How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well

August 3rd, 2007 by Ronnie Ann · 312 Comments

Short answer: You get the job.

I found this question in a search term on my stats. And the truth is, you really don’t know how a job interview went until you get the good-news call. Or the not-so-good-news silence and then rejection letter - if you’re lucky enough to get that.

Even if it went well, you still might not get the call-back or the job. The final decision is all about fit and of course depends on the other candidates. Sometimes there are a few great candidate and, even if they loved you, you might not get the job. I’ve interviewed people I really liked, but knew enough about the particular job and personality of the place to know they just weren’t right for it.

I know that doesn’t feel great, but I hope it lets you know that a rejection doesn’t always reflect on you or how you interviewed. It’s like dating. There are great people out there who just aren’t right for you. In some cases, it may even be a blessing!

But then again, usually if the interview goes well you will get that call back. So how can you tell? Here are some cues that might at least give you some sense of how the interview went:

Are they leaning in toward you with enthusiasm?
Did they show a good deal of open body language? (In contrast to them being kind of closed down, with arms close to the body and not relaxed.)
Did you notice that the position of their hands or body in some way matched yours? (This sometimes happens and shows a feeling of being in synch.)
Were they smiling and nodding as you spoke - even if it was barely perceptible?
Did the interview go longer than 20 minutes?
Did they follow up on things you said or just stick to a script? (Some places require the script, so this only helps for places that don’t.)
Did you ever hear them say things like “when you are working here” or “you’ll see for yourself”?
Did they ask you about how soon you could start? If so, how was it phrased? If it was just a standard interview question, it would have been quickly delivered. If it’s about real interest, there might be follow-up questions or comments.
If they asked you whether you had any last questions, did they say it with a smile leaning in toward you with real interest or at least showing open body language?
Did they tell you you’ll be hearing from them soon?
Did you feel a real connection?

The more “yes” answers, the better it went. But it’s not a for-sure negative if the answers were mostly “no”. Different places have different interview styles. And as I already said, there’s also no absolute guarantee even if every answer is a “yes” and you left feeling great.

Now here’s the most important thing…if you are consciously noticing each and every one of these things during the interview, then for goodness sake…stop yourself! You aren’t in the moment if you’re thinking about how it’s going. And it will show. It’s good to be aware enough to try to make adjustments as you go along, but for the most part, just do your best to relax and be yourself. Focus completely on the interviewer’s questions and how open and honest YOU can be. Afterwards, check your own instincts for how you think it went. You’ll probably have a good idea.

But since you can never know what they want or what type of person they want (you’d be amazed at how different employers can be in what they think makes a good match), your best bet is to just breathe a deep sigh of relief after you leave the interview, congratulate yourself on doing the best you could, and then just get on with enjoying your life. You’ve done all you can. (Once you’ve sent the polite thank-you notes, of course.)

If it’s a good fit, they’ll call you. If not, you lucked out. Hopefully the next one will be the one. Or the next. It will happen!

Tags: After the interview · Career change · Interview tips · Job interviews · Job search

312 responses so far ↓

1 Rachel // Oct 10, 2007 at 2:12 pm

This is good information but well I once got interview for 50 mins for a saturday job and then I didnt get the job!!!!!….so I guess your write there is NO way to find out until you get the call.
2 Ronnie Ann // Oct 10, 2007 at 2:53 pm

Sorry to hear about your experience. Yes…sometimes I’ve interviewed people for an hour, but they didn’t get a call-back. At least the fact that you were in there for 50 minutes shows they were probably quite interested. Hopefully the next interview will be the one.

Good luck finding the right job, Rachel!
3 David // Nov 24, 2007 at 6:17 am

I have noted from experience that smiles and nodding are no promise of a job or a call back. The less scripted may mean they like your sense of humor but do not see you in the post. Also, interviewing is a difficult job to perform. Sometimes lower management will sit in or do initial interviews. They can be just as nervous as the applicant. The best thing any applicant can do is smile. Answer clearly and keep it brief as possible. Prepare yourself for the interview. Know as much going in as you can. At the end of the interview take any opportunity to sum up your responses and be sure to shake their hand(s) and thank them. Follow up with a thank you note or e-mail. You would be surprised how much that impresses people.
4 Ronnie Ann // Nov 24, 2007 at 11:35 am

Thanks David. Great advice. Yes…I didn’t mean to imply that mere smiles or nodding mean cha ching, you got the job. As I said, you never know until you get the offer. These are all cues that might give you an idea, but for oh so many unknowable reasons, you don’t know until you know. Appreciate the excellent comment!
5 David // Nov 27, 2007 at 4:10 pm

Your welcome. Your article is very good. I do agree with everything you said for the most part. I am sorry if I came off as being pushy with my opinion. I have been on both sides of t he fence. In a recent interview, I was asked prewritten question. It was very formal. Very strange. Normally I can break the ice by smiling and making eye contact, and joking in a way that is not offensive. But this was different.
6 Ronnie Ann // Nov 27, 2007 at 4:53 pm

David…I love getting helpful comments and appreciate different perspectives. If you read my section on the right of the front page “About Experts” you’ll see that I do not claim to know everything (lord knows!) and wouldn’t trust anyone who said they did know everything! To me, a blog is made stronger by the people who comment. So thank you. Sincerely!

You are so right. I’ve been on many MANY interviews as well as given them, and I have to agree…you never know what it’s going to be like or who you are going to meet or whether the person is just having a rotten day. All we can do is try our best. And be as flexible as possible. But for me, if the interview makes me uncomfortable, then there’s a good chance I’d hate working there anyway. If a place doesn’t have at least some sense of humor, it’s not for me! But of course, each person has to judge for themselves.

Thanks for clarifying. Your comments always welcome. Good luck in all your pursuits!
7 Nancy // Jan 5, 2008 at 1:25 pm

I was wondering if you would be able to provide any hints on phone interviews. Unfortunately we are unable to see the recruiter and cannot rely on visual cues. I have just had a phone interview 2 days ago (screening candidates) and felt things went well. This is a first phase interview and successful candidates are then sent for an onsite interview. She did say at the end of the interview that she would certainly recommend me for an onsite interview and wished me good luck. How long would it take (if I am selected for a 2nd interview) to receive a phone call?
8 Mark // Jan 13, 2008 at 6:36 pm

Thanks for the info here - I was looking for clues that my recent interview might have gone well. I got the standard “I have other people to see but I’ll let you know by next week” thing. Was quite a short, but the interviewer hinted it would be short because I’d worked there before on a temporary basis, so no roleplay exercise or psychometric test was involved, mostly just questions related to how I found my past experience, and why I applied for this job. I think I can safely answer yes to most of the examples you gave, and even if I don’t get the job I can at least use it as a guide for what I did right, for the next job I apply for.

The poster above me mentioned telephone interviews, which I may also come up against (my phone manner is dreadful though!). I was wondering how to handle and prepare for these, as well as things like roleplay exercises and tests. Thanks again.
9 Ronnie Ann // Jan 13, 2008 at 8:32 pm

Good luck Mark! Sounds like you have good perspective as well as a great attitude about the whole thing.

I actually sent Nancy (above) a personal note about phone interviews and was thinking of doing a post about them. Your comment tells me it’s something others will want also. Thanks much for the feedback! Until then, the most important hint I can give you is to really listen and respond with as much (natural) energy as possible. Prepare stories just like you would for an in-person interview and use when needed. Since this is tough for you, practice with a friend or even a tape recorder until it feels more natural. Hope that will hold you until I post the real thing. (-;

Update: I hope this helps. I just added a post on phone interviews that can be found by clicking here: Please Help Me Ace My Phone Interview!
10 Jason // Jan 17, 2008 at 12:31 am

I had a 2nd job interview today. I feel like it went pretty well. When the manager called to ask me if I was interested in the 2nd interview he said that they would go more in-depth about compensation. There were definitely more tough questions during the first and we did indeed talk about salary, benefits, etc. The interview lasted around 40 minutes and I made sure to let them know that I was definitely interested, but like you said you will never know until you get a call for an offer or a letter of rejection. Wish me luck!
11 Ronnie Ann // Jan 17, 2008 at 12:22 pm

I most definitely wish you well, Jason! Sounds very hopeful. Looks like you did all the right things and that’s the most anyone can do. I’m hoping you hear those magic words “We’d like to offer you the job” very soon.

Good luck!
12 40plusdc // Jan 19, 2008 at 8:23 am

First of all, great blog. We started the 40plusdc.wordpress.com blog a couple of weeks ago, and we hope to eventually generate the the kind of exchange you’ve got going here.

As to Jason’s point, we rarely see that letter of rejection. Most of the time you either get an offer or hear nothing. One excuse we’ve heard from employers for this rude behavior: they want to keep their options open if the first candidate doesn’t work out. We advise folks to be patient, especially when you’ve had a good interview and feel you’re close to a job offer. The danger is slacking off the job search and losing your momentum. Employers, especially big companies, tend to have a long time frame for hiring decisions.

We don’t recommend contacting prospects to nag about job status, but an effective tactic to consider is sending the decisionmaker something of value to the company. Forwarding information, such as an observation about a competitor in the news, shows you’re thinking about them, and as Martha Stewart says, “that’s a good thing.”
13 Ronnie Ann // Jan 19, 2008 at 12:56 pm

Nice comment! Thanks. You are so right about momentum! Keep going even if you’ve found THE job. For many reasons, it may not be….but the next one might!

Just want to add that how you follow up after an interview might depend on the level/type of job your going for. Employers get weirded out easily if someone comes on too strong. But a nice thank you and reinforcement of your interest can never hurt.

In my case with that employer who wasn’t ready for the in-person until 3 months from my phone interview because of organizational changes (I found out it was for real), after about a month I dropped them a very polite note just letting them know I was still interested in this and, if this job were no longer available, please consider me for future opportunities. Turned out I was their number one candidate, but they still needed time. I dropped them another polite note in about another month. No pushing from my side. If it’s right, it will work out. After three months I got the call that they wanted to fly me up to an old day interview. Patience and politeness pay off. But in that case, telling them about their business (they are a major university) wouldn’t have added anything. As I say again and again, people should read all of our suggestions and then use their gut to decide what’s right for them in their particular situation.

Best of luck with your new blog! (I took the liberty of adding a live URL link to your name to make it easier for people to find you.)
14 Jason // Jan 25, 2008 at 10:37 pm

I know that they contacted all three of my character references but I dont think they contacted my professional references. Is this common?
15 Ronnie Ann // Jan 25, 2008 at 10:54 pm

Welcome back, Jason! Congratulations on getting this far. I have all my fingers crossed for you. (Hard to type.)

As for your question…reference checking is a funny thing. Once again, there’s no absolute rule, but I can tell you when I do reference checking, I very much want to speak with work references. I’m sure they have their reasons (maybe they know of your work through someone else or maybe this is more of a learn-as-you-go position and all they need is some character references), or they may be so impressed they are doing the bare minimum. Of course, they may not be done yet either. (-;

It sounds good and, although I know anything is still possible, I’m really hoping to get another message from you soon saying I GOT IT! Please let us know! I’m rooting for you.
16 Jason // Jan 26, 2008 at 1:13 am

Thanks,

I will definitely let you know the news whether its good or bad. My interview was last wednesday and they said that I would hear something a week from monday. They told me that if they (being the district and regional manager) approved then they would have to get approval from the main office. I’m hoping, and praying! Thanks for keeping your fingers crossed, however, if it is effecting your typing skills then feel free to uncross them. haha
17 Ronnie Ann // Jan 26, 2008 at 1:20 pm

Phew. Appreciate that. It does get tough typing that way. Hoping to get the good news soon!
18 Jason // Jan 28, 2008 at 11:53 pm

OK I have a question. I expect that they have already made their decision or are in the process at this point. During the 2nd interview I asked when I should hear back from them. From their answer it should be coming any day now. Since they gave me sort of a timeline, would it be out of line to call them?
19 40plusdc // Jan 29, 2008 at 7:55 am

Couple of points: Employers tend to make hiring decisions in a deliberate fashion, especially if it’s a large organization. We find that their time frame rarely meshes with ours, despite what an interviewer may say. Stay calm and continue your job search. Second, Ronnie Ann makes a great suggestion to drop a polite note to let them know you’re still interested. That’s a much better idea, I think, than making a phone call, which may be somewhat offputting.
20 Jason // Jan 29, 2008 at 10:18 am

I do agree with that, I sent a thank you note by email the day following the interview.
21 40plusdc // Jan 29, 2008 at 11:34 am

The initial thank-you note after the interview is very important. But, like all of us in similar situations, you’re anxious to know the outcome. If you’re now a few weeks over the time you thought they’d be making a decision, I suggest sending another polite email. Call it a follow up and let them know you’re still interested in the position. But I’d be careful about asking when they expect to decide. They really don’t owe you a specific response and could take offense. Hang in there, and good luck.
22 Ronnie Ann // Jan 29, 2008 at 11:54 am

Hi Jason! Sorry I didn’t see your other question about the phone call. I think it hasn’t even been a full two weeks since your second interview and they told you there are a few layers of approval here. So, as hard as it is, be patient. At this point, having already sent a polite e-mail, there’s nothing more for you to do.

As I’ve said before, these things can take a few weeks - or more - especially with more than one layer of approval! Even if the person is hoping for a quick answer from higher up, there can be many reasons for the delay. Don’t bug them at this point. It’s not like they forgot you! And definitely not a phone call in this situation. I know when we’re waiting for an answer, each day feels long. But on their end, lots of stuff is going on that has nothing to do with this particular job. I know. I’ve been there.

Sounds like the wheels are appropriately in motion. Just let them get back to you one way or the other. You’ve done your best and clearly you are one of their top choices. If, as Dave suggested, a few more weeks pass and you still haven’t heard anything, then a polite e-mail letting them know you are still interested is a nice idea.

Good luck! Hope you’ll hear some good news soon.
23 Jason // Jan 29, 2008 at 5:56 pm

Thank you so much. your answer basically described what I was originally feeling. So now I am practicing patience.
24 Ronnie Ann // Jan 29, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Just so you know…I still practice it. Not always successful, which is why I have to practice!
25 Jason // Jan 31, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Ronnie Ann, I got the call today!! I start in a few weeks, I’m so excited!
26 Ronnie Ann // Jan 31, 2008 at 7:33 pm

WUHOOOO!!! This is great news. I’m so proud of you and happy for you! Congratulations!!!!! Good luck, Jason
27 Kevin // Feb 6, 2008 at 11:22 pm

I had two job interviews today. The one, I can tell that they were not intrestead in me at all. I haven’t worked in seven years because I was on total disablitiy and still get it today. I want to go back to work and to get back into working force again. But, I am not sure in how the other interview went. I feel that the interview went good. But, I am not sure. I am so confussed and got mixed meassages from the interviewer. We talked for about 30 mins. I think, The interviewer even asked me. What kind of pay I was seeking. I told him that it was open for us to disscuss, but minum was fine. He also asked me if I had a problem or wanted to work a five hour shift for four days or three days for eight hour shift striaght. I told him I would like to work eight hours, but I would be happy to work for what ever shift he would give me if I was given the postion and do what ever he needs me to do or when. He then told me that I also was his first interview and the first one that he called in for a interview for the job so far. He then said that he had just posted the ad in the paper and the help wanted sign in the window and wanted to see what kind of response he would get. But, then he said that I would be fine for the part time postion. Because he is losing two people and wants to fill their post. So I not sure if that means he is intrestead in me and that I am getting the job? I made sure to thank him and shook his hand. He handed me his buessiness card. So I am confuessed does that mean I might have got the job? If so how long should I wait until I call him back to check on things and my applicaiton? So I really confussed does that mean he is intrestead in me and I have the job? What would you all do if you were in my shoes? Please help me!
28 Ronnie Ann // Feb 7, 2008 at 12:09 am

Hi Kevin. You’ll find an e-mail from me, even though I normally don’t answer privately. I can see you need some advice right away. I’ll also respond to this soon in a post for other people to see.

Good luck!!
29 mellony // Feb 8, 2008 at 2:14 pm

recently i applied for a job and was called for an interview. I felt pretty good about the interview, had great eye contact, but i also felt nervous. I was told the process that the position needs to be filled soon and if selected you will be scheduled for a second interview. So far it has been a week. It doesn’t look to good. Any suggestions. This is at a university.
30 Ronnie Ann // Feb 8, 2008 at 2:22 pm

Hi Mellony!

Having worked at a major university for many years, I can tell you that many weeks sometimes passed before we got to the second round, even when we needed the replacement right away. Academia can be really hectic at times.

That said, if you’ve already sent a thank you note, all you can so for now is wait. (If not, send one out today.) If a few weeks pass and you’ve still heard nothing, odds are you won’t get the second interview. But it’s still ok to send a polite note saying you assume they have already gone to the second round and are sorry you weren’t part of it, but would still very much like to be considered for any other jobs that may arise.

Oh…by the way, nervous is fine. They expect that. I hope you hear back from them with some good news. If not, this was a great practice session for the next one. (-;

Good luck!
31 Sheryl // Feb 11, 2008 at 4:25 pm

Hi,

I went on a second interview last week on Wednesday. I think that it went well. I was able to answer all the questions that they asked with examples. My interview was scheduled to last for an hour but it ended up lasting for an hour and 20 minutes. I got a tour of the facility. Before the interview concluded, I asked how long I should wait to hear from them regarding the decision. The woman asked if I was actively pursuing other job opportunities and I said that I was. She told me that she and the other interviewer (the scientist who would be my supervisor) think that I would be a “good fit” for the position. She also said that at the earliest they would have decided last Friday but at the latest they want to make a decision by next week on Monday. Some of the people including my potential supervisor will be out of town for training this whole week. She did mention what some of the company benefits are. I also asked how many candidates they are interviewing for the position. She told me there were a stack of resumes from people who were interested but that my resume was among the top 5 candidates. And she also said that I was the second person to interview and they scheduled one more interview that day.

I submitted my references to the HR person the following morning after my interview. I was told by two of my references that they were contacted that same day. I made sure to send a thank you note to my interviewer. Now I guess I just have to wait. Since she gave me a week and half long time frame during which the decision would be made, should I wait until the end of that time frame to contact them if I haven’t heard anything at that point?

I definitely agree with everyone else that patience, especially in these situations, is something that requires so much self restraint and practice.

Thanks!
32 Ronnie Ann // Feb 11, 2008 at 5:15 pm

Hi Sheryl!

First, let me congratulate you on what appears to have been an excellent interview. So many good signs. And yet, I know that until you hear those magic words, it all feels so unsure. Waiting under these circumstances is a really hard thing. A good time to take up a new hobby to focus your brain on! (Things like knitting or painting or working with clay or puzzles or maybe even tai chi, yoga or meditation are great for “mindless” focus. So is starting a blog about the waiting time! (-;)

But for most people, even that won’t keep the thoughts from flying…and the minutes from crawling. I know. Sigh.

I wish I could tell you something you don’t already know, but at this point…all you can do is wait. With people out of town and so many other things that pop up, these things often take longer than even the interviewer anticipates. So breathe deeply, think positive thoughts, work on that hobby, and wait for the call. If you haven’t heard anything by a week (or two if you can stand it) from the Monday they mentioned, it would be ok to send a polite e-mail letting them know you are still interested. Other than that, not much else to do. Meanwhile I’m sending out positive thoughts that you get the job!

Please let us know what happens. Good luck!!!

Ronnie Ann
33 Sheryl // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:24 pm

Thank you so much Ronnie Ann! I read your post and about an hour afterward I got a phone call from HR and an offer for the position!
34 Ronnie Ann // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:29 pm

Oh my god! That’s so wonderful. I feel so honored being let into the process! Only wish I could do that for everyone. (-;

Congratulations, Sheryl. I wish you much luck in the new position. Glad you didn’t have to wait even another day. Wuhooo!
35 Merle // Feb 19, 2008 at 12:33 pm

Hi,
I just happened to find this article after doing a search on how to tell if a job interview went well. Here’s my story: I had a interview with a major university two weeks ago. It was conducted by a search committee (which was a first for me). It was a 45 minute interview with 11 questions. Most of the questions were behavioral ones. I was told to pace myself so that I could answer all of the questions within the alloted amount of time and hopefully have time to ask a few of my own. I was so proud of myself for being able to answer each question to the best of my ability and had time to ask 3 of my own. I think things went well but I guess you always second guess yourself. It was hard to make contact with 6 people at once, but I know I connected with a few of them on a couple of my answers because they made comments on how they could relate.
The supervisor told me that she couldn’t give me a timeline because of the bureaucracy involved. I know I have no choice but to wait and from everything I have read so far, this is not unusual in Higher Ed. My only question is, do you think it would take more than 2 weeks to decide on 2nd interviews? The supervisor didn’t mention 2nd interviews but I would have to believe that they would need to have them. Since she didn’t mention it, do I take that as a sign they are not interested in me as a candidate. I don’t know what to think. I know they haven’t checked any of the references that I gave.

Thanks for writing a article like this, it really helps.
36 Ronnie Ann // Feb 19, 2008 at 12:57 pm

Hi Merle! As someone who consulted to a major university for over 7 years, I know all too well there is no good general rule here. I wish there were. We sometimes had to wait several weeks before the second round because of people’s schedules and a variety of other factors. And, I myself once waited three months before I got the call for a second interview at a university. Even though I assumed they had found someone else, turned out I was the top candidate. So you really never do know.

When I interview people, I do let them know what the next steps are if at all possible, but I usually can’t tell them at the first interview whether there will be another one for them. We first need to finish the interviews and then meet with all concerned to compare notes and strategize. Sometimes we had to redesign the job because of who we interviewed, and sometimes we even wound up reassessing our needs and creating a second position for someone we liked who wasn’t the top candidate, although that took more time of course. So there are many factors and possibilities, which is why I can’t give you a clear rule.

Basically, it means nothing that you haven’t heard from them, even though it’s been two weeks. And usually they wouldn’t check references until they were at the end of the process and had a final candidate or two. So although I wish I could take away the pain of waiting, there is nothing for you to do now but wait. If you’ve sent your thank you note already, it would be ok in another week or so to send a short sweet note just saying you are still available and interested.

I hope you will have the luck some of other people who commented on this blog have had and get that second interview soon! Please let us know if you do.

All the best!!!

Ronnie Ann
37 Netta-Frustrated // Feb 20, 2008 at 10:41 am

I had 4 interviews with a company that I really wanted to work for. I answered all of their questions to the best of my ability. I am qualified for the position with education and experience. So, then why did I just get a rejection letter today???????? The letter states that they found someone with more qualifications. I guess, I should have know when the last interviewer said you move around a lot. I assured her that I am a military wife and Milwaukee will be my home now since my hubby is getting out of the military. My question is now what? Do I go back to school for a doctorate or continue to be a temp. I hate temping because people look down on you but it pays the bills.
38 Ronnie Ann // Feb 20, 2008 at 1:41 pm

Oh Netta-Frustrated! You were so close. I hate that. We’ve all been there, but that doesn’t help you much at this moment. I’m so sorry.

No way I can really tell you what to do without knowing much more about you and your situation. I can say that sometimes, when your career is stalled or doors won’t open, the best way to turn things around is to go back to school. Many many moons ago my B.A. in theater wasn’t opening any doors I wanted. But very shortly after starting my MBA - even though I was the exact same person - I easily found a job consulting to a major bank. I remembering being amazed since banks wouldn’t look at me before. I didn’t even have my degree yet, but what school did for me was open me up to new contacts and the school’s own network of employers. Perhaps that is what you need if you have specific career plans.

But I will also tell you that, even after I had my MBA, I sometimes went back and did some temping because it got me into doors I might never have found - and I was offered good jobs once they saw my work ethic and knew who I was. In one company, I worked in 4 or 5 different areas, but finally got to a great temp job there and then talked my way up into consulting for them. You see, I never worried what people were thinking about me - or whether they looked “down” on me. I knew who I was and that I had a lot to offer the company. And attitude and how we feel about (and present) ourselves does show. If you go into these temp jobs dressing and acting as if you are capable of much more and really believing that inside yourself - and also letting people know casually what you are looking for - sometimes you get people willing to help you.

So either route might get you to where you want to go. Only you can figure that out. Oh…and one more thing, Just because this particular company rejected you, the fact that they showed so much interest is actually a hopeful thing. I once knew a man who wanted to work for CBS Records and he went for 4 SEPARATE interviews - and was rejected each time. But he wasn’t giving up, and on the FIFTH, he made it. Wound up becoming a VP and had a long career there. If you still want to work there, think about other ways to get in the door, even if you have to temp for a while before you get what you really want. (And also be open to other opportunities popping up elsewhere even if you have your mind set on one place. It sometimes happens that way.)

I have so much more I could tell you about why not to let this experience get you down. But the best thing I can tell you is that, if you set your mind on what you want, you can find way to get there. You just may have to adjust the picture a bit to match the opportunities in your area. But they are there for you, no matter which route you take. This I know for sure. But if you think education might open some doors and a Ph.D. is actually something you would like, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying.

Sorry I couldn’t be more specific. Hope some of this helps. Good luck!!

Ronnie Ann
39 Netta-Frustrated // Feb 20, 2008 at 2:06 pm

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. I am 31 and I have my MBA. I am not sure if I want my doctorate yet. I am also a mother and my time is devoted to my daughter and husband. I will send a thank you letter to the people who interviewed me. Even though, I thought things went well enough to be hired. I usually land all jobs, I want. I am a confident, determined employee and I get along well with others in any work environment. I still speak to most of my previous managers. I also dress professionally and conduct myself this way at my curent temp job and at all interviews. I am training my replacement now. I don’t like it, but no one can tell. I guess the economy is just showing me what the market already illustrates, it’s slow and jobs are even harder to come by. If you can offer any other advice, I look forward to it. Thanks again.
40 Ronnie Ann // Feb 20, 2008 at 2:39 pm

You sound like an employer’s dream, Netta! You’re so right about the current job market. Everything slows down when times are tough - but having been through this myself, the openings do come eventually.

In your thank you note (forgive me for being obvious) but make sure that you let them know how much you enjoyed meeting all of them and that you would love to be considered for any openings they have or may hear about in the future.

Out of curiosity, since you already have an MBA, is there a local college or university with a certificate program that might help you jump start things? Or some weekend exec brush-up courses? This might be easier to handle with your family and could still net you some contacts. Also, make sure to get in touch with the place you got your MBA from and see if they have any alumni or alumni programs in your area that might be able to help you.

In a tight economy, contacts and a good network are more important than anything! Oh…and don’t be shy about letting people you socialize with know what you are looking for. I once met a man at a barbecue who got me to a job interview that got me to another interview that eventually landed me a job I wanted.

Some final thoughts. These may be a stretch since you said you need the income, but what the heck. I’ll throw them into the pot in case they help you or anyone reading this. A creative way to get to where you want is to offer yourself on a trial basis somewhere or propose a similar position in a non-profit, offering to do it for free or at a very low consulting fee. And of course, don’t forget the idea of freelancing as a consultant. You might identify a niche from the work you’ve been doing and market yourself as an independent contractor, as I’ve done for many years. It offers flexibility and good $$$. Who knows…the company you interviewed for might become a client!

Good luck with whatever you wind up choosing. If you set a realistic time frame (which, unfortunately, in a tight economy can be 6 months or a year) I have a strong feeling you’ll get there. Probably even sooner with a little luck and lots of creativity!
41 40plusdc // Feb 22, 2008 at 1:42 pm

Wow! This advice is so spot on. I share Netta-Frustrated’s anguish, having gone thru a similar experience just this week. The first reaction, lasting a day or so, was a toxic combination of rage, frustration, and depression. Fortunately, I have a good support network — family and colleagues, as I suspect so does Netta — with whom I can safely vent and let go.

I’ve been mulling over a gracious response to my prospective employer, something along these lines: “While disappointed about not being offered [the position], I appreciate your consideration. If needed in the future, I am available to assist on specific projects as a consultant.”

I’ve moved on and continue the search for a full-time position, but as you suggest, it’s always a good idea to keep an open door. You never know where it may lead.
42 Ronnie Ann // Feb 22, 2008 at 3:14 pm

Hello again 40plusdc!

So sorry about your own recent frustrating experience. Sounds like you handled it perfectly - first by allowing yourself to acknowledge your feelings and vent (and get some much-deserved love and support), and then by thinking about how to leave the company with a nice reminder of who you are. Perhaps an actual snail-mail letter with your card attached? I have a card with a few of the consulting services I specialize in listed right on it for such purposes.

Thanks for your kind words. Since you yourself offer such good advice, that means a lot to me. I wish you much luck in your search for the right open door - or at least one that feels pretty darn good. (-;

Ronnie Ann
43 lexi25 // Feb 23, 2008 at 4:20 pm

Hello Work Coach,

I have a question, I went on my second interview for a job this week. Right after the interview my references were checked. I think it was like a day after the second interview they were checked. I followed up with my references and they told me that they had called. Can I assume that I got the job or will they call the references of other candidates as well?
44 Ronnie Ann // Feb 23, 2008 at 6:28 pm

Hi Lexi25!

Sorry I can’t be more definite, but each employer has their own way of doing interviews. So the best I can tell you is that they are seriously interested in you. Some check all their finalists and some only the one they are most interested in. Of course, it also depends on what the references said. Assuming it was all good, you have a very good chance of hearing from them soon. But because there could be another candidate or two, you still need to keep your fingers crossed. I’ll do the same. (-;

Good luck. I hope you hear some good news this coming week! Please let us know if you do.

Fingers and eyes crossed,

Ronnie Ann
45 lexi25 // Feb 23, 2008 at 6:31 pm

Thanks for the reply Ronnie Ann. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear from them.
46 Netta-Frustrated // Feb 25, 2008 at 10:21 am

I am still a temp, now what! I have been temping at a certain company since November of last year with the hopes of getting a permanent position. However, they have expressed to others and not me directly (very unprofessional) that they would rather hire internally. My feedback from my staffing service from the employer has been excellent. They also made me train the new girl. Which I wasn’t too happy about but I kept my cool. I smile and train the lady the best way I can, I’ve haven’t been here that long and I am still learning. I’ve been applying for numerous jobs, but nothing yet but empty interviews. Should I tell the temp service to reassign me, or stay and bear it with unsure hope?
47 Ronnie Ann // Feb 25, 2008 at 1:54 pm

Hello again Netta!

Clearly no one who just reads a few of your comments can tell you what to do - nor should they. In an ideal world, you would have a coach working closely with you during this all-important transition time. But I totally understand this may not be possible financially. So here goes…

First, as you yourself say you haven’t been at this temp job all that long. It takes a good while to make connections and get people on your side who can help you get hired. So of course, internal networking and building up a good reputation is one goal. But you say you’re told they prefer to hire internally. That raises three thoughts…(1) although they’d RATHER hire internally, that doesn’t mean they won’t hire from the outside; (2) after you’ve been there long enough, you may start to feel like an internal person to them; and (3) words like that are sometimes a smoke screen, used to keep things as they are. Or they can even be a signal letting you know you don’t have much chance there.

We have no way of assessing what they are really thinking. Maybe there could be a real opportunity after you’ve been there a while, made yourself indispensable, and found connections with people high enough to help you. But maybe not. I’ve temped places where, despite all I had to offer, it just wasn’t the right fit…and so I moved on until I found that aaaaah! You pretty much know it when you feel it. And, of course, you can always just stay where you are and put your efforts toward eventually finding the job - or consulting work - you really want.

But, if I may be so bold as to be corny, from the little I know about you, you seem like someone who is sharp and able to assess a situation - and then figure out what to do about it. Read you’ve written me (and the responses) and see what your gut is telling you. I would not be so foolish as to offer advice from this distance, but I think you can figure it out yourself. Sometimes, just presenting it as you have helps you see what your next move should be.

Please let us know what you decide to do. It might help others. And remember…these things take time - unfortunately sometimes up to a year or more - but I am hopeful the right situation will eventually present itself. I look forward to the day when will start calling yourself “Netta-Victorious!” (-;

Good luck!

Ronnie Ann
48 How Long Do I Stay in This Temp Job? « Work Coach // Feb 26, 2008 at 2:58 pm

[...] (Note: Netta has written to Work Coach before. She is an educated, talented woman looking for full-time work, but in the meantime is doing temp work for the income as well as any job opportunities it may lead to. You can see her other comments and my responses here: How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well.) [...]
49 lexi25 // Feb 28, 2008 at 11:53 am

Hi Work Coach,

This is Lexi25 again, I thought I would have some good news by now but today is thursday and I still have not heard anything from my interviewers. So, now I think that the chance of me getting that job is very low. Do you think its too late for them to call me? They told me sometime this week and its almost the end of the week and still nothing. Do you know of any cases where interviewers check a candidates references and never even called to say that they went with someone else for the job?

I’m in a total mess I really thought I would have got this job at least this time around.
50 Ronnie Ann // Feb 28, 2008 at 12:26 pm

Aw Lexi25. I hate the way the interview process leaves candidates feeling so helpless - and so in the dark. I wish I could give you a big hug.

First..it’s not too late for them to call you. The week isn’t over, with 30% of the week still left! There are many cases where something comes up and it takes their focus off a job they are filling. You may still hear from them with good news. On the other hand, they may have offered the job to someone else and the person is still deciding. Once that happens, they will probably send a letter, which is the official way to handle such things. On the other hand (that makes me three-handed), they may just be very bad at communication.

But in general, when you are one of the finalists and they’ve gone as far as checking your references, you should hear something back from them. And if you are being offered the job, even next week wouldn’t be unreasonable for the time-line they gave you. It’s just a best guess.

If you don’t hear anything by the middle of next week, a polite e-mail would be fine. Don’t give up hope yet. I’m still rooting for you to get a “yes!”

Good luck, lexi25! Please let me know what happens.

Ronnie Ann
51 lexi25 // Feb 28, 2008 at 12:45 pm

Thank you so much, your advice really helps! Will keep you posted.
52 Iris // Mar 2, 2008 at 8:40 pm

Ronnie,

I have had two interviews, and I was called back for second interviews with both. One is a county job and the other with state of California. The state interview team told me that they would let me know in a ‘few’ weeks. The county job interviewer did not make any comment.

It has now been one month since the county interview and only two weeks since the state………….what takes so so long??

I never completed an application for either, are they doing background checks??
53 Ronnie Ann // Mar 2, 2008 at 10:59 pm

Hi Iris!

First, congratulations on having two second interviews. Sounds like you have some good energy going there for you. I hope one of the jobs comes through soon.

As for how long this stuff takes…it can be really frustrating. I know. I’ve been on both sides. There are so many reasons these things can take a long time - even longer than the interviewers expect. Sometimes there are others being interviewed over a few weeks because of people’s schedules. Sometimes unexpected things come up that divert attention away from the interview process. Sometimes people get sick. It feels long to those of us being interviewed, but in a busy workplace, the weeks pass quickly.

Considering what you were told, I wouldn’t write either job off yet. If you already sent your thank you notes, then all you can do now is wait. And if you want, it’s ok to send another short polite note after a few weeks just to let them know you’re still interested.

Since you never completed an application, I doubt you are going through the background check yet - although anything is possible. Usually a government agency wouldn’t spend time and money to do one of these until an offer is made. And then, because of this and other internal processes, just know it takes more time before you can actually start. When I worked for government, the interview-to-hire process was quite lengthy.

Hope you hear something positive from one of them soon. In the meantime, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Please let us know what happens.

Good luck!

Ronnie Ann
54 What now?? // Mar 4, 2008 at 4:20 pm

Hi Ronnie Ann:

I’ve just came across your site after researching “How to tell is a job interview went well”. I find your responses to be very informative regarding the interview process.

After being let go from last employer, (for reasons beyond my control and a very long story) I have found it very difficult to get another job. I have no problem getting interviews. However, I get rejected by mail/ email if lucky. Most of the time I get no response at all. I have been on a total of 9 interviews since being fired in January and still nothing. I am aware of the bad economy, but somthing tells me that my last employer isn’t giving me a good reference. I have very long work history with 2nd to last employer and they thought of me in very high remarks.

I’m writing you because i recently had a interview with a HUGE company that I wish wish wish to join sooo badly.! After a phone screening interview, I was called in for an in person interview 2 weeks later. I was soo excited as i prepped and studied half the night prior. The interview lasted 3hrs and I met with 5 people. I had a good feeling about this interview after I left, that it would result in good things. But cant help but feel like I wont get the job because other interviews had not gone in my favor (which breaks my spirt, and makes me utterly depressed). I sent a thank you letter to each individual that I had met with .. At the end of interview I was told by corporate reruiter that they were still in the interviewing process and I should expect to here somthing back( good or bad) with in two weeks. It will be two weeks tomorrow. I am wondering whether I should call or write back if I do not hear anything by then ?.. And if soo, how long should i wait? This is the hardest part by far! ugggh!

Also, I have noticed a reposting of the job on the companys website (but with a different id # than the first one I interviewed for). Is it possible that they have counted me out? or maybe they have 2 similar positions available?

any advise would be appreciated and helpful!
55 40plusdc // Mar 5, 2008 at 7:55 am

Jumping in here to say that I think What Now??? has done about everything possible with the current prospect. The most important thing, which is pointed out in previous posts, is to keep up your active job search. Good luck.
56 Ronnie Ann // Mar 5, 2008 at 11:51 am

UPDATE

Hi What Now?? Since you’ve read all the other comments and my responses, I won’t repeat what’s already there. The fact that the job was reposted could mean they are still looking - although as you mention, it could also be a different but similar job.

If it is the same job reposted, they could have decided not to go with you, but they could also feel they simply haven’t seen enough people and want to interview more before making a decision. There are many reasons for this, and it does not mean you absolutely don’t have the job….but it does rightly make you wonder.

Of course, as you also suggest, you may have a reference problem. You say that prior references are good. Did something happen in your last job that makes you think there might be a problem? What does your recruiter tell you about this? Hopefully, it’s not as bad as you fear. But there are still ways around that in most cases.

There is one thing some people try, although with a recruiter I’m not sure how it would work. You could let them know you would be happy to do a “try and buy”. Basically, you’d offer to work for them as a temp in that position for a set number of weeks/months and see how it goes. If it works great. If not, you’ve both given it a shot. Not sure you or the company would go for this, but I figured it was worth mentioning.

Meanwhile…don’t give up hope. 40plusdc is right…you’ve done all you could so far. And please please please don’t see all these interview non-connections as failures. I’ve known really talented people that took a while to get past a poor reference or a string of bad luck, but when the right one comes, you will get it! I hope it’s this one, but in the meantime…just keep that momentum going! Keep applying even as you wait to hear from this one.

I wish I could do more to help, but you seem to be nicely on top of things. So all I can really do is let you know that the right job will come. Keep believing in yourself and in what you have to offer a new employer, ok?

I wish you all the best! Please let me know what happens.

Ronnie Ann
57 What now?? // Mar 5, 2008 at 3:44 pm

Thanks for your response! I will continue to look actively. Also, your suggestion for “try and buy” sounds great and if needed I will offer.

I am not working with a recruiter (agency), but yet with an internal recruiter for this potentail employer. He has been very informative on what it takes to wow the executives at this company from the beginning. In the interview, he even mentioned that i seemed “not comfortable” on delivery of “why i was fired” and that he could help. That made me feel great!

Anyway, my old employer was a very unprofessional work enviornment. Also, my manager/ trainer didn’t like me from the very beginning. She continuously made up false tales about me, and made me appear incompitent by not showing me a lot of things relavent to my job. This had happened to many others she trainer before me and resulted in all of them getting fired. And because she has been with the company a while, (and was a professional smoozer) they really took everything she said as being true.
My problem is, I really can’t convey to my potential employer any negative things about my old employer and the REAL reason I was fired. So, I basically say that my old position wasn’t a good fit for my experience. Is that ok?

In a since, I am happy that things panned out the way it did because i was absoulutly miserable there enduring her negative antics, lies, and condicending remarks daily. Furthermore, by my former employer choose to take-in one side of the stories told (and never ask me my side) then this wasn’t the company for me. This was a learning experience ( a hard one), as i had never been fired before. However, i truely think i could grow from it.

My employer before the last on was GREAT and I had been with the company 5yrs, and they absoulutly loved me there! I was awarded their for my efforts and was looked upon as the residental expert! I guess the saying “the grass is greener on the other side” isn’t always true.

Well, I will keep you informed on what happens next! For now, I will keep my fingers crossed!
58 Ronnie Ann // Mar 5, 2008 at 3:54 pm

Thanks for explaining, What Now??

It sounds like you have a great attitude and perspective on all this. The answer you’ve been using “my old position wasn’t a good fit for my experience” is a perfect response. You might also finish up that response with something about how valued you were in your prior job for 5 years and how you are looking for a position where you can once again be an essential part of the team. This leaves the question about being fired with a positive - and truthful - spin.

Yes, we really do grow from this stuff if we learn what we can and let ourselves move on. What’s in the past is in the past. You have a lot to offer your next employer! Good luck.

Ronnie Ann
59 lexi25 // Mar 5, 2008 at 11:51 pm

Hi Ronnie Ann,

I still have not heard from the interview that I had 2 weeks ago. I called them on Friday to ask if a decision has been made and they told me that they were still in the process, however I felt like they knew who they were going to hire but they did not want to say and its basically thurs and they have not called. So, I know that I did not get it. I think I am more upset about them not calling rather than me not getting the job. I just think that they could have at least done that. Oh well, I guess I have to move on now. Thanks for all the support I really needed that last week.
60 What now?? // Mar 6, 2008 at 3:00 am

chin up lexi25! Im right there with you…
and you know what? what’s ment to be will. and I just keep telling myself that…you should too
I haven’t recieved a call yet or a letter regarding my interview that was 2 weeks ago today and lasted 3hrs long. I believe these employers march to the beat of their own drums, especially large companies. This doesn’t mean you are out of the running yet. No news, is good news! Thats the way i look at it. If you haven’t recieved a rejection letter in the mail, then there is a good chance that you are still in the running.

I absolutly know how you feel though. And the only thing we CAN do is wait for now. I’m not sure if you read my previous message or not, i am soo hoping that i get this job that i interviewed for. I think that after a week I will write a letter if i do not here anything and let them know that i am still interested.
I really do wish you much luck lexi25 and am keeping my fingers crossed for you and me!!!! =)
61 Ronnie Ann // Mar 6, 2008 at 1:34 pm

Hi Lexi25 and What Now??!

I’m just getting to my computer (feeling a little under the weather), and I have to say that this exchange brightened my day. Oh, please know that I really hope you still get these jobs, but I love that you let me know this helps even if only a little and I also love the way What Now?? stepped in to offer advice and encouragement. It would be great to have a central resource like this where people could form a support group for each other. We “experts” only know so much. It’s all of you who are going through this on a daily basis who know how it feels better than anyone.

And on a slight tangent…I’ve found that times like these are great motivators to think about what else we might like for ourselves, say 5 years from now - how to put more control into our own hands. Maybe one of you would even enjoy coaching! (-;

Now back to the topic at hand…the interview process is indeed something that drives the strongest people nuts. And YES, employers do not keep interviewees informed as well as they could. This is a good reminder for all of us. In some places, it’s that everyone gets so busy. In others, for legal reasons, Human Resources actually tells them not to communicate other than what HR does officially. And so, while they are sorting out what they want to do, the people for whom this means so much are left in the dark.

It is an awful awful process. Until you hear those magic words, of course. I hope both of you hear them soon. But if not…keep going. The right job IS out there. I’ve gone through dry spells where, despite all the things I’ve done in my life, I questioned whether I even had any skills anyone would ever again want. They did. They will!

All the best to you both.

Ronnie Ann
62 merle // Mar 7, 2008 at 10:34 am

Hi Ronnie,
I wanted to give you an update to the email I sent on February 19th. I finally received a call back from the Chair (a month later) about the position that I interviewed for. To make a long story short, she called to let me know that they submitted another candidate for the position but that they were impressed with me enough to request hiring me for an additional position. While this is great news, she also informed that it didn’t look promising due to budget cuts. The phone call left me with mixed emotions because while I was excited that they are interested in me, I don’t have a job offer. I don’t know what will happen from here but I plan to keep looking for the position that I want. I appreciate the response you gave to my email because you mentioned that this could be one of the possibilities. It helped prepare me for what happened. Thanks for all the advice.
63 Ronnie Ann // Mar 7, 2008 at 2:24 pm

Hello Merle!

Glad you wrote back to let us know what happened. While I’m very sorry you didn’t get the original job, it’s nice to know they really liked you and wanted to hire you for a different job, even if there may not be budget for it.

Having worked with a major university for about 7 years, this is all too familiar. Budgets can be there and then they can disappear, but they can also reappear. So thank them, let them know you will start looking elsewhere, but ask if you may stay in touch since you’d really love to work there one day. Also (if this is at all feasible for you) let them know you are available on a consultant basis if the need arises. (It gets you in the door.)

(Personal note: I consulted almost all those years for the same area. I was actually offered a full-time job which I declined, preferring to stay a consultant.)

Good luck finding the right job, Merle. It’s been my pleasure to play even a small part in this story…which I know will have a happy ending. Please let me know when it does.
Ronnie Ann
64 Reea // Mar 8, 2008 at 9:25 am

Hello! Glad I found this site (through a search engine). I went for a job interview a little over a week ago that is in an industry that fits in wth my passions. The position is part-time. I would be traveling to different venues on this job, so it is not an office job. I have a college degree, however, the position does not require a college degree. It took the company about a month to contact me after I apllied for the position for an interview. During the interview, the interviewer showed me the routes that I would be on, told me that for training, they would probably fly me to another state, discussed the rate of pay, even gave suggestions for how I should handle the routes while working. She mentioned sometime during the interview that she is not a people person but has learned to be for the job, so this may mean that it will be hard to figure her out. My question is, does the fact that the company took a month to contact me for an interview also reflect the possibility of the hiring process taking longer as well? The things that were talked about during the interview, such as pay rate and actually showing me the routes and how I could go about hitting them, does that show good signs that she was interested in me? I am so interested in this position and it truly falls in line with what some of my passions are. We discussed some of the company’s ways of training compared with competitors that I truly agreed with and understood. I thought about sending something by email in regards to this. I sent a thank you letter the same day.
65 Ronnie Ann // Mar 8, 2008 at 12:37 pm

Hi Reea!

First, I love that you found a job you are this excited about. Why settle for less if you can get it?? I wish you much luck.

Now to answer your question about whether the length of time it took for them to contact you reflects on how long the interview process may take: yes and no. It may simply be they posted the position in a number of places and wanted to make sure they got enough resumes to review. Or they may have been overwhelmed by lots of resumes and taken a while to go through all of them. (This is not as easy as you might think.) But it could also be that they are slow in handling their internal business processes. There’s no way to know. The only thing you can be pretty sure about is that if you don’t hear from them soon, it doesn’t mean you are out of the running.

If you’ve checked out this company and feel good about their business practices and how they handle their employees in general (always good to do some search engine investigations including the Better Business Bureau), then something like waiting a month to first contact you means nothing. This is not unusual.

And you are right to note what the woman told you about her people skills in your interview. The fact that she mentioned this could be a red flag…but it also is hopeful that she knows this is one of the things she has to work on. Just keep it in mind if you do get the job so you aren’t surprised.

As for sending a follow-up e-mail…that’s a good idea. You might want to wait another week or so before doing that. Then you could let them know you are still interested and include what you want to say about their training program. Short and sweet is best.

Good luck! Please let us know what happens.

Ronnie Ann
66 marg mary // Mar 9, 2008 at 10:21 am

I had an interview that I felt went great & felt like I connected with them. We closed the interview & the office manager was showing me where the door was to go outside the waiting room which I thought I was done with them. But, unfortunately the office manager followed me inthe waiting to continue talking to me about the work place & how she got her job & how wonderful the place was & standing for about 3 minutes to chit chat. I s this a good sign she followed me to chit chat or to just feel me out? help
67 Ronnie Ann // Mar 9, 2008 at 11:56 am

Hi Marg Mary!

Welcome. Although one can never know for sure, the fact that she wanted to talk a little more with you privately about the company and her own experience being hired is certainly positive. Yes, she could still have been trying to learn more about you, but that only means she was interested.

I had to smile at your words “unfortunately” and “done with them”. Until you step out the front door into the fresh air, it’s good to remember you are still in the interview process. Even the way you talk to a receptionist is noted.

Of course, I know how nerve-wracking interviews can be, so I think I get what you mean. But for future reference…you WANT these opportunities to continue to connect and show how pleasant you’d be to work with! And you especially want them to be initiated by someone in the company as it was in your case.

While none of this is a guarantee, it sounds like things went very well. I wish you much luck! Please let us know what happens.

Ronnie Ann
68 When Is a Job Interview Over? « Work Coach // Mar 9, 2008 at 12:12 pm

[...] Note: This post comes from a comment and response that can be found in another Work Coach post How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well. [...]
69 TeriG // Mar 12, 2008 at 11:06 am

Hi, just stumbled across this website whilst searching for post interview info and thought there was some interesting stuff being said. My situation is that I went for an interview 4 days ago, a large corporate company for PA to the CEO. I had to complete a telephone interview first and after that was told that they would call me the following week to get me to come in (it took place on a Friday morning). Anyway, I was amazed when I got a call a few hours later asking me if I could come in for the interview before the end of the day, bearing in mind it was Friday I thought this was quite an urgent request. Obviously I was delighted and rushed off to see them. I was interviewed directly by the CEO, which I had not expected and I felt the interview began very well. Half way through he began to give me very strong indications that he wanted me for the job, he even came out and said “I want you to work for me, do you want to?”, at which point I was taken aback. Of course I showed enthusiasm and pleasure at his response to me. He then asked me what I was looking for salary wise - this had already been told to me by the agency. I told him I would accept a figure that was around the salary I expected. He looked at me and said “no, that is too low, I want to pay you more!”, I must say I thought I was dreaming but at the same time thought it seemed inappropriate to react in this way. He then proceeded to write down on a piece of paper what he thought I should earn - which was nearly 10,000 more plus he said he´d pay me all my overtime and give me bonuses, non of which were on the job spec. I did feel unsettled by his manner. He kept looking through my CV commenting on how excellent it was and when he saw I had a degree he said that showed I had determination and followed things through (it hadn´t been requested by the agency). He said he had one more person to see the following Monday morning - this was 7pm on Friday evening, but that it was a formality as he really wanted me to get the job. I told him I would be very happy to work for him but to distance myself slightly from his over enthusasium I said he should think it through and that it was of course his decision. When I got home I had already been sent an email from the HR dept asking me to provide two references and giving me instructions to do an online personality test - I had never done or need to do one before. They required this by end of the Monday morning so I sent it off on time. I was a bit nervous about the personality test and a little annoyed that the CEO hadn´t even mentioned I would need to do this. I then found out on the Monday afternoon - a couple of hours after sending my email, that one of my references had been contacted (I am on good terms with all my ex-bosses and in regular contact so getting good references was not a problem). However, on looking through an online job search website I noticed that this company had placed their job vacancy again - the very same job I was being considered for (which incidentally I had been told was very urgent). This made me feel very confused and negative and I wondered why they´d bothered to put me through all this. Yesterday my other reference called me and said the company had contacted him at around lunch time and he´d sent my reference in the afternoon. This made me feel a bit better about things, especially as they´d followed up my reference after placing the advert again.
However, this morning I received an email from a recruitment agency who send me bulletins of new job offers and it was the same job that had just come on their books, strangely with a slightly higher salary and a couple of other specifications that were not previously listed. Needless to say I have not heard anything from the company and I do not know how to proceed. I feel like letting them know that I have seen their new job adverts and the fact that i know they´ve contacted my references but I also don´t want to make them feel awkward just in case a miracle happens and I get the job. I really don´t understand why they have followed up my references and are advertising again and have not had the courtesy to let me know their decision. After all, I rushed off to the interview last thing on Friday at their request so surely they should have the decency to put me out of my misery. Is there anything I can do to move things forward and do you think I am still in with a chance?????
70 Ronnie Ann // Mar 12, 2008 at 11:46 am

Oh my god, TeriG! I got nervous just reading this.

I make it a point to be as positive and supportive as I know how here on Work Coach, and so please take what am about to say as simply some thoughts that may or may not be relevant.

Is there any part of you that gets a funny feeling about all this? Especially since you would be working directly for this guy? Do you know why the need to hire is so urgent? What happened to the last person? Someone who acts this way and throws out an offer of sorts so quickly and insists on an “immediate” meeting while the company continues to post the job even with some changes to the text - well, how do you think this person would be to work for on a daily basis? Might he not fire just as quickly?

Now I’ve worked for some “special” bosses and found that I could get along with them them even when they got a bit nuts. But that doesn’t mean I enjoyed the job. Just think carefully about whether this really is a person/company you want to work with. The high salary might mean nothing if you are treated this way every day.

Then again…he could just be a bit eccentric. And they could simply be playing it safe by continuing to post the job because it’s so urgent. But really ask yourself if you’d want to work there. If so, you’ve done all you can under the circumstances. Especially under these circumstances. If you get the offer and accept, I wish you much luck. But if you don’t get it…maybe that is the real miracle?

And again…please forgive me for answering this way. It’s just from what I read, every instinct inside me went off. There’s always so much more to the story than I could possibly know and all this could have perfectly understandable explanations, but I felt like I should at least give you another perspective based on what you’ve told us.

Good luck finding a job you love, whether it’s this one or another.

Ronnie Ann
71 TeriG // Mar 12, 2008 at 12:28 pm

Thanks Ronnie Anne for your speedy reply, much appreciated. I know what you mean but to be honest I really do need this job, it really is not a case of choosing where I will be happy. I am in my 40s and live in a country where they place age limits in their job specs, for my kind of field it is usually 25 - 33 years old! I have tried for several months to go for jobs well within my capabilities and never even get to interview stage due to being rejected on the basis of my age. Therefore, this job would make me happy simply by the fact that I get it - I would worry about the other bits later on. Like you, I´ve worked for very difficult people and always handled myself very well, I am not phased by that.

Another thing I didn´t mention is that I took the opportunity to ask the CEO if he currently had a PA, as I wanted to know why it was so urgent. He said he did but then he proceeded to tell me that although she is a lovely person who he gets on very well with, that she is unrealiable,sloppy and her mistakes were “driving him mad”. He gave me an example that on that day she had turned up to work an hour late with no good reason (something I could never dream of doing), this shocked me. I then asked how long she´d been working for him and when he told me “a year”, I was amazed, if she had been that bad at her job why was she still with him? He said he didn´t want to get rid of her but intended to move her to another department (not necessarily and easy thing to do) so it appeared that she is unaware of her impending departure, which considering his urgency is very strange.

He gave me his business card and I now wonder if I should by pass contacting the HR woman and send him a message. I have read that it doesn´t hurt to follow up an interview - especially given his enthusiasm - with a thank you for taking the time to see me type reply. At the same time I could re-iterate my interest and let him know that I am still keen and waiting for his decision. I don´t know if I should mention that I have seen the job re-advertised or that I know my references have been contact - what´s your opinion.

I know that what´s meant to be is meant to be, but I have been incredibly unlucky finding a good job since losing my last one (they closed due to financial problems) and the older I get the harder it will be, so this job means everything to me!
72 Ronnie Ann // Mar 12, 2008 at 12:40 pm

Thanks for explaining! Clearly that adds to the picture - both on his side and yours. As long as you know he may be a bit of a character, considering how few and far between these kinds of jobs are for you under the circumstances, I can understand why you want to pursue this with full force.

I don’t know the customs of your country, so I cannot say if it’s wrong to send a note directly to him. What do you think? Can the HR person advise if it would be ok or would that feel awkward to ask? The fact that he gave you his card makes it seem ok, but I just don’t know what is right where you live. In the United States where I live, I always believe in sending a thank you note. Short, sweet and positive is best. In fact, if it turns out it is ok to send, the timing may be good since they are still looking and it would refresh his memory. Thank him for the interview and let him know you’re still interested. Don’t mention anything about seeing it re-posted.

Good luck, TeriG!

Ronnie Ann
73 TeriG // Mar 13, 2008 at 8:03 am

Thanks again Ronnie Ann. Just to let you know that I went ahead and sent the email direct to the guy who interviewed. I think that he should take the responsibility for keeping me in the dark, even if it´s being driven by HR, especially given is inappropriate enthusiasm for me in the interview - I do feel they have been underhand.

Just so you know, I live in Spain (Barcelona) having moved from my native England (London) 5 years ago. It has been a real learning curve, even though my father is Spanish. Although we are all supposedly part of the European Union, things operate very differently, I suppose a bit like the States. However, on the issue of ageism, I checked into things and in fact Spain has the same anti-age laws as the UK. In the UK you cannot give a job description with an age listed and if the interviewee has any indication whatsoever that the job was not given due to age they can go to a tribunal - employers are very wary of this issue. Here in Spain they do what they like. Not only is it ageism but also sexism, men don´t have the same problem at all. Salaries for women are about 50% less and women over 40 make up over 60% of the unemployed population.

The job I´ve just been interviewed for is one of those jobs that comes along every 10 years, I don´t have the time to wait around. If I were in my native London I would not be too bothered as I´d have a row of job interviews lined up and something would come up within a shortish period. Here salaries are very very low, even for PA jobs speaking 2 or 3 languages (average salary about 1,200 euros a month), Spain used to be cheap but here in Barcelona prices are now nearing London for many things with salaries 50% less.

This job would be have given me the chance to stay here and be near my family but now it is looking very likely that I will have to return to London to work, I know that women of my age are actually welcomed in many companies, it is such a pity that it´s not that way in Spain.
74 Ronnie Ann // Mar 13, 2008 at 11:16 am

Hola TeriG!

Thank you for this thorough explanation of your situation - one that is sadly shared by so many women there (and other places, of course). I was really upset as I read how unfairly women who as you say would be welcomed elsewhere are treated there. I know ageism and sexism are not uncommon throughout the world, but the very fact that Spain has protective laws and yet those laws have no teeth must be so discouraging for the women there. And those salaries…ugh! Makes it hard for a woman on her own to afford those climbing prices even if she does have a job. No wonder you are willing to overlook a few things that you wouldn’t have tolerated if you were back in London.

I am hoping that you do get the job so you can stay near your family. Or, thinking wishfully, if you do have to return to London, ideally you could find a job with a British company with an office in Barcelona. Or even start your own company that does business in Barcelona! (Hey…I can dream for you, can’t I?)

Now that I know the details, I think you did the right thing contacting him. He really is pulling the strings, so why not remind him that you are available and great.

I wish you much luck, TeriG. And thanks again for helping educate us about what it’s like there. I really feel for you and will keep my fingers crossed that something good happens. Of course, in the scheme of life, sometimes things that look bad actually bring wonderful things. Please, if you remember, let us know how this all comes out. I’m sure everyone who reads this will be rooting for you. I know I am!

Ronnie Ann
75 Marg Mary // Mar 16, 2008 at 11:25 am

Hey Ronnie ann I got the job. Look at 3-9-08 note.thanx
76 Ronnie Ann // Mar 16, 2008 at 11:26 am

Marg Mary! So happy to read that you got the job. Guess that answers your question for sure…it certainly was a good sign!

All the best in your new job!

Ronnie Ann
77 Natalie // Mar 16, 2008 at 11:30 am

Hi Ronnie Ann,

I was looking online for post interview info to answer my questions and I came across this site! I found it to be very informative!

My situation is that I had an interview on Monday March 10th for a position that I would really enjoy doing. It was a panel interview with 3 people on the panel. This interview was after I had a phone interview with a woman in HR. Anyways I thought the interview went great then on Wednesday I got a call from my contact in HR telling me that they really liked me, thought that I would be a great fit and asked if I had any other offers on the table at this time. I said yes I do have some other stuff going on in that I am actively looking for a job but I am very interested in this company and position. So she said that she would try to hurry along the process and get me an answer as soon as possible and asked if the end of the week would be okay. I said yes the sooner the better of course. I also asked if there would be a second interview and she said no we would just make you an offer. So then Thursday and Friday came and went and I heard nothing so my question is on Monday if I still do not hear anything should I call my HR contact and ask if a decision has been made or give it some more time? I know the interviews are over and she said that they want to fill the position as soon as possible. It is also a new position in a large company. I just didnt know if this is common for a company to call and ask if you have any other offers on the table and then say they will get back to you by the end of the week and then you hear nothing? Any input would be great!

Thank you,
Vanessa
78 Ronnie Ann // Mar 16, 2008 at 3:12 pm

Hi Vanessa! Congratulations on a good interview. Sounds to me like you handled things just right. If you haven’t sent a short thank you note yet, you might want to do that, although it is not mandatory. That also would be a fine reason to send an e-mail to the HR person, thanking her again for all her help and letting her know you are still interested. That’s all. The rest is in their hands for now. Rest assured. This situation is not out of the ordinary at all!

While it’s always possible that they may have found someone they like more, they may also simply have had work emergencies that took attention away from this. That happens often. Or a critical person to the decision was sick or unavailable for whatever reason. While I know this feels like a long time when you are waiting to hear, there is nothing abnormal about a few extra days - sometimes even weeks! (Although in your case, I kind of bet not.) If you haven’t heard anything by the end of this week, a call to the HR person is perfectly acceptable since she’s established an interest.

There is nothing else for you to do right now other than take a deep breath (in and out) and think very positive thoughts. Good luck! Please let us know what happens.

Ronnie Ann
79 Vanessa // Mar 16, 2008 at 3:40 pm

Hi Ronnie Ann,

Thank you for your quick response.

I did send out thank you notes right after my interview to the people that were on the panel and I also sent an email to my contact in HR thanking her for all of her help and she answered a couple questions for me. So I guess I did the right things now I just have to wait… I’m not good at all at waiting! I hope it is a good outcome though and am thinking as positive as possible! I will let you know if I do hear back or if I have to make a follow up call at the end of the week. (I’m sure ill have a question or 2 on what to say in the follow up call)

I have another interview tomorrow with another company so at least that will get my mind off of the waiting game. Thanks for your help!

-Vanessa
80 Ronnie Ann // Mar 16, 2008 at 3:53 pm

I like the way you’re handling things, Vanessa. Very nice. Also good you have something to help (a little) keep your mind off the waiting. Believe me…I know how it feels to want that phone to ring NOW! But who knows…this interview tomorrow may even be better! Clearly, you are someone who has a lot to offer.

One more thought…if you still really want the first job after tomorrow, I think it would be ok to send your HR contact a quick e-mail maybe Tuesday. Something like “Hello XXX. Since you asked me about this last week, just want you to know I had another interview yesterday but I am still very interested in your company. Please let me know when you hear anything. Thanks!” Or something like that. I think that would be ok, but please use your instincts. Hard to know anything for sure from a distance!

Good luck getting the right job for you! I look forward to hearing all the juicy details.

Ronnie Ann

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