Work Coach Cafe

Once a job interview ends and while we’re waiting to hear how we did, the control is out of our hands. Many people write in to share their frustration and sense of helplessness during this time.

With that in mind, here’s a comment including some wonderful advice, that Darren shared with us on May 1, 2008:

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.

Thank YOU Darren! I like that you help put some of the control back into your own hands.

If this is something that feels right to you, dear reader, go ahead and try it. I think it helps both parties to have a follow-up plan. Of course, offer this politely and be prepared to agree in case they prefer to keep it in their hands.

Good luck getting the job you want!

—-

In case you’re curious, Darren’s original comment, my answer, and a May 2 follow-up giving us some good news that he’s still in the running (and any more that come in) can be found here:

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