After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?

Dear Work Coach,

I just found your blog and absolutely love it! You have a lot of great information and advice on your site. I have a question for you I am sure you get all of the time but I’m at a loss on what to do at this point.

I had an interview last Tuesday (18th) that I thought went really well. It lasted an hour and a half (someone had to knock on the hiring manager’s door to stop the interview for her next appointment). I really like the hiring manager and she seemed to like me. She said she was down to 5 candidates that she wanted to have interviewed by the end of last week. She said she has been doing this a long time and I am definitely on the top of her list. The only concern she had was that I might be overqualified for the position but she wasn’t sure. She mentioned that could be to her advantage as I would be able to help her execute some strategic programs she wants to implement. She said she wanted to have me come back next week (which is this week) for 30 – 45 minutes to get a feel for the position, kind of a “day in the life of” this management position. She also said that the next step after that would to bring the top 2 candidates back for an interview with her team.

I followed up with an email thank you letter the next day, reiterating my enthusiasm for the position and why I think it would be challenging given the region and the change in industry.

I never heard back from her, no response to my emails. Late Monday afternoon I left her a message on her voice mail. I wasn’t pushy, just said that I wanted to follow-up with her to discuss setting up a time to come back (like we discussed). That was 2 days ago and I still haven’t heard anything. It seems really odd to me. Do you have any thoughts or advice?

Thanks,
Anne

***

Hi Anne!

Thanks for the kind words. And even though I get lots of question about interviews, each one has its own interesting twist. Like yours.

It really does sound like you have done everything well. Great interview. Good follow up. Able to field the “too qualified” comment with a good comeback. Although I wish I had a way of figuring out what they are thinking, truth is…it could be lots of things. Maybe she or someone else critical to the process is sick. Maybe an emergency came up. Maybe they haven’t been able to finish the five interviews yet. Maybe they found someone they made an offer to despite what was said – if a perfect fit walked in the door after she met with you, it just could have changed their plans. Maybe they just can’t get past all your experience despite how well you handled your answer – niggling doubts sometimes grow when fed by the input of others. But maybe it is as simple as they just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

It’s only been a week and time feels very different on the employer end. (It’s like dog years!)  I like that you are an action person looking to help yourself, but at this point you really have done all you can and now it’s time to just wait. I know it’s hard – and I’m sorry about that. Do what you can to keep busy with other things. If it’s the right job, you will get it. If not, then you might very well have lucked out for reasons you will never know!

I wish you much luck, Anne. Please let us know what happens.

Ronnie Ann

Related Work Coach Cafe posts

Stuck in the Waiting Game After 2nd Interview

I Got the Post Interview Temporary OCD Blues

12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview ***

Comments

  1. Chandlee,

    Just want to say I love your site and the work you do here.

    Here is my situation. I applied for a call center customer service positionwith a student loan company. I was invited in for an interview on June 14. There was 8 of us in a group information session, after which we each had 1 on 1 interviews with a team leader. My interviewer really seemed to like me. After the interview, there were only 3 of us left and we then had to take an analytical test and I know one of us only got to question 13 before time ran out, but I finished all 29 questions and felt as though I did exceptionally well. My interviewer told me I would be called on Monday for a phone interview that would be “not as intense” as the in person one. At this point I felt very good about my chances.

    I was never given a time to expect the call, and when it came I was in the midst of changing a flat tire. I attempted to call back, but got voicemail and left a message. The next day, Tuesday, I waited until about 2pm for a call but when it did not come, I called myself. The conversation was brief, she asked for my customer service experience and why I wanted to work for the company. I feel like I answered these well, and she told me they had a few more people to interview, and they would be in contact in a few days.

    Friday has come and gone and now I am worried that I havent heard anything. When would be the best time to follow up with a phone call? Since we spoke on the phone, I had no email address to send a thank you letter to. Did I blow my chances by missing her initial call?

    Also, training classes begin on July 9, am I wrong in thinking this means more than one person will be hired? I think a class would consist of numerous new hires? After not receiving a call today, I have been over analyzing this all in my head and driving myself crazy.

    I know you cant speak for this specific employer, but do you have any guesses as to my prospects? When to follow up? Does this all seem normal? I just think that with training starting July 9th, that things should maybe move a lot quicker, especially going by how fast the first few steps of the process went.i have been out of work for a month and badly want this specific job as well as income, but do not wanna appear desperate.

    any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks!

    • chandlee says:

      Hi Steve,

      What a pain! So sorry you missed the initial call and that they did not follow up appropriately. Follow up again with a thank you note and reiterate your interest in the position.

      It does sound like they are likely hiring multiple people so that is good news, I wouldn’t assume you are out of the running.

      In the interim, I recommend you continue to apply also for other positions as well. The challenge is that often when a hiring manager finds a couple of people who could do the job, they stop considering the other candidates as seriously. Not fun, not fair. But maybe what happened here.
      Keep me posted and good luck!
      Chandlee

      • Thanks! My issue with a follow up email is that I have no email address to send a thank you letter to. Should I follow up with a call on Tuesday? That will be officially a week since I spoke with her?

        • chandlee says:

          Steve,

          Sounds fine, but you may even want to give it 10 days — it can take a long time inside an organization.

          All the Best,
          Chandlee

  2. Hi Chandlee,

    Recently I have received an email asking what my salary requirement is for a position I have applied but not interview for. I answered with a high number for that type of position and I received a response asking what my lowest number is. I gave him a number that is the average salary for that type of position. I haven’t heard anything back from him but it has only been a little more than a week. So I have a few questions:

    1. Did I shoot myself in the foot by giving him a low number that is a little more than $10,000 different from my high number?

    2. How should I approach this question the next time?

    3. How long should I wait before contacting him to see if I am still in the running? If he said I am not, what can I say to get some feedback as to why.

    Thanks in advance for your help!

    • chandlee says:

      Hi Po,

      I typically avoid providing salary information over email. Ideally, you don’t want to provide a range that will screen you out for the position. But, if asked and you don’t provide information — you are also seen as being evasive which is not desirable, either.

      My recommendation for you would be to follow-up next week and ask to have a conversation with him. Lead with your continued interest in the position — not the salary discussion. If it turns to salary expectations, let him know the rationale for your average.

      I am less concerned with the $10,000 difference in salary as it lets them know you could be flexible. This should not rule you out for the position. Keep us posted.

      Good luck,
      Chandlee

  3. hi, its me again.
    i have posted a comment before regarding about my application for customer care consultant position.
    From the date i posted until now i haven’t received any calls from this communication company.

    But I’m still happy, last week I got a call from local bank (National Saving Bank) for teller position. And today was actually my first day working :)

    Actually I did apply for teller position, even before i give a try for CCC position, am afraid, if i didn’t get any call from the bank, then maybe i should give a try for other position.
    And I didn’t expect i got the job too, because it took like a month before they call me for sign offer letter.

    And you were right chandlee, maybe I have to wait for some quite time, before the company give a call.

    Anyway, many thanks from me for guidelines and tips you prepare here.
    Its help me a lot.

    Warmest regard from Malaysia,
    Izy

    • chandlee says:

      Izy,

      Thanks for checking in with us and congratulations on your new job. I hope that you enjoy your new role and that it goes great for you. Please keep us posted and let us know how we can help in the future.

      All the Best,
      Chandlee

  4. I have enjoyed reading you articles and discussions on this job searching adventure. It is really encouraging to know there people who share in my struggle. I would like your opinon on my situation. I had interviewed almost two Thursdays ago for an HR Assistant position. As far as I could tell the interview went very well. I interviewed with three people and one of them said I had an impressive background believes I would be a delightful person to work with. The fact that I received a compliment like that during an interview (which is rare in my case) made me feel like the job was mine. Also all the people I interviewed with were very upbeat with me and seemed to enjoy the answers I gave them. Unfortunately, I left or lost their business cards and was freaking out because I wanted to send ‘thank you’ notes. Thankfully my recruiter gave me the email address to the firm administrator and I was able to submit a thank-you email. I thanked her for inviting to interview, stated that I was excited about the possibility of joining their firm, briefly reiterated my skills in relation to some essential points she made during the interview, and stated I was looking forward to hearing back from them soon.

    The next day my recruiter emailed me and said this “I hope to have fabulous news for you soon!”. I assumed that meant a job offer was in the works. I did not hear back from her that Friday. I contacted her on the following Tuesday for an update and she stated that they are interviewing recent graduates. Also the firm administrator requested that she stay in contact with me and keep her posted on my status. My recruiter hoped they would have decision by Friday. Now it’s Tuesday and I haven’t heard a thing from my recruiter or the firm administrator. Yesterday I sent a brief email to the firm administrator requesting an update. I had offered to give her additional information in order to assist with their decision if needed. No response. Today I emailed my recruiter about searching for other prospects. She is usually prompt with her responses, however, I received none from her either.

    Yesterday I started to feel like I was no longer under consideration. This is my 6th interview so far. I believe that if they truly wanted to me I would have been called with an offer immediately. I am very discouraged because I thought I was in line for this position. Also it seems like I was falsely led to believe I had good chance. Maybe I did, but after being rejected so many times it has caused me to question my skills. What do you think about this situation? Should I hold my breath or move on?

    • chandlee says:

      Hi Alice,

      Hiring always takes longer than we think it may — especially in the summer and when people are on holiday.

      I recommend you “stand by” for another seven days before writing off the position, and apply for other jobs in the interim.

      Don’t give up, something good will come your way.

      Best,
      Chandlee

  5. I finished my 2nd round on site interview 5 weeks ago. The first time follow up with HR and HM was two weeks after the interview. The HR manager told me I am still an active candidate and they would update me 3 weeks later. After 3 weeks, I followed up again, they told me I am INDEED an ACTIVE candidate and want me to be patient.
    I am currently working now, but really like this job I interviewed. Should I just wait or followup again sometime soon? Looks like I am not selected or as a Backup for other candidate…
    Comments or suggestions please…Thanks!

  6. Howdy–

    Well, I find these stories encouraging and therapeutic. This is like the AA for job seekers! Thank you.

    This is my story:

    I’ll be graduating soon, so since April I have been posting my résumé around and applying for jobs here and there. In early May I got an email from an employee at a consultant firm that I hadn’t heard about. He said he got ahold of my résumé, showed it to his boss, and decided to invite me to apply for an entry-level position. I was thrilled. I went online and applied. Days later they called me in for an interview.

    The interview went well. I met with six people separately and I though I hit it off with them. They told me I was qualified, and they said things like “when you work here, you’ll see.” I really really liked the company and the work I would be doing. They said they’d let me know within two weeks. I felt really good about the interview and was positive they’d call me back soon. The next day I emailed the six people I met with and thanked them for the opportunity to interview with them.

    A week went by and I didn’t hear anything back. I experienced the OCD you mention in your website. I emailed the HR representative and politely followed up. They responded that day and told me that they were looking at their current work load and “determining their staffing needs” and that they’d let me know in “a couple of weeks.”

    Another week went by and I started to assume I did not get the job. I followed with the manager this time, and he responded the same thing HR had said the previous week: “we are determining staffing needs; we’ll let you know in a couple of weeks.”

    Yesterday was four weeks since I interviewed, so I–for the third time in 4 weeks–followed up with once of the individuals that had interviewed me. He said he’d check with HR and let me know.

    My question is: Did I blow it by having followed pretty much weekly for the last four weeks? ALSO: what does “determining staffing needs mean”? I see their website and it features open entry-level positions like the one I applied to. Any thoughts?

    Dave

    • chandlee says:

      Hi Dave,

      I don’t think you’ve blown it by frequent follow-up. I would let it go at this point.

      Companies regularly revisit their hiring needs as they are in the process of hiring. If you think about this, it makes sense — employers can only hire when they have the business to support that hire. Sometimes companies have an up or down month as they hire, and this leads them to discuss it while they are hiring. Often they do this so they won’t hire in haste and lay off shortly thereafter. It’s challenging when employers take so long, but it’s better in the long run when they can hire with intention.

      Good luck and keep us posted.

      All the Best,
      Chandlee

      • Thanks for the advice.
        I have a contact in the company and since I have pretty much given up on getting the job, I emailed him today (July 10) to see if he had heard anything.
        He hasn’t responded.
        I’ll keep you posted.

        • chandlee says:

          Hi Dave,

          Please do keep us posted and good luck — recommend you keep applying in the interim.

          All the Best,
          Chandlee

  7. I enjoy this site and reading people’s stories about their experiences on job interviews. I recently had a job interview in two parts. I met first with the HR manager, in which she discussed salary, benefits and a brief overview of the position I was applying for. After that, I had a meeting with the hiring manager, who gave me a tour of the workplace and described what I would be doing. I thought the interview went well. She told me that there was two positions open, and that she would let me know the following friday (about 9 days after my interview). I sent both interviewers thank you letters expressing my interest, and now just playing the waiting game. It is very nerve-racking. Jobs that I have qualifications for are very slim where I live. I need this job!!

    • chandlee says:

      Matt,

      Good luck and keep us posted. I hope it goes well. If jobs are slim in your area, another tactic you may try as you wait is getting to know people affiliated with your local Chamber of Commerce (you can find out by attending meetings). They often hear of new openings first! Keep applying for opportunities until you have an accepted offer in hand — it’s always good to have as many options as possible.

      All the Best,
      Chandlee

  8. Hello,
    I have to say that i love your site you are helping out people like us. I have a scenario kind of similar to the others. About three weeks ago i interviewed for a position and i got a call from the companies recruiter asking me question about my skills. I thought i blow it because i was some where i couldn’t talk. A few days later i received a call from another person wanting to schedule a phone interview with me. When he called the interview went really well and ended up already trying to schedule a date for an in person interview with the Director of the department. As the phone interview went on, the person/hiring manager was telling me all about the department and what they do. He said we need you immediately and when would I be able to start. He went on and said we should schedule this interview as soon as possible. I got the sense that it went well which it did. Two days later he calls back to schedule that interview for last week Tuesday. The first thing when i was introduced to the director she said David i have heard a lot of good things about you. The interview was not a normal interview but they were just telling me what i will be doing and what systems i will be working on. They also went on to elaborate the issues that they are having and we would be working close together and things like that. I believed that at the end of the conversation i would get an offer. But than she said we will let you know on a week or two. I asked if there were any other candidates and she honestly said that i was the last one and i have impressed them very much compared to the rest. After the interview i sent her a thank yo letter for the interview.
    Some few days went by and i called the hiring manager to see what has been going on and if there has been any word he said that they have been so busy and that the director is always busy with meetings. I understood and I was like its fine no pressure. He said that he had a meeting with her that day and would speak to her about it and will call me back before the day ends but he never did. He said that after i left the day of the interview they spoke highly about me for a bit about my resume and how impressed they were and that i would be a good fit. Now a week and a couple of days have passed and i called the director and spoke to her but it, it was like a 46 second conversation (Didn’t like it at all) She said that they are now reviewing the applications and that was all. It was a different tone than when i went to see her. I guess she was in a rush or something else i don’t know. After a few hours i went on the site and saw that the job posting was taken down. Starting to feel more pressure now. even though they told me at the interview that they have to take down the job posting. It just went off yesterday. Now i am here hoping and praying to hear something from them today.
    My question is what is going on? and also is it a bad sign how the director picked up the phone and didn’t sound to nice on the phone mean anything? And also what can i do at this moment now? Please share your knowledge and advice with me.
    Thank you,
    David

    • chandlee says:

      David,

      First and foremost, I want you to go out and do something to take your mind off this particular job. There are things we can control and things we can’t — and this is one of the things we can’t!
      So keep applying for other opportunities as you wait to hear back from the company.

      When you are an employer and when you are between looking at resumes and making final decisions on an offer, you can’t say much to candidates. Many companies advise employees to say nothing at all until a decision is rendered. This can take weeks because there is almost always an approval process that takes place inside the company — HR has to sign off, chief executives have to sign off, a letter has to be written. It is complicated — and often has nothing to do with the applicant.

      This is likely why you got the communication you did.

      Don’t be discouraged. Keep going. One step in front of the other — and each one is pushing you further to a yes from somewhere.

      Keep us posted and all the best,
      Chandlee

      • Well i heard back from the Director she just invited me for another interview this week. She says its with the management team of the department, i really don’t know what to expect now and why i need to go for another interview process. Can you help me put why is this case

        • chandlee says:

          David,

          A hiring decision is a big and expensive one — over $15,000 at minimum for most companies. So I would argue it’s good to have multiple interviews — because you can further evaluate the employer the they can evaluate you. From my experience, it’s all to easy to jump at a job offer even if it’s not the right job — I see people do this all the time. Many people who do this end up unhappy, you taking a fresh look at what you want to do may help you.

          Good luck, Chandlee

          • I took the first job that was offered to me and it was a big mistake! I agree with you that it is best to have multiple interviews. Of course, in this job market it’s hard to get multiple interviews. But, I’ve learned now to ask a lot of questions and from now on I’m going to be more selective.

          • chandlee says:

            Hi Lane,

            Looks like we’re on the same page. One of the best things you can do to make sure you land in an optimal position is to assess how you work — how do you approach problems? Want to interact with people on the job? What’s your preferred pace of work: Do you like to know what to expect or enjoy something different everyday? What’s your ideal supervisor?

            Outline these factors, and you may find it easier to articulate how you work — and clarify how to spot the right employer. Good luck!

            All the Best,
            Chandlee

  9. Theresa says:

    Hi,

    I stumbled across this website and found a lot of your information really helpful so far! I, too, have a little bit of a situation and would appreciate an outside opinion. I had an interview for a job about 10 hours away from my home (a location I would ultimately like to end up in) last Friday (the 20th). When I inquired about the time frame for the rest of the process I was told that I would receive a follow-up call “soon” to schedule another interview the next week. It’s Wednesday of this “next week” and I still have not heard. I had to travel back home (long drive!) because a relative is in the hospital but am still very much interested in this position (meaning I would be willing to make the 10 hour drive again). My question is: is it okay to follow-up now? I need some time to get back out there to make the second interview….meanwhile – I received a different phone call today from a possible employer and opportunity I thought was long gone. I submitted the application back in February, was told I could not follow-up because of the high volume of applications received, never heard back, and assumed that it was out of the picture. Today, though, one of the HR managers called me and left a message asking if I am still interested in opportunities. I don’t want to turn him down at this point, but it is a less ideal location and I still really want to hear about how my first interview went. Is it okay to wait a day or two to call him back? Thanks so much for any help you can give!

    • Theresa says:

      Just a little something I forgot to mention – I sent all of my interviewers a thank you note immediately after our meeting so I did follow-up in that respect!

    • chandlee says:

      Theresa,

      While it may sound like overkill, I recommend you go ahead and speak with the HR Manager and learn more about the other position. When we apply for a job, all we have to go on is our personal experience as a candidate — we don’t see all of the other candidates who have applied: It is a bit like a black hole in that respect, because all we can see is us. There are many additional factors at play behind the curtains.

      So I recommend that you follow-up and look closely at the other position as well. Listen to them, see what they have to say. If you end up with two offers you will be in a much better bargaining position. And if company #1 delays and asks you to show up the following day, you may want to ask about a plane ticket and/or travel reimbursement in general — unless the position is entry-level or one that they would not have trouble finding local applicants for.

      Good luck,
      Chandlee

  10. Hello Guys,

    What do you do when you realise that after a perfect final interview you were not offered the job?

    I am so sad.

    • chandlee says:

      Daniel,

      I recommend following up and thanking the employer for their consideration. Let them know you’d be interested in future opportunities even though you were turned down now. True story — I once got hired a year after I came in second for a job. You never know.

      Good luck,
      Chandlee

  11. Hello all,

    this is such a great forum, especially for discussing this really frustrating aspect – interviews and the waiting process.

    here is my situation and i need your advice;

    After the prelim screening phone interview with the HR rep, I had a first interview with this company (the hiring manager) at the end of may – it went really well ( i sent a thank you email afterwards, got no response – which is OK, i guess).

    I was then called for 2nd & 3rd (final) interviews which happened same day, 1st week of June ( I sent a thank you note to the 3rd interviewer, i didn’t have details for the 2nd) and then it went quiet…

    On June 19, i contact the HR rep, to find out the status of things, she replied saying that I was still being considered and that, she will get back to me at the end of the following week..

    It’s been silence ever since from their end…. 2 weeks after, I emailed the HR rep again and got no response. A week after that, i emailed the hiring manager and got no response and just last week, i emailed the HR rep again – i just wanted some closure.

    SO basically, since June 19th 2012, i haven’t heard from this company, as its the end of July today, I am assuming it’s time to close my mind to that job… A friend who works there says i should call the HR but i feel after 2 emails, i can’t be asked…. I just wish she’d gotten back to me as she’d said she would- not knowing what to think is so frustrating.

    What do you think?

    • chandlee says:

      Tilly,

      Move on, start looking at other opportunities, and if you get an offer from the company – it will be a pleasant surprise. It may be frustrating for you, but it happens to people all the time.

      Good luck and all the best,
      Chandlee

  12. Thank you, Chandlee. Moving on swiftly, I shall indeed….

    All the very best to you too.

    Tilly

  13. Hi, I have come across this site and love it!
    I attended an interview on Friday for an administration role. I felt the interview went well and i was told i would hear by Tuesday or Wednesday this week. Its now Thursday and i have heard nothing. How long should i leave it until contacting the company?

    • Hi Jen,

      I recommend waiting until Monday and following up then. Hiring always takes longer than anticipated — there are typically a number of checks and balances inside companies to get an offer letter out.

      Good luck and all the best,
      Chandlee

  14. Catherine says:

    Hi guys,

    I was recently let go from a job several weeks ago and I heard through friends that a firm was looking for a new assistant. They had not actively searched and had interviewed people they had heard about through word of mouth. They had looked several months ago and they were not impressed with anyone they had interviewed. I emailed the firm my resume three weeks ago and mailed a letter as well. They informed two people who recommended me for the position that they were going to call me for an interview. Theyve said this twice over two weeks. I followed up with an email earlier this week but I feel like I’m out of options and have to wait. Anything else I can do? Should I stop by in person? I don’t want to nag. They are a small firm and I know they are busy but I would really like this job because of the field of law and it’s a small two attorney firm.

    • Hi Catherine,

      I’d give them some space on this. Lawyers can get very involved in projects and just not have time right now.

      If you stop by to see them, it could feel like pressure or stalking and be received very negatively. Or, it could demonstrate your interest and be viewed positively. Without knowing the personalities it’s very hard to tell.

      See if your friends can give you a reading on how this might be received by them.

      The whole hiring process usually takes longer than any job seeker (without an income) wants. On the “other side of the desk” the pressure to keep performing well in their job or business is the highest priority.

      Good luck!
      Susan

  15. Hi, my problem is that yesterday I had an interview and it was pretty informal and I could tell there were not many candidates, near the end of the interview he asked me “I really like your anwers, if I give you a chance will u let me down?” and I said no I will try my hardest to meet your expectations. So then he said I do not usually hire on the spot, give me a couple hours to think about it and I will give you a call. My interview ended at 5 and the office closed at the same time. I have been waiting all day but I did not get a call today. Could this mean he changed his mind ?

    • chandlee says:

      Kiran,

      It sounds like your interviewer is very interested in hiring you. The challenge that sometimes happens is that paperwork doesn’t move — and internal hiring processes to approve an offer — don’t move as fast as hiring managers want them too. I’d give it at least five business days before I start to assume they aren’t interested.

      In the interim, write a thank you note if you have not done so already.

      Good luck and all the best,
      Chandlee

  16. This website has been very helpful. Thanks!! :)

    I have a question. I had a phone interview last week with a talent agency for a new account/client.They just recently lost the old account that I was on last year. I already knew the interviewers, as I’ve done work for them already, and they already know my personality and work ethic. In fact, they already sent me the schedule in advance of the interview.

    I’m not really sure how to judge the interview on their end, but I thought it went ok. I was told I’d get a reponse last Friday or this past Monday. Haven’t heard anything back and I’m pretty worried. Help!

    • chandlee says:

      Greg,

      The hiring process almost always takes longer on the inside of a company due to approval processes. I’d give it a couple more days — and if you haven’t sent a thank you note already, do it now and reiterate your interest in the position.

      All the Best and good luck,
      Chandlee

  17. Hi Chandlee,

    This site has been very helpful and Love it. Thanks much!!!

    I have a questiion. I had an interview on July 23rd with a person who I used to work with and she was very excited to see that after 10 years I have accomplished a lot of things. Almost all the job requirements and criteria they are looking for are all covered. Interview went really well with other 2 directors of the company, too. I sent a thank you email afterwards, got no response – which is OK, I guess. There were 8 more applicants and they told me that they will make a decision after 2 weeks.

    On August 6, I contact one of them via email to find out the status of things, she replied saying “The interview process has taken longer than anticipated. We probably will not make any decisions until next week.” It’s been silence ever since from their end…. 2 weeks after by tomorrow. I just wanted some closure and not knowing what to think is so frustrating.

    For the meantime, I have been applying but no luck as of yet. Thanks for the advise in advance.

    What do you think?

    • Hi Michaela,

      I recommend calling your former colleague at the end of next week to touch base…Don’t leave a voice or email message. Try to reach her directly.

      If you don’t get the job, don’t take it personally. It’s almost always a decision made for factors beyond your control.

      All the very best,
      Chandlee

  18. Hi Chandlee,
    I’m a recent High School Graduate looking for a part time job as a VPK Teaching Assistant. I am currently pursuing a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in English lit, and although I do not have direct experience with teaching, I’ve had a lot of volunteer experiences and was a tutor for disability students at my University.
    I applied to an early childcare facility that has a after school program online, they called and asked me to do an assessment form and send in my resume via email – after that was done, they called in for an informal interview with a staff member (not the director) and they had me fill out my reference contacts and personal information.
    Throughout the interview, the staff member spoke to me about the kind of training I’d be doing and asked me about the age group I’d like to be teaching. I thought the interview went well, and they had liked me. Afterwards, the staff member said that she would check with my references and then have the director call me for a more formal interview.
    Almost two weeks went by and no one had called. I called them my self to ask about the status of my application and they said they were “still reviewing my references”, and that they’d call me back by the end of the week. No one called, and a week has passed since that call. I called again today and got a hold of the director herself. She said she remembered the staff member speaking to her about the position and that she would speak to her again and call back by the afternoon. She even took down my name and phone number herself. I still have not gotten a call back from the school.

    I was wondering if there are any words of advice regarding situations like these. Although this back and forth has been very frustrating for me, I am trying to keep my options open and am applying other schools as well. Is there anything I can do to ensure that I will be more successful next time?

    Thank you so much for the help in advance,
    Cece

    • CeCe,

      Often the simple act of following up cannot influence the outcome of our applications — even if we wish that it would! I wish you all the best of luck with your job search overall, it’s possible that they haven’t filled the job yet.

      Good luck and all the best,
      Chandlee

      • I am extremely happy to say that within hours of posting my comment, I heard from the Director of the school herself, and was asked to come in for training.

        Thank you for the kind words, nevertheless :)

  19. I just have a question. I went to an interview with two managers. The first interview with was with one Manager and it went very well so they told me to wait and landed me a second interview. The second manager came in and asked few questions and then stated that they will make a decision by the end of the week. I went to the interview on Wednesday and today is Friday. Also, the hr recruiter called me the day after and stated that they will give me an assessment test in which I took. How long should I wait to give them a call back.

    • Hi Naushad,

      Send a thank you note to let them know of your continued interest in the position instead of calling them. Make sure your thank you note uses good language and has no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

      All the Best,
      Chandlee

  20. I had a first round interview with a company two weeks back, the interview went well, said I would hear back the following week on the next round schedule. Sent a thank you email and and the HR responded saying she will let me know soon. I didnt hear back and so I sent the HR an email the second week to ask about my status and she had mentioned that she would get back to me by the end of the week. Now its week three and no response yet, should I follow up again to see if I am still in the running, or should I wait a couple more days before I send her a followup or should I call the HR and find out drectly.

    • Hi Jason,

      At this point, I don’t recommend following up again. I do recommend looking at the company website to see if the job is still listed.

      While there are often delays, it may be that the company has passed on you…I’d encourage you to continue to apply to other jobs as you wait to hear back. Don’t be too discouraged, the job search is very often an extended process — just as there are multiple candidates for any one position, it often takes several applications to get to the offer.

      Good luck with your search,
      Chandlee

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