Short answer: You get the job.
I found the question “how do I know if my job interview went well” in a search phrase on my stats. So how can you tell a good interview from a bad one? Although you usually have some feeling about how you did, truth is you really don’t know how you did or even if the interview went well 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 really good candidates 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 really tell how you did?
Here are some cues that might at least give you some sense of how the job 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 hear 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.
Be aware but stay in the moment!
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. Afterward, 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!
A few more “waiting after the interview” articles to help:
- 12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview
- I Got the Post-Interview Temporary OCD Blues
- After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?
- Stuck in the Waiting Game After 2nd Interview
- 5 Ways Interviewers Make Job Seekers REALLY Angry
- How Often Should I Call an Employer After My Interview?
- Will My Low Credit Score Ruin My Chances for a Job Offer?
- 5 Ways Interviewers Make Job Seekers REALLY Angry
- Can Weekly Follow-up Calls and Emails Help Get You the Job?
- 3 Questions You Don’t Know the Answer to AFTER a Job Interview
Hello,
I had a phone interview (for an internal audit intern position) on Wednesday June 20th that went pretty well since the following Friday the recruiter called me to ask me to come to the headquarter for an in-person interview. So on Wednesday the 27th at 9:00 am I was interviewed by a senior HR and by the Internal Audit Manager. I got a lot of smiles and eye-contacts from both, we even laughed. At the end of the interview one of them asked me “don’t you want to know about what you would do in this position?”. So I say of course I would love too” and she explained it thoroughly. I do not know if this moment was a good or bad one though! At the end, they shook my hand warmly and with long eye-contact (this is at least what I felt). The recruiter (the guy who is taking care of my application)(not present in the room for the interview) walked me out and told me that he should contact me by Friday (so today) or at the beginning of the week. I was pretty happy of my interview but afraid of being in an intense contention. My interview lasted between 40 minutes to one hour (not sure). At 2.00 pm, so about 4 hours later, the recruiter called me to ask for my references saying “Can you email me two or three references?”. I told him that my third reference would be a member of my school but not a teacher or a former boss. He answered me “That is not a problem at all. It is fine”. We are Friday 7.00 pm and I know my references have not been called yet. And here I am waiting for this great position asking myself if I am still on the good track or if they are just waiting for Monday to see if their first choice will show up to work (maybe they still have not made their choice). Can you tell me where do you think I am in the process. Thank you so much for your answer.
Hi Anthony,
As I wasn’t there and am not inside the organization, I can’t state what the employer is thinking.
That said, one of the things that you need to make sure you ALWAYS do in an interview is to show that you are thinking about the job and what you would be doing in the position.
The fact that they’ve asked for references is great — and if only a day and a half has passed since they asked for reference information, I certainly do not think that you are out of the running.
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
Thank you very much for cheering me up lol. I also really appreciate your advice that you gave me.
Actually my main concern is that they already found the number one intern (this is why they have NOT called my references) and that they wait Monday to see if he comes work or if he/she decided to go somewhere else (and so make me wait as a potential spare wheel).
To be honest with I do not know if it is really common, but making someone wait to see if the other comes fulfill the position would be a little bit selfish, in my opinion.
Anyway, I’ll let you know what happened either way.
Thank you again for your professionalism.
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for your response. Just remember that employers almost always have a process that they need to follow — and a big part of that process is following it through with all candidates. Stay patient, but keep up your search in other places, too.
Good luck!
All the Best,
Chandlee
Negative answer. References mean definitely nothing. Thank you for your advices. Have a great day.
Anthony,
I respectfully disagree with your take on this. If you had an interview scheduled for July 15, and a great candidate came in and interviewed on July 10 so they cancelled your interview before you could be considered — how would you feel?
No matter how unfair it feels from the other side of the hiring desk when you don’t get a call back as early as you would like, most employers do follow processes so that everyone who gets invited to interview gets considered.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I have never disagreed. I think I did not express myself as I should have lol. When I said I thank you for your advice, it was sincere. I am mad because I did not get the job but I am still motivated to keep searching. And this is why I thanked you for your advice.
Thank you very much and sorry for the understanding.
I have just received an email from one of the hiring person and she told me that I was a great candidate but unfortunately the competition was intense and one of them was over the top (I do not know on what though). She said I should find a job soon and she is ready to help me out. This interview was for a company the NASDAQ so I guess it attracted the best.
Thank you again
understanding=misunderstanding. I am tired. lol.
Anthony-Don’t take the rejection to heart. It just means that wasn’t the RIGHT fit for you. Would you take the first car you saw? The first house? NO! You would want to see if it fits your lifestyle and you fit into that job. BE GLAD you didn’t get the job. Keep plugging! and ABSOLUTELY your references come into play! As a matter of fact, it sometimes is your REFERENCES that may find you a job!
From: BEEN THERE, DONE THAT ALREADY (LOTS OF TIMES.)
Anthony, since when aren’t YOU the best????? Think about it. It is all a matter of matching skills/personality/etc. to the job.
Thank you very much I appreciate your advice. One of the interviewer emailed me and explained to me why I was not hired and that she was going to help me out to find a job in the city. So I am really grateful and you are right Catherine, you always have to believe in yourself. Thanks
Anthony and Catherine,
Thanks so very much for your kind words and advice to one another.
All the best to both of you,
Chandlee
In the last 3 weeks i have interviewd for 2 jobs.
The first one i was told that we shall know the results in 2 weeks.. which have since passed and no word yet.
The last one was to communicate in 4 days and so far 2 days have passed..
Should i call them both to inquire the status?
Hi Robert,
I’d go ahead and call and follow-up on the job that you interviewed for three weeks, and give the second one a follow-up after a week has passed.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee
It’s Tuesday in my country now.
I went for an interview last Friday with the HR guy first and then with 2 hiring managers. The hr guy says he’s okay with me and gave me tips on what kind of people the 2 hiring managers like. Then yesterday, the hr guy called me and asked how the interview went with the 2, do I think I stand a chance and if I am taking up another job offer, how much are they offering me, am I keen on the job etc. He ended by saying if I have any questions, I can call him. I was too nervous and I think I screwed up and sound uninterested! (I’m very interested!) I really wonder what the purpose of the call is. I’ve never had someone call me to ask how an interview went. If he had meant to see how keen I was about this job, I’m afraid I might have blew my chances. Should I call back today to ask how the selection process is going, so as to let him know how keen I am? Or will it seem too desperate and look bad on me?
Hi Miranda,
I recommend you call him back and simply say that you enjoyed speaking with the people you met — and that you remain interested in the position.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee & Catherine
I called back to let him know that I’m interested and he just called back for me to start work next week!
Hi Miranda,
What wonderful news! Congratulations and hope it goes great.
All the very best,
Chandlee
Miranda! TERRIFIC NEWS! Go out and celebrate! Anthony-how’s the search going? I think it is GREAT that you are developing “networking” prospects. Unfortunately, sometimes the job search is as much of a “sales job” as anything. Hunting up old friends, letting them know you are looking, asking them to talk to others about referrals. When I lost my job, I was calling/emailing EVERYONE, including my previous bosses, and asking for referrals. I didn’t get a job I had applied for, but, like you, the HR manager said she wanted to present my name to someone who was hiring and looking for someone like me. Just keep on going. It WILL happen. Believe in yourself, take a deep breath and PLUNGE IN!
Miranda: I might add that it never hurts when an employer asks you if there are other prospects you are looking at? you answer yes.
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for your contributions to the discussion. You are absolutely correct!
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hello , i am in the process of interviewing for an awesome position in a field i am hugely interested in . i had a phone interview , then i was called in for a face to face behavioral based interviewed , whih i completed on July 3rd . At the end of this , i was asked about the job . i was asked What do i think the slam you in the face moment ( i.e. the moment i would be wondering why i took this job ) , what would this be , and i replied . I really dont think i will have this moment , i am extremely confident in my abilities and my ability to learn to prevent any situation like this……was this too cocky of a response . also i was asked my salary requirements , and i said i havent really thought about this , i am more interested in getting this opportunity / position …….any ideas?? Too cocky??
A little follow up on this , i was called on the 15th of june for the scheduling of the phone interview and i was called two weeks exactly after the first call ( scheduling phone interview ) , for the face to face interview . Could this be an intentional schedule set up by the company?? I was told i would hear from them within two weeks . so i guess i am still on good footing ( as of now)
lol. Kelly-That’s probably EXACTLY what I would say if interviewed. Don’t think it sounded cocky to me. just confident. and keep your hopes up, but continue looking while this company drags its feet. maybe then when they call to ask if you are still interested, you could say yes, but I have a decision to make on another company that has offered me a position… grin…
Hi Kelly,
I think it’s likely you are fine. In general, though — it’s good to have a sense of what you need to learn on a job — and to provide your potential employer with a sense of how you’d like support in learning that if hired.
As for salary ranges, you can try salary websites such as salary.com and glassdoor to get a general sense of ranges.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Wow , alot has and hasnt happened since that moment , i was called to take a supervisors simulation test , a day in the life of a supervisor at this company , if you will. this i think went prety well . i was told at that point two weeks and youll have a decision. well its been27 days since , and i am guessing . i also heard from an acquaintenance that my interviews went well , i would fit in at this location , and i seemed able to be trained . I emailed the recruiter for this company twice on consecutive fridays . What should i do , still wait ,, no more emails??
Hi Kelly,
I’d wait and hold off from following up again but in the meantime, I would go ahead and continue to apply for other positions. It’s hard to wait idly by the phone, and ideally — it would be great for you to have multiple offers so that you could choose the job that is best for you.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Author: raghav
Comment:
hi ..i have just completed my mba in hr and on a look out for a job…i had done my internship in a hospital and my father is a doctor so when ever i go for an interview for instance in an IT company ..the interviewer asks me “why did you choose a hospital for internship….is it coz your dad is a doctor he must have got you that internship..huh”….(obviously he did coz i needed to start with my internship immediately)…how to tackle such questions as i always get stuck up ..i feel the interviewer makes me feel im useless and ran to my dad for an internship…!!!
@raghav: I had to post your question on here because somehow either I am an idiot and didn’t see it, or I just don’t see it on here anywhere else and I wanted to respond. Short of telling the interviewer off (boy would that make me mad).. Maybe state “oh, am I interviewing for a position with my father? I thought I was interviewing for a position based upon my own merits.” Or…tell them that if you wanted a position with your dad, that you would interview with him.
Catherine,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with Raghav. I see the situation differently from you. From my perspective, the critical issue here is this — there is no need to tell anyone what your father does in the first place. If you say, “I thought I was interviewing for a position based upon my own merits,” you may sound sarcastic — or defensive — neither of which helps your case.
Good luck!
Chandlee
Although I do agree with you Chandlee to a certain respect, it appears from Raghav’s post that these people interviewing him already know “of his father”. I don’t think that Raghav has said anything, rather, they are inferring that Raghav is getting his(her) internship based upon the father’s position. I would actually not want to work for anyone who infers that sentiment. I would rather shoot back at them but in a different tone, to say” oh…I thought I was interviewing based upon MY accomplishments.” Its assumed from the post by Raghav that the interviewers are already prejiduced going in. Raghav, correct me if I am wrong?
Chandlee,
I just found your website today. Excellent site! I had an interview on Thursday, August, 2nd. for an entry level engineering position. I felt great coming out of the interview! Just like your article states, it literally was my best interview. There were technical questions that I nailed, and I was told some of the goofy answers they received from other interviewees. We had conversation and even joked at times. In addition, I answered “yes” to most of your questions above. In a carefully worded and vague way, they asked how soon I would be able to make a decision because they want to get the ball rolling on training in early September.
Anyways, I was told I’d expect some sort of communication by the end of next (this current) week. On Monday, I received an email from the HR lady at a different office but she was the one who set up the interview for me. She had me fill out a more detailed application and background release form online.
My question: Because I was expecting correspondence by now, when should I call them (or should I email)? I was thinking Tuesday if I don’t hear anything by Monday. Do I call/email the HR lady, or one of the persons I interviewed with?
Thanks!
PS. Is the application and background release any indication of an offer?
Hi Donald,
Employers typically don’t ask for a formal application and background release unless they are seriously interested in hiring you. I think this is a good sign…That said I wouldn’t rely on an offer.
I recommend waiting until Tuesday then contacting HR and asking if they need any additional information.
Good luck,
Chandlee
My husband is in a very similar position with the detailed application and background check but no offer yet. It surely is a nerve wracking place to be in.
Good luck to you and your husband Cathy. Tell him to keep applying in the interim — it helps keep all doors and windows open for new opportunities.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I was desperately waiting for the interview call for the faculty position I had applied. Yesterday I received the call and recruiter asked me to give a demonstration on a topic outside my area of interest. Yes, the topic matches my qualification but still its not my area of interest at all. I then asked the recruiter that can she give me another topic but she replied that they only need faculty for the area she has told me to prepare demonstration on. I so asked her that I would prepare a different one and told her few others, she responded; ”…its upto you and jury will decide”.
Now what should I do?
Thanks,
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Unfortunately, it sounds like the employer is hiring for a subject matter that they need to fill. If it isn’t of interest to you, then it may not be the right job. If you want the job and feel that you can prepare a demonstration and present on it, you may be in full contention for the position.
Here’s a hard truth on the employment process: A majority of employers hire not to fill job seeker interests, but to meet business and organizational needs. It sounds like this particular job is outside of your area of interest. Based on what they’ve told you, you have a decision to make: Would you be willing and interested to try teaching in this area? If not, I recommend that you think about whether or not you want to go after the position at all. If you choose to present on a topic that only aligns with your interests, it is unlikely that you will be seen as a relevant candidate for the job.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thank you Chandlee for the reply.
I was just wondering if I go for the demonstration on my chosen topic and then leave the rest on the jury. I mean if they would consider me for any future positions… What would you recommend?
Sarah
Sarah,
Again, my recommendation — if you want the position — is that you present on the topic that they asked you to present on. If you choose to present on another topic, it will leave them wondering if you aren’t open to working within a structure — and are likely to go with what you want instead of your needs.
The bottom line is that the opportunity they have may not be the right one for you. But if you want the job, you need to address the employer’s pain points — what they need first.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Thanks Chandlee
I have one another question. Its really depressing sometimes that I receive calls from not so good organizations. I mean at first place when I read the ad in the newspaper of a vacancy available somewhere in a college, I apply but eventually when I go to such college it gives such a depressive picture. I mean small colleges with 50 candidates other than me available for the demo and interview. I even asked those candidates that what are there previous qualifications and experience but they replied that they neither have any previous experience nor there qualification is as much higher as mine. I feel so bad at that time seriously… Secondly, where I was working previously I had greater qualification among all employees there but yet I was paid the lowest among them. This put me into so much tension that I had finally resigned from that position. I wonder why employers do not see my previous experience and qualification?
Sarah,
If you have set criteria on
- what constitutes a “good organization” and what does not,
- what you will teach and what you will not,
- what you need to make in order to feel successful,
You may not be happy in the education field. In general, education is not a highly compensated field. Schools pay what they can afford to pay. Tuition driven schools cannot afford to hire even after losing a few students. Schools need teachers to teach what they need taught. There is often room for creativity in the classroom rather than in the curriculum or course offering sheet.
Salaries in schools aren’t always set by education and qualifications alone — they are typically set by budgets, financial officers and mandates that are established far and away from the selection committee.
Resigning on the principle that you ought to be paid more because you have more education is not likely to help your case to get hired elsewhere or make friends among your colleagues or references. To borrow the overall sentiment from Harry Potter, “It is our attitude, not on abilities or education, that define us.” When you feel frustrated on the inside, try not to show it on the outside. Success is more likely to come when you are perceived as a strong colleague and team member.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Please help, need a fast reply!!
Hi,
First of all thanks for all the information you provide regarding job interviews..They are very good, sadly i have just noticed this website…i am a fresher as i have graduated in May in Mba-hr and still looking for a job. Wish i had seen this site before, would have been better.
Anyway, I wanted to ask this embarrassing question which has started to haunt me now..i have been applying for jobs here and there, i had applied for one job, had given my telephone interview, face to face interview and was waiting for their reply but they did not reply for a long time..and i wrote an email to them, called them up just to inquire regarding it but they did not pick up the phone so i presumed it was unsuccessful and so i went to another city where my parents stay and and looking for jobs..i got the call from the company after a month that i am shortlisted for the further rounds but i had made up my mind that i amm not coming back and so started looking for jobs where my parents stay coz this place has better job opportunities…I have given 2 odd interviews here and though it went off well did not get selected..But i am still looking and though im sure something good will surely come on my lap….but now the question is ..its august and if i go for an interview…which i likely have tomorrow…if the interviewer asks me why such a long break after graduation..what do i say???
Hi Raghav,
I don’t anticipate that you will be asked the question — most employers know that it takes several months to find a job post-graduation…The key is to keep applying and stay positive and persistent in your applications.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee!
I applied for a nurses Aide job last wednesday, and I was called on the same day for an interview on thursday. After the interview, the interviewer said “I should receive a call the next week, that they are still interviewing people till monday” It’s Wednesday now, and I haven’t received a call yet. I am worried in a way. The interviewer also said that I should feel free to call if I have any questions. I really want the job, but I am starting to think they won’t call me.
Mojisola,
I think if you haven’t heard by next Monday, you should call and follow-up. Hiring and extending offers almost always takes longer than anticipated!
When you follow-up, ask if they need any additional information from you and reiterate your interest in the position.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi there,
I need some advice. I went in interview yesterday. I feel strange with what the interviewer did with me. She just ask me to take an exam then she never asked anything about anything about me. Then she just told me appreciations and said no body got perfect in one part of the exam, only me got it perfectly. Then after she already discussed with me about the nature of the work. And told me the salary they offer. After she brought me in the floor where the staff work and went in another girl. And in that floor they show me what to do and let me do a couple of that. And she brought me back to the interviewer and interviewer told me okay we will just inform you. I just said thank you. I’m just wondering they never mention when and how they will inform me… Should I call and ask? Thanks
Hi Rowena,
It is rare and unfortunate but sometimes companies have a policy of not asking potential employees questions — only having them perform a task. It sounds like this may be the policy where you applied. If you don’t hear from them in a week, call them and say, “Thank you for the interview. I wanted to let you know that I am still interested.”
If you do get the offer, you may want to do a “gut check” with your own feelings. Does it feel like a place you would feel comfortable working?
Good luck,
Chandlee
thank you chandlee i will going to do that. it’s only two days from the time i took the interview. The place is good and the work is not that hard for me. I’m going to wait till wednesday and if i hear nothing from them i will do what you adviced me. And i will let you know what will happen.
Hi,
I got the answer, they will not accept me. I feel bad coz I dont know what is their criteria in choosing an employee. I got a good mark in the exam and able to do what they asked. Anyways its their lost not mine. If they dont want to hire me theres still a lot of things to choose and to apply for.
Hi Rowena,
I’m sorry to hear that. Remember that it’s likely possible that multiple people applied for the job and that more than one person passed the test. You can always ask for feedback on how you could strengthen your application for next time.
Glad you are moving on and applying for other positions. I wish you all the best with your application.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I had an interview today that I didnt even apply for@ a credit union. In the email i was told that the recruiter had a position that she wanted to speak with me about to see if i was interested. I went to the interview today. No real “INTERVIEW ” questions were asked. The recruiter went over my resume asked questions about where i worked in the past then she called the branch manager in. The branch manager talked to me for about 15to 20 min then the called the credit union president in. After they called the president in we talked about benefits he explained to me how well the benefits were and how badly he was ready for “new blood “. I referred to the customers as “customers “questions and he stated “questions you are going to have to go home and practice calling them members” (they are considered members when yoy are a part of a credit union) they kept stating that I would be doing this and how valuable and what type of impact they feel i would make on the team. The president even asked me if I knew how to cook cause he wants to have a potluck next month. It was more like just shooting the breeze rather than an interview. They then scrambled around the office to find this form I needed to sign to have a background check. Even though they stated they have sone a few interviews it seemed that nobody else got this far because they did know where to get the form from. The recruiter then asked me how much i currently make and then the room fell silent. I saw that it seemed to be a problem. After everyone left the room the recruiter stated “I will see what we can do about this”. I dont know what to think. I am very stressed out where i work now and im willing to take less for a piece of mind. What do you think of the interview and of the salary dilemma?
What should i feel if they never told me the salary. It makes me feel like they were either playing hardball with me to see if i would negotiate down to what the job offered, they liked e and they were willing to see if they can negotiate paying me what im asking, or they just didnt want to scare me off because they really dpnt have a lot of qualified applicants. What do you think of this?
Hi there. I recently had a second phone interview for a company based out of my state. It went very well with the interviewer saying she wants me to come out and do a site visit. This was Wednesday of this week – she also indicated she was going on vacation all of next week. I have not heard anything from the recruiter to start setting up the visit.
Should I wait until she returns from vacation (after Labor day) and send a quick email OR should I email today prior to her leaving? I’m leaning towards waiting until she returns from vacation since she indicated they were early in the hiring process and said her schedule wouldn’t be open until Sept – my gf thinks I should email today – my hubby thinks I should wait until she returns from vacation.
Your thoughts?
Hi,
I recently had an interview with a marketing company that I got through a school alumnus group on LinkedIn. Finished the interview, felt great. The guy who hooked me up with the interview wasn’t able to be there at the actual interview because he had a dentist’s appointment. He followed up saying, sorry I wasn’t able to meet you, but from what I heard you did really well.
Two days later, I get a call from someone from HR in that company telling me to “please call me back”. I do, but no answer. Just left a voicemail.
Is this phone call good or bad???
Smith,
It certainly sounds positive that you were called back. If you don’t hear from them in a few days, call back and do not leave a voice mail — wait until you talk to someone in person.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I did a phone interview then a second phone interview (first recruiter, then hiring manager) and the hiring manager said she wanted to fly me to CA to meet the team and do a “day in the office” sort of thing – interview with other team members, etc – and said she would get back to the recruiter to set it up. She also said they were early in the job search (I was only the second candidate they had spoken with) and she was heading out on vacation all this upcoming week so it wouldn’t be scheduled until Sept.
Do I wait for her to return to follow up about scheduling the visit OR do I outreach to the recruiter she referenced next week to get the wheels in motion?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi Kim,
I’d wait another seven to ten days to follow-up; let the recruiter put the wheels in motion with her colleague.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Chandlee,
Can I get your thoughts? I had an interview for an internal position (although there would be a relocation). This was a panel interview, and is the only one needed since I’m an internal candidate. This was three weeks ago. The hiring manager has emailed me twice now (once each week) to let me know that there have been delays and that I’d know something the next week (which have both come and passed).
I do know that the hiring manager’s supervisor, who needs to sign off on all hiring moves, took a week’s vacation in there. And for most of last week there was a meeting at the corporate office that they all attended. That being said, I know an offer letter only takes 24-48 hours to submit and pitch to the candidate. I’m assuming I’m most likely their 2nd or 3rd choice, and they’re waiting to see if the 1st accepts or denies the offer.
What is your take on this? Do I still have a chance? Should I followup at the end of this week just to let the hiring manager know I’m still excited about the position and would be a great asset to their team?
Thanks!
Hi John,
Based on what you’ve shared, I think a follow-up at week’s end would be a good idea. If you can, don’t follow-up with an e-mail but with a phone call or in-person meeting instead. Given that it sounds like you are ready to hear the outcome either way, it may be better for you to get the candid update rather than an edited response…No matter whether the response is positive or negative.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thanks.
This would be a huge promotion, but seeing as its a large relocation for my family, the thought of it is causing a lot of anxiety. Unfortunately, at the end of every week we think to ourselves, “Ok, we need to move on.” and then we get the email from the hiring manager that tells us otherwise.
It definitely just feels like I’m being kept “on the hook” so to speak.
Hi John,
What a pain. Remember that even if it does happen — it’s still your choice to make as to whether you want to go or not.
Keep us posted, and good luck…
Chandlee
Thanks.
I got another update today. The position is still in a “holding pattern”. This leads me to believe there hasn’t been an offer extended to anyone and they’re possibly redifining the position or maybe that the person who signs off on all things is unavailable.
I do know that the person who is over the hiring manager (and therefore would sign off) has been stuck in New Orleans because there are some branches there that take priority over the decision of who to hire.
Thanks again.
Hi John,
Quite possible that the position is in a holding pattern…Do keep us posted, and good luck to you.
Best,
Chandlee
I went to an interview last august but still they havent valled me yet but the last thing they said was i’Ll take your application into good consideration’ what do you think of that statement? Did i get the job or not?
Hi Barrett,
If you are talking about August 2011, I think it’s most likely that you did not get the job. If the interview took place in August 2012, it is still possible that you are in the running.
Make sure you follow up with all interviews with a thank you note, and let them know you are still interested in the job. And keep applying for jobs until you get one that you like. As there generally multiple candidates for every job that is listed, it is always best to apply to more than one place.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Im sorry it happened last august 2012
thanks for the info 
God bless
I interviewed last Monday (Aug. 27th) with another United Way organzation for a Director of Resource Development position. It said on the job description that a minimum of five years work experience–well I have two but I got an interview anyway. There must’ve been something she liked about my resume (AND… this was the CEO/President doing the interveiws). Needless to say, I was nervous but I got through it… She had four more people to interview last week (There were 11 candidates in all). She said she would know something by the end of the week and would like someone to start ASAP. Welp, I still haven’t heard anything…
I have another job interview coming up on Friday, September 7th for another nonprofit organization and it is for an Administrative Assistant position–this is going to be a panel interview. There are five people (including the hiring manager) conducting this interview. How should I go about this? I’ve never had a panel interview before, only one on one.
Thanks
We nevermind.. the Administrative Assistant position interview has been cancelled. I just got an e-mail stating, “Our interviewing committee has decided to take a different direction for our admin position and we must cancel our interview that we had set up with you. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Thank you for applying and we wish you great success.” Disappointed? Absolutely.
Mo,
Sorry to get your update on the Administrative Assistant position, but encouraged that you still have one in the running. Do keep us posted, and don’t fret if you haven’t heard anything yet — I think a lot of hiring decisions slated to be made last week have been delayed due to the holiday.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi there, I am in need of advice!
About a month ago I applied for a position that I am very interested in. I am trying to make a career change into another industry where I can still use my education and experience. My first two interviews went great. The Direct I spoke with on the second interview really liked me and said I would be a great fit for the position. I then had to meet with the COO of the business for a 3rd interview which was last Wednesday. It only lasted about 15 minutes and I am not sure what to think. At one point he asked me why I had chosen this company and position which I replied that I had done research one the company and was impressed with the culture and the work was one I was interested in. He said “he didn’t buy that.” Exact words! I said well I respect your opinion but that is the truth. He seem to challenge a lot of what I was saying. Anyway, at the end he walked me out and told me the Director would be calling me. I have not heard back yet. Additionally, I originally applied for a different position but the Director wanted me for the position that I am speaking of. So, I am basically the only one applying for this position and it’s newly added. I was looking at job postings yesterday and I saw the position I originally applied for reposted. Can anyone tell me if this is a bad sign? If I don’t have a chance would I have been called already? And any advice on the third interviewer and timeframe?
Thanks so much!!!
Hi Tosha,
A lot of times, there are internal politics at play in hiring. It sounds as though you may have run into this. Here’s the strategy I recommend using to follow up: research the company’s website and recent press releases/news — and identify 1-2 concrete things that make you want to work there. Reference this information when you follow up to say thank you to the COO — and send a carbon copy to the other people who have interviewed you if you are doing this over email.
Positions often get re-posted when there are few candidates — most companies in the U.S. have to post jobs before they hire in order to comply with EEOC guidelines that ensure companies have properly advertised positions so that all potential candidates can see them.
Good luck and keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee