Work Coach Cafe

35 responses so far ↓

• 1 Mac // Mar 27, 2008 at 5:44 am

  I agree you’ve done everything well regarding this particular interview. A note of caution though for future reference: employers believe an over-qualified candidate will demand more money than they are ready to pay.
  It is therefore crucial that you tailor your resume/cv to the job you are applying, matching your skills, education and experience essentially to what the employer stated in the job description.

• 2 Ronnie Ann // Mar 27, 2008 at 10:36 am

  Great advice, Mac. You’re so right. We have to help them feel comfortable with who we are - and resumes and cover letters targeted to what they are actually looking for are our best friends when it comes to this.

  Thanks!

• 3 Anne // Mar 27, 2008 at 11:47 am

  Thanks Ronnie & Mac. We did talk about salary and I explained that at this point in my life, the job is way more important than the salary. I told her I expected the salary would be lower since I would be working for a non-profit. She seemed very satisfied with that answer but who knows. She knew what I was making before and said they would be very competitive.

  I created a work portfolio for her and left it with her. It included samples of my writing. I also took the job description and created a table of their requirements and matched them with my experience/qualifications. I even created a sample marketing plan so she could assess my approach to marketing. She seemed impressed at the time.

  I am so disappointed, this would have been a great job. While I know I shouldn’t get too excited about any opportunity, this one is a tough one to lose.

  What I don’t understand is not calling back just to say that they’ve either been delayed or they’re pursuing other candidates. While everyone is busy, that would take 2 minutes and would provide closure. Oh well!

• 4 Ronnie Ann // Mar 27, 2008 at 12:30 pm

  Wait Anne…I’m missing something. Have you gotten a turn-down yet? If not, why have you given up? It may mean you didn’t get it, but this is way too early to think it’s over. Can’t you enjoy the possibility just a little longer? Why go right to the disappointment?

  And please know I have never ever responded to people so quickly after I’ve interviewed them. It takes time. There are also legal reasons. Please excuse me for sounding so blunt, but it just doesn’t work that way. Of course you are totally right that it should, but for so many reasons a non-profit may move slower than you are used to. And even if it is a negative, they wait until it’s a done deal before notifying those who didn’t get it…just in case.

  Perhaps they did make an offer to someone and they are negotiating with him or her now. And perhaps that will fall through. I’ve gotten jobs that way. And I’ve also gotten second interviews months after the first. Especially in non-profits so many things can take priority.

  No response is sometimes a way of not ending a possibility as much as a way of letting someone down. Really…in non-profits as well as in other types of business it is not standard to keep you informed. I know it would be nice and it happens on occasion, of course, but is very rare. Even for those we are interested in.

  A dear friend of mine has a saying I love “No news is no news.” You did your best. I hope you get it. But please don’t assume anything yet. You gave such a terrific interview, there is a still a chance. And if not…it sounds like they might not be the right place for you after all. So either way, you win. Even though I know it doesn’t feel that way to you right now.
  I still have my fingers crossed for you, Anne.

  Ronnie Ann

• 5 Anne // Apr 1, 2008 at 7:45 pm

  Hi Ronnie Ann,

  Well, you were right. I just got a call from the Director - she was out of town last week and my emails never got through to her. She was relieved that I left a message on her voicemail so she knew that I was still interested.

  I have a meeting with her tomorrow to get a detailed overview of the job and a panel interview scheduled for next week. Thanks so much for your kind words and advice. I’ll let you know what happens!

  Anne

• 6 Ronnie Ann // Apr 1, 2008 at 7:48 pm

  Oh Anne!

  If you could only see the big smile on my face! I’m so happy to read that you are still very much in the running. It’s funny how, even from the distance of a blog like this, I start to care about the people who write to me.

  I wish you all the best. Go git ‘em grrrl! Hope to hear some more good news soon.

  Ronnie Ann

• 7 Nicole // Apr 18, 2008 at 6:01 pm

  Hi there,

  I’m in a similar situation. I had a “pre-interview” (their words, not mine) with a company and it went fairly well. I got an email first thing the next morning asking me to come in for a second interview - I was going to send them an email that morning to thank them for the interview and they had already beat me to it! I went to the second interview on Thursday, April 3rd it went well and they seemed very interested and upbeat. They asked me when I would be available to start and said they would contact me for my references. They said they wanted to fill the position in the next couple of days. I had also sent another brief thank-you letter for that interview the following day.

  When I hadn’t heard back by the following Thursday, April 10th I decided to take matters into my own hands and send them a follow-up email. They called me the next morning on Friday, April 11th to ask for my references and see if I would be available to start on April 21st. I emailed them my references and said that out of respect to my current employer I would need to give them two weeks notice. I know they called one of my references as I’m still close with her and she said she gave me a glowing review. It’s now a week later and I haven’t heard back from the employer. This whole process has been proven to be very frustrating. I’m wondering if I should send them another quick email to inquire about the status, etc. but I don’t want to appear pushy. I just wonder what is taking them so long! Sorry for the long email and thank you in advance for your response.

• 8 Anne // Apr 18, 2008 at 8:47 pm

  Hi Ronnie Ann/Nicole,

  I got the job! The offer is contingent upon completion of the background check and drug test. I’m very excited about the job. While I was initially shocked by the pay (going to a non-profit from the commercial world), I know this is the right job for me and there are endless opportunities.

  Ronnie Ann - thank you so much for your kind words and advice. I forgot how much I hate interviewing! Unfortunately, it has been so long since my last interview that I’m now sweating out the background check. No, I don’t have anything ominous in my past, it’s just the fear of the unknown. I’m worried I might have the wrong dates listed (the exact date I left my last position after maternity leave and I honestly can’t remember if I left in August or November). I don’t know what they are looking to find but that leaves me a little worried. I’d love to hear your thoughts or comments on what employers are looking to find (other than the obvious criminal convictions) in these investigations.

  Many, many thanks to you and all the best to everyone else!!

  Anne

• 9 Ronnie Ann // Apr 19, 2008 at 11:39 am

  Nicole…I’ll do my best to get to you later today. Didn’t want you to think I forgot.
  Anne…I am thrilled! Wuhoooo! More soon also.

  Ronnie Ann

• 10 Ronnie Ann // Apr 19, 2008 at 10:53 pm

  Hi Nicole!

  Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I needed a day off. I’m sure you can relate.
  I can see why you’re frustrated and a bit confused! Everything looked like a go and then…silence. But it hasn’t been too many days and people do get sick or emergencies arise. Maybe one of your other references couldn’t be contacted or took a while to get back to them. So many possibilities that in no way signal a change of heart on their part. The only concern I can see at this point (other than a surprise organizational change) is if one of the other references was problematic. I’m assuming you know that NOt to be the case.

  But since you are confused, and because of these particular circumstances, I think it would be fine to send a short polite e-mail (maybe wait until Monday afternoon to give her a chance to contact you first; Mondays often are “clean up outstanding issues” day) and say that you hate to bother the her, but since she mentioned April 21st and you still need to give your boss 2 weeks notice, you just want to check and make sure that there is nothing else they need from you to help move this along. That’s not too pushy and will serve to remind them as well as hopefully get you some clarification. Odds are everything is on track, but this will help you make sure.

  I expect to hear some good news from you this week. Please let us know what happens.

  Good luck, Nicole!

  Ronnie Ann

• 11 Ronnie Ann // Apr 19, 2008 at 10:59 pm

  Hi Anne!

  Don’t sweat the background check. It’s just policy to go through this. Usually they contract with a company that does it and it can take a while. Relax. If your background is clean of any convictions or nefarious deeds, you’ll be fine. Basically they look to see if you’ve been in prison or committed a crime and weren’t up front about it, or if you have heavy debt to the point of being in serious trouble, or anything else that might make you a risk as an employee. Small differences in dates (as long as we’re not talking about bogus jobs and degrees) are NOT deal breakers.

  You can relax now, Anne. Please take more of those deep breaths (in AND out). And let me know when you get the final official non-contingent offer.
  All the best to you in your new job!

  Ronnie Ann

• 12 Nicole // Apr 22, 2008 at 4:55 pm

  Hi Ronnie Ann,

  Thank you for your reply - an don’t worry about taking a few days to answer, it’s still much faster than waiting for a reply from this company, that’s for sure! My sister works for another company that is connected to the one that I interviewed with and said they are in the middle of a big proposal right now, and that I shouldn’t bother them as they’re really swamped. So, as much as it pains me to wait even longer…I’ve decided to hold out until Wednesday to email them.

  I also decided to do some of my own detective work and emailed the person who replaced me in one of my last jobs to see if the company had contacted them for a reference. She said that they had called when he wasn’t available and that she was sure he had returned their call last week. So, this information is very reassuring that they’ve contacted and gotten hold of two out of three (and possibly all three) references.

  I’ll keep you and the other posters notified of anything that happens. I’m trying to stay upbeat and positive here and hoping that they really are just busy. Thanks again for your advice, it really helps and it’s very much appreciated!

  One last question - do employers normally check more than one candidates references? I’m wondering if I’m the only one in the running or if it’s possible that there are others? I know it’s difficult to know, but any light you could shed on this question would be helpful.

  Nicole

• 13 Ronnie Ann // Apr 22, 2008 at 5:09 pm

  Hi Nicole!

  I love all your detective work. Nice going!

  Normally employers I’ve known just check references for the person they want to make an offer to, but I’m sure some places might check the top two in case they are unable to decide which they prefer. I’d like to tell you that the latter possibility is absolutely not the case here, but of course it’s possible and I wouldn’t want to mislead you. What you do know for sure is that they are very interested and you have a very good chance of getting an offer.

  Meanwhile, good luck finding things to keep your mind otherwise engaged. I really do know how tough this must be for you.

  Fingers still crossed. Adding eyes and legs. Hope to hear some good news soon.

  Ronnie Ann

• 14 Anne // Apr 23, 2008 at 7:47 pm

  Hi Ronnie Ann,

  I just got word today that everything checked out so I’m officially hired. Thanks so much for all of your support. What an emotional roller coaster interviewing is! I’m used to being on the hiring side and, while I never really enjoyed interviewing candidates, I think this whole process will help me be a better manager in the future.

  Thanks for everything.

  Anne

• 15 Ronnie Ann // Apr 23, 2008 at 8:27 pm

  Oh Anne! This is great news. I expected as much, but good to read the words. Thank you so much for letting us know. And I smile knowing that this whole process will make you a better manager AND hirer!
  All the best, Anne.

  Ronnie Ann

• 16 Nicole // Apr 25, 2008 at 5:05 pm

  Hi Ronnie Ann/others,

  I wanted to send an update and let you know that unfortunately I did not get the position. I received a phone call a few days ago from HR and she basically said that they could not offer me the job due to my references. I was completely shocked as I have always thought of myself to be an upstanding employee that works hard and is always dedicated to my employer. She was very polite and honest with me and said that it wasn’t necessarily a “bad reference” so to speak but that a few issues were raised and that they were looking for a “certain kind of employee with certain skills”. When I told her I was quite shocked upon hearing this she said that the panel was as well. I was extremely hurt and embarrased but thanked her for her honesty and their time as well as letting me know the outcome.

  As this was the opportunity of a lifetime for me I decided to give it my all and email her the next morning asking if she would like to speak to my current employer (I’m currently temping) to get a more accurate reference. I also offered to work for them for a month or so on a trial basis saying that I was confident in my skills and abilities. She replied and said that they had already moved on with the search and that I could certainly apply to other positions within the company.

  As hurt and upset as I was when this initially happened I’ve come to realize now that everything happens for a reason. What seems to have been the perfect position for me obviously wasn’t meant to be so I’ve moved on and am trying to keep a positive outlook. As they say, when one door closes another one opens and that is exactly what happened for me. I went to go for testing about two weeks ago for a company and they have emailed me requesting to conduct an interview. I’m going to meet with them on May 5th and am really excited about the opportunity.

  I’m going to take the reference off my list that I suspect to have given me a less than favorable review and replace it with my current manager. That brings me to a question that I’ve been wondering about for a while now. How many references should we be providing? Is two enough or is three preferable? Also, I’m wondering if I should contact that reference to see if I can get any insight into what was said. I don’t want to be vengeful or get upset, I’d just like to ensure that they were the culprit and remove them from my list.

  While this has been a very stressful and hurtful experience, I would say that I’ve learned a few things and if anything I’m better prepared for my next interview and will take that hurtful reference off my list. Thank you for all of your support and I’ll definitely keep everyone posted!

  ~Nicole

• 17 Ronnie Ann // Apr 25, 2008 at 10:15 pm

  Hi Nicole!

  I’m so sorry to read that you got turned down because of references. I know how disappointing that must have been. But I LOVE your attitude and the way you gave it your all. You did everything you could have. But at least they told you about the reference problem. Some companies DON’T share this information and people keep getting burned by something they’re totally unaware of.

  Even though I wish you would have gotten the job, you really lucked out by finding out the reason. And so smart to learn from this and use it to strengthen your game.

  Now to answer your questions. It’s best to have three good references, since that’s sort of a standard. If you only have two or look hesitant about offering the third, it’s a red flag and can hurt you. So be prepared to offer the best you have.

  As for calling the reference you think may have been the one that was less than glowing, this is a decision only you can make of course. It depends on the person, your relationship, and how you approach it. From what you’ve said, I assume you’d handle it well, especially if you are coming from a place of just wanting to know so you can learn from it - and so you can be prepared.

  But…and I say this to all who are reading, not just Nicole…sometimes we can be surprised by which reference was really the one that did us in. People can say things when giving references that they think are very supportive and for some reason turns out not to be so good in the eyes of the prospective employer. And that same person could be a fine reference for another job. It’s all so subjective.

  That said, it does pay to be as certain as possible of the person’s opinion of you AND their ability to just answer what was asked and not go on and on with stories that may trip you up. So selecting references is a critical part of the job hunt. And I want to thank you, Nicole, for sharing this with us because I think it will help others.

  Good luck with the new interview. I’m totally rooting for you, Nicole. Who knows? The job you do get may very well be a lot better than the one that got away. If they reacted as they did, they may not have been the right match for YOU!

  Good luck!

  Ronnie Ann

• 18 Mary // Apr 29, 2008 at 2:43 pm

  Hello,

  I applied for a great job about a month ago and had a phone interview soon after asking for my availability. I responded and then did not hear anything back so I called. HR said that the hiring managers know my availability and are trying to set an interview date but that they wanted someone in the next two weeks.

  It is a week until that deadline is to pass and I have left one more message but heard nothing, this is very hard especially since I would need to give my two weeks. So I sent a very short e-mail to the hiring manager reitertating my interest and availability. That was this past Friday and still no repsonse or communication.

  I have applied to other places and have interview coming up but just wonder if there was anything else for me to do regarding this one.

  Thoughts?

• 19 Ronnie Ann // Apr 29, 2008 at 2:55 pm

  Hi Mary!

  I know how hard this must be for you. You really have done all the right things so far and I wish there was some way I knew what was actually going on. believe me…I’d tell you in a second.
  At this point all you can do is wait. To give you some hope about squishy deadlines such as “they wanted someone in the next two weeks”…just because they want it, doesn’t mean they’ve been able to get everything lined up for the necessary interview process yet. While it’s true that they may have found someone already, it’s just as likely that they simply missed their preferred deadline and are still going to call. I understand about the 2-weeks notice and so do they, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

  If I were you, I’d hold off on any more contact and wait for them to get back to you. You’ve done well, but you don’t want to start to annoy them. Believe me…if the position is still open, they remember you!

  Meanwhile, good luck with your other interview. You never know when fate steps in to provide you with an even better opportunity!

  Good luck. Please keep us posted.

  Ronnie Ann

• 20 Darren // May 1, 2008 at 3:18 pm

  Hi!

  I’m currently stuck in the same waiting game and all of your advice about patience is exactly what I needed this afternoon - thanks so much!

  I unexpectedly had the opportunity to apply for my ideal job about six weeks ago - everything I like about my current job without most of what I don’t, ability to work from home, as much as 3 times the money, etc….Needless to say I want this job very badly.

  In the last six weeks I have been through the initial HR interview, an interview with my prospective boss, and at the beginning of this week was called out of town to the company headquarters for a third interview with the Vice President. I have felt enthusiastic and confident after every interview but the waiting times between have been nerve-racking!

  After the interview with the VP on Monday, I wisened up and specifically asked if I could follow up on a certain day. That day was today, I called and she was away sick - AAAARGH! The anticipation is still killing me, but at least I know nobody is ignoring me.

  If I can offer anyone advice, it would be that if you feel the interview went well, don’t be afraid to create your own next step and get your interviewer to commit to a mutually agreed-upon date that you can follow up, then reiterate in your thank-you letter that you will be calling on that date. Having that date fixed seems to really help take the edge off of the nervousness.

  Thanks again for the advice - sometimes it’s good to know there are others in the same boat.

• 21 Ronnie Ann // May 1, 2008 at 3:32 pm

  Hi Darren!

  Thanks for the GREAT advice. So nice of you to write and to share this with others. I love the idea of you helping to create the process. When I get a sec, I’d like to put this into a post all on its own. Please let me know if you want more credit than just “Darren”.

  Fingers, eyes and legs crossed for you. This sounds so hopeful and you’ve handled it sooo well. PLEASE let us know what happens!

  Ronnie Ann

• 22 Darren // May 2, 2008 at 10:50 am

  Hi again!

  Well, I finally made contact on my follow-up call, and received a refreshingly concise and honest response…..It is down to myself and 2 other candidates, those other two candidates are due in for interviews today, and everyone that I have met with so far needs to sit down next week and make a decision. It still seemed very positive and pleasant, and we did agree to a followup date of next Friday, but I have NO idea how on earth I’m going to hold out for another week - I’m driving my poor family crazy as it is!

  On the positive side, I’m very pleased that she was comfortable enough to be straightforward about the curcumstances, and the fact they wanted me in for an interview first thing on Monday while they’re bringing the other two in on Friday seems to indicate to me that I could be the frontrunner.

  This has got to be the most arduous lesson in patience I have ever had to learn. I guess all I can do it tough it out…..Now where’s that Magic 8-Ball? :o)

• 23 Ronnie Ann // May 2, 2008 at 12:47 pm

  Hi Darren!

  I also love that she was so upfront with you. Things look good. Oh man…now I’m sounding like a Magic 8 Ball!

  While there’s no guarantee of course, it does sound like you are someone they like a lot. Meanwhile, maybe see if you can do something to keep yourself occupied. Write a Pultizer-Prize-winning short story, start a 1000-piece jig saw puzzle, create a new blog, learn to bake your favorite dessert or cook your favorite meal, sign up for a one-day class, organize a softball/football/basketball/frisbie mini-tournament, rent 10 of your favorite movies - anything you can think of to divert your mind!!!

  I just want to tell you again how well I think you’ve handled all this. They will be lucky to get you. And of course, we want to know if they’re smart enough to make that offer.
  Good luck!

  Ronnie Ann

• 24 Suzanne // May 2, 2008 at 12:50 pm

  Darren,

  I appreciate you writing in, because it’s 3 weeks and counting for me, and this is also a dream job situation for me as well! Patience truly is a virtue.

  So then, it’s a good sign when you are scheduled first before the other candidates? In my initial phone interview, I was scheduled first out of 8 people, and in my second/face to face interview, I was scheduled first out of 2 people. Yep, it’s down to me and one other person, and I’m surprised I have any nerves left. I thought I killed them all with my anxiety!

  Good luck to you,
  Suzanne

• 25 Ronnie Ann // May 2, 2008 at 1:00 pm

  Hahahaha! Hi Suzanne. Just imagine how much money we could make if we could bottle all that energy!

  Although I have to tell you that first or second doesn’t always mean something, at times it might be a hint that you were first on their mind. But if anyone reading this isn’t first….believe me, I’ve hired plenty of people who were anywhere in the mix - even last.

  Just you and one other person? Yes! Go git ‘em! Just be yourself and, in your mind’s eye, see them making the offer.

  I wish you much luck!!

  Ronnie Ann

• 26 phoenix // May 15, 2008 at 6:28 am

  I am feeling irritated, frustrated..blah blah blah..so hear me out…I am on the verge of quitting my current job (trouble with the salary) and am looking out for better opportunities. I went for an interview on the 3rd of this month. The interview was great, and the manager was pretty pleased with me. I was asked to come back again on 6th for a written test and was told that they will get in touch with me on friday. The HR gal called me on friday to ask for some additional information. I emailed the information to her friday morning and called her monday morning to confirm the reciept of the same. She was very happy and sweet and said she will call back by day end or next day morning. When I didnt hear from her till Tuesday evening i sent her a mail asking if a desciion has been reached. She replied with a we will get back to you by the weekened.. now what does that mean? i never had such a situation before so am confused..what should I do next? This a perfect job for me and i know i fit in perfectly..

• 27 Ronnie Ann // May 15, 2008 at 11:50 am

  Hi Phoenix!

  First let me say how sorry I am that your current job isn’t giving you what you deserve. Glad you were able to find another job you really want and that so far you seem to be doing well in the interview process - except of course for the frustration, which I totally understand.

  So glad you wrote to share this with us. Let’s see if I can help a little.

  The fact that they’ve been good about the communication up to now (compared to many stories I hear) and are asking you to wait without telling you anything specific, means you are most likely still very much in the running. There could be one candidate ahead of you who they’ve made an offer to and are waiting to hear back from; but it could also be as simple as they have another person or two they are still interviewing or waiting for test results from, or even that someone essential to the process is out of town or unavailable, These things are not uncommon, although it doesn’t make it any less annoying.

  At this point, all you can do is reply politely to her last e-mail thanking her for her response and letting her know you are still very interested, look forward to hearing from her, etc. (I assume you did that already.) And then you just wait. They will most likely get back to you within the next week or so. These things take time for reasons we never get to know!

  Good luck, Phoenix. I hope this comes through for you. Please let us know what happens!

  Ronnie Ann

• 28 phoenix // May 16, 2008 at 6:34 am

  Hi and thanks..

  well i didnt get the job.. feeling pretty darned upset about it…but the HR was good and informed me about it in good time…. well can tell u how insecure i am feeling :(..this is the first time i have been rejcted in a job interview..guess i needed it.. sigh!!!

• 29 Ronnie Ann // May 16, 2008 at 12:24 pm

  Hi Phoenix!

  Awww! I’m so sorry you didn’t get it. At least, unlike many companies, they let you know. Not much consolation, I know - but you aren’t in limbo any more.

  As for your first interview rejection…it’s actually a good thing to have that under your belt. From day one, I was good at interviewing and have gotten many exciting jobs in my lifetime. But I also got rejected. So what? A talented person like your who is good at follow-through and clearly interviews well, will get plenty of job offers. And seriously…if they didn’t think you were right for them, then they are NOT right for you. So it probably saved you a painful experience. (Other than the rejection, of course.)

  Right out of grad school I interviewed with the Senior Vice President of a major New York bank. He asked me if I’d ever failed at anything. Cocky young thing that I was, I smiled and said “Not that I can think of.” And he told me “Too bad. It’s how we learn and grow. People who never experience failure have never risked enough.”

  So congratulations on going for what you wanted and let this be the thing that spurs you on to get what you really want. That’s the real key to success. It’s not about any one job…it’s about how you handle each step of the journey.

  I wish you much luck, Phoenix. I mean…look at what you call yourself. No stinkin’ rejection can keep you down!

  Ronnie Ann

• 30 Ann // Jun 13, 2008 at 4:35 pm

  Hi Ronnie Ann,
  I have a similar problem, with its own interesting twist. Like many of the previous posters, I have had multiple interviews (3!) with an employer that I would love to work for. After the 3rd interview, which was on a Tuesday, they told me that the hiring committee would be getting together to make a decision that Thursday. I felt like everything went very well. Well, on that Thursday morning, the head manager of the company passed away suddenly! Understandably, the committee decided not to meet that day, but let me know, through my recruiter, that they would meet the following Thursday. Well that was 3 weeks ago and they haven’t met yet. My recruiter doesn’t want to be too pushy under the circumstances, and doesn’t want to make me seem to desperate (which I feel I am!), but I need to know! I am considering writing a note directly to the hiring manager myself just reiterating my interest in the position. Do you think that is too pushy under the circumstances? I know they are probably in turmoil since the head manager is gone and they have to pick up the pieces. Also, since I have been dealing with them through a recruiter, is it wrong for me to now contact them directly? After the interviews I did send each person a thank you note directly, but this seems different somehow. Any thoughts? Thanks so much.
  Ann

• 31 Ronnie Ann // Jun 13, 2008 at 5:14 pm

  Hi Ann!

  First let me say how sorry I am for these sad circumstances - and for the uncomfortable situation this puts you in.

  I’m glad you wrote. Because you don’t know all the details and because the recruiter has a relationship with the company, in this case I don’t think you should try to go around it. The thank you notes were one thing, but this is stepping into areas that might actually hurt you if for any reason you offend someone - including your recruiter.

  It would be perfectly fine to contact your recruiter and ask if a short note would be ok. Something very simple expressing that you’re sorry for what they’re going through and that you just want them to know you remain interested whenever they are ready to continue. But again…not without your recruiter’s knowledge and OK. S/he wants you hired almost as much as you do.

  Please try to be patient if your recruiter asks you to just hold off and let her/him handle it. I can think of many reasons why your attempt to push yourself along might not sit well. With the death of someone in that position, many things are being looked at right now. Your candidacy , while so critical to you, is just one thing.

  If you are in a tough situation, I wish you luck getting through it. And I do hope you’ll hear from the company as soon as they can get back to business under these sad circumstances that may even be causing shifts in the organization.

  Although I wish I had more to offer, patience and positive thinking are your best allies right now. I wish you much luck, Ann!

  Ronnie Ann

• 32 Ray // Jul 23, 2008 at 2:08 pm

  I had an interview with a company regarding their inside sales position. Interview went very well. The President of the company was ready to make me an offer right after the interview but the Dir of Ops said they had to discuss the package. This is a new position for them. I sent the follow up, thank you letter to the three people that was in the interview. The Dir of Ops responded back and said they wanted some time to put together their offer and will get back to me by early week. Its mid week. Do I sit back with them or do I put in a call to follow up? Also, if they ask me again what type of salary I am looking for, how do I know not to price myself out of their range? Thank you for your response.

• 33 Ronnie Ann // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:53 am

  Hi Ray!

  If the interview went as well as it seems to have gone, they haven’t forgotten you.

  Wait until next week before calling. These background process things take time. You’ve done all you can at the moment.

  As for salary…it sounds like they’re coming up with a package that will include a salary offer. But if you go to salary.com, you can see in general what you’re worth in this market. It will help you negotiate. Remember of course, that other elements of a package can balance out a lower offer, or vice versa.

  Good luck. Please let us know what happens!

  Ronnie Ann

• 34 Marissa // Aug 13, 2008 at 12:04 pm

  First off, all your advice to others has really helped Here’s my story…

  So I had 2 phone interviews with a really great out of town company…the 1st one was with the HR manager the 2nd was with the guy who would actually be my boss…one day later the HR manager contacted me and said they would like me to come in for an in-person interview. Prior to the interview I filled out papers allowing them to conduct a background check that I turned in the day of my interview. I traveled there last Thursday and met with 4 different people. They went over benefits, salary, (one even started looking up apartments for me to live in!). The 3rd guy I met said “I usually don’t send people I interview to the 4th guy I met unless I really like them”. It went so well with all 4 of the staff members I talked to. The guy who would be my boss showed me around the whole company and even where I would be sitting to work if I got the job!They also told me they never consider out of state applicants but that they were really impressed with my skills and experience. The day after I sent thank you emails to all of the people I interviewd with.
  Needless to say, I have yet to hear from them since Thursday the 7th. The HR Manager does’t work on fridays or wednesdays…but I thought she would at least contact me Mon or Tues considering she is out of office Wed. Do you think I should have heard something by now or am I being too impatient? How long does a typical background check take?
  Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!

• 35 Ronnie Ann // Aug 13, 2008 at 11:07 pm

  Oh Marissa! This sounds like it went REALLY well. I’m excited for you. Of course, there are no guarantees until you have the offer in hand.

  I can totally understand your impatience, but these things take a while - even when they like you. Background checks can sometimes take a week or more, and then there are internal processes to go through and various people who have to sign off on things like title, salary, etc.

  So please let yourself breathe (in and out) and just wait it out. You should probably hear by the end of next week, but if not a polite call or e-mail is perfectly fine. In the meantime, find ways to keep your mind busy - a great book, rent a bunch of movies, do a hard jig-saw puzzle, take up knitting, solve the energy crisis, etc.

  Hope to hear some good news soon from you. Please let us know what happens! Good luck!!

  Ronnie Ann

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