the next one.
Great read as usual 🙂
Hi all! Thanks for the great comments.
Hi Terry B! Nicely said. So easy to feel lost when we’re out of work, but your point about defining ourselves by who we are and not what we do for a living is well worth remembering.
Hey eLiz! Hahaha! Thanks for the laugh. I knew you were kidding of course. “Just let it go” is a great mantra. And I like the suggestion to remember times when waiting paid off or some other good memory. Always helps to replace a scary thought with a comforting one.
Hi Rick! Yes…always good to have a Plan B – and maybe even C and D. Hmmm…come to think of it, that’s how I built most of my career. You too, I think. 🙂
Ronnie Ann
Nice trip into the mind after the interview. I’ve been there before several times, but I’ve learned that there are certain things you can’t control in life.
But I like the idea of continuing to look for jobs because I believe strongly in the value of a Plan B or potential Plan B. And exercise? Yes, but that’s a regular thing for me anyway.
Sleeping pills.
Just kidding! 🙂
Actually, I think the best thing for me is to do my best to not be attached to the outcome. Like you (Ronnie Ann) said, do your best and then “wait” — or in my words, “let it go.” What helps me the most is (1) to recall other times where waiting yielded good results, and (2) meditation (a good tape/CD/mp3 to help relax me first works wonders.)
An entertaining, idea-filled post, Ronnie Ann. I’m reminded of a time when I was laid off when the ad agency I was working for started losing business and shrinking. As I freelanced and looked for another full-time gig, I found myself running around during the day—client meetings, sure, but also the library and the grocery store and the gym. And when I wasn’t busy panicking about needing another full-time job, I had an epiphany that there was a life outside advertising, life outside work. Before too long, I found a new job and am enjoying it thoroughly, but that glimpse into the non-work world helped me define myself a little less by what I do and a little more by who I am.