Dear Work Coach,
I am from Taiwan and found your website by google. My background is engineering, and I focus my job hunting on those positions in the high-tech industry. Currently I stuck in the waiting game after my 2nd interview. My situation is like this.
I went to the 2nd interview of a large high-tech company on April 17, and I wrote thank you note and follow-up letters after the interview to all the interviewer, but I did not hear anything from them over the past month. Therefore, I called HR last Monday for their decision.
She responded my job application is getting approval, but she does not know which candidate would be selected (It sounds weird). She assumed the approval process would be done by the end of last week and would give me call.
Until now, I still have not received her call. Is there still hope to get this job? I am very desperate for this job, cuz it is what I really want. Could you give me some opinions?
Thank many for your help.
VL
Taipei, Taiwan
***
Dear VL,
So glad you found my blog. Welcome. I love having guests from other parts of the world. I’ll try my best to help you.
There’s no way for me to know for sure what they are thinking, but as of this moment, there is still hope. Sometimes, after a second interview, companies need to run your application through a variety of processes before they can even consider an offer, and those processes can take a long time. It sounds like you are one of several candidates, but she gave you no clue as to whether you’re the number one choice as of this moment.
All you can do right now is wait and think positively. (It never hurts.) Even if you aren’t number one, the person who they offer it to may already have another job or may say no. So many possibilities. But without a crystal ball, I can only tell you…there is still a chance – even though it’s past the deadline she gave you.
I wish you much luck, VL, and hope you do get this job. But just in case you don’t, take that positive energy and don’t give up until you get the job you want!
Good luck! Please let us know what happens.
Ronnie Ann
Related Work Coach Cafe posts:
After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?
I had my first interview on wednesday may 30th and received a call that same week on friday june 1 to come in for a second interview which was on wednesday june 6th. Both interviews went well, and could tell that the HR manager really liked me and felt that I could do the job. During the second interview I was told that this position needs to be filled asap and that they would have their decision by the end of the week. I was expecting a call that friday but received nothing so on monday i decided to call to see if she made her decision, and she informed that she was out sick thursday and friday but is in the process right then on making a decision and would be making her calls the next day which would be tuesday. So hearing that I figured that I would be hearing from her on tuesdayto find out if i got it or not but i received no call. Now its wednesday and still nothing. What I want to know is, should I follow up again? and if so when?
Nadine,
You’ve followed up enough. As I’ve said before, it often takes longer than people think. Hold tight and — in the interim — distract yourself by applying for other jobs, too!
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Getting the right job can be like finding the right partner — you both know when it’s right. Having an interview team complicates the picture and so does bureaucracy. But I have to say that I’ve found in my experience that if a hiring person or agency says they will call you Monday or whenever and they don’t, lick your wounds and move on, both in your mind and in your actions. If they want you then they will call anyway. Sometimes I wonder if the reason for this widespread lack of consideration for the job candidate occurs because we are so willing to put up with it. We are advised over and over to follow up, keep calling, accept whatever we hear. We are encouraged to go overboard with our entreaties. Anyway, my two cents is to do your best, treat yourself with dignity. The minute you feel you are getting the run around go to the next interview. I hope this helps.
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for providing your perspective. I think you’re right about the job search being like finding the right partner.
I also think that it often takes much longer for plans to be made than we think it will.
There are a lot of initiatives that employers are now taking to treat candidates better — there’s actually now an annual award called The Candidate Experience Awards which recognizes employers who treat candidates well regardless of whether they’ve gotten the job or not.
I agree that treating yourself with dignity and doing your best is critical to personal and professional success.
Thanks for weighing in.
Best,
Chandlee
Dear Work Coach,
I have appear in 3rd Interview With Vice President and Member of Board of Directors, The Interview was Really good, we have talked about lots of things and different topics. In windup comments he has used such phrases that assures me that I have been selected for the said post. He told me that he don’t want to wait me more and he will get back to me by the evening or next day. By the evening I have sent him a thank you letter. I have waited for two days and didn’t hear from them, Then decided to followup. When I call to HR (two days back), They told me that the interviewer is on Business tour and will be back after week, I told her that I am running out of time because my Visa is going to Expire, She assure me that she will follow up the interviewer and get back to me ASAP. I have followed up two days back, What should I do, Follow up or Wait, and If follow up then by Email or Call. Please guide me.
Thanks
Sohali,
I’m afraid it sounds like you’ve done all you can do in terms of following up.
If you are a university student or recent graduate, the best thing to do would be to seek advice from your career or international student office — they may be able to help you find a temporary position that would enable you to remain in the country until an offer comes through.
Unfortunately, most companies follow-up on their own timeline not on yours.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi! I recently interviewed for a position with a local company. I did a test on the computer and passed with flying colors. I was then invited for an in-person interview. That went great as well. So from there I was invited to participate in the 3rd phase of the hiring process, which was an all day job shadow. I toured all the different departments and was given the opportunity to excercise what I was shown. In each department, I excelled at the task at hand. All of the employees were great and interacted with me well. I followed up after that phase and was told that they were still interviewing all the way into this week. I have not followed up since last week and was told that they would keep me posted. Should I follow up again or just sit and wait. And how long do I wait before responding again?
Hi,
I’d give it another week. It often takes companies longer to work through their own processes than you would think.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Love this website–I’m stuck in the waiting game after a second interview that felt good…but as time creeps on you completely second guess yourself.
For me, my confidence is teetering on the length of second interview…she cut the allotted 30 minutes short to fifteen minutes, but not in a bored way, she was very friendly and chatty…asked no tough questions. It was also the Executive Director, and she herself began by saying “Well, obviously I know you can do the job, if we’re talking, so this is just to tell me about yourself” I did so, kept it friendly and positive…she gave me her card too, and said contact her at any time.
I’m overthinking no doubt, but just wondering how many others would be at that stage (the first interviews were hour long with 2 interviewers) and also there was role to fit testing to even get to that stage. Is shortened talk good or bad?
Hi Mark,
I have no way of knowing why she shortened the interview — more than likely she had other pressing issues at the time as well.
I recommend you follow up with the company directly, express your continued interest in the job and ask if they need any additional information regarding your application and references.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thanks Chandlee,
I have just done that follow-up, so I suppose I will prompt a response. Yes, all signs were pointing yes, so a delay is always worrying. My earlier interviewers (a sign they like me) even went so far as to offer general advice to me on the second interview–said don’t be intimidated etc…But second interview was completely relaxed…too relaxed!
Mark,
Delays happen for all kind of reasons — many of which have nothing to do with candidates — and everything to do with summer vacations this time of year.
Good luck and please let us know the outcome.
Best,
Chandlee
Still waiting, but was given thanks for “following up” and told process is on hold because not all candidates had a chance for second interview with Exec Director before she went away on business.
As more encouragement though, I found out my lead reference had already spoken to the Exec Director BEFORE my own second interview, with the exec even telling my reference I had impressed her team, and she planned to meet me…This might explain why she was so relaxed and just had me talk about my background in a casual, short chat
However, the wait goes on…It’s turned into a 6 week process. I suppose at the Corporate level, strict procedures have to be seen through, even if her “team” wants to just hire me…Hope I made a lasting impression though!
Mark,
Thanks for the update and keep us posted!
Best,
Chandlee
This website has been keeping me sane.
I have a preliminary interview with HR for a well known company in the entertainment industry for a talent coordinator position. I nailed it! They set up the next interview while I was still on the phone.
Then I had a first interview with my would-be boss. I nailed it again. She explained that she needed to contact a few more candidates but that she wanted to set up a follow up interview. They set it up with me via email the next day for the following week.
I had the second interview. She explained that at this point she had cancelled her other interviews, and that she wanted two other individuals who are her boss and the technical equivalent to her, to be present to speak with me so that she could hire me. I was elated! She explained that they must be busy and that they would call me during the week, but did not specify a day or time.
I hadn’t heard anything. I called on Thursday and left a voice mail to followup and to wish her and everyone well as the area had been flooded the day prior.
I still have not heard anything from anyone. Should I call this Wednesday? Send an email to HR? Or let it go? I really want this job, and I am nervous that I messed something up and have now blown my chances. I am also anxious because I’d be moving my family across the county. Please let me know what you think, I believe your advice is invaluable.
Marnie,
What you have experienced is — unfortunately, a common experience. Interviewing is like a rapid fire courtship with a deadline to propose — often behind the scenes there are invisible complications to the process.
If the area has had a flood, chances are good they are a bit behind. They have also told you that they are running behind. I recommend you give it three more business days, then call and see if you can speak with them directly. Do not leave a message or send an e-mail as it sounds like only a real sense of what is going on will bring clarity to you.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I tried to call again today. No answer. I did leave a voice mail asking when I might hear back as to the next step and acknowledging they are busy. I am not sure I will ever get her on the phone again.
I received a phone call yesterday asking to apply for a different job at a company that is currently a client of mine. They want to hire me on full-time. I’m not nearly as interested as I would be working for the “radio silence” company. I do not want it to seem as if I’m putting undue pressure on the hiring manager at “radio silence”, and I know that this client’s hiring process is extremely long and drawn out, but I would be hired if I were to apply. Is this something I should be mentioning to “radio silence”? At what point to I just move on?
In other circumstances, continued contact with “radio silence” would risk you appearing too desperate or pushy (especially if the flood was a considerable event that hit their office)…however, your new opportunity will soon warrant you cause to give another push in the form of: “I am still very much interested in the (x) opportunity…just so I can move forward to …wondering if my not hearing back is an indication that I am no longer a candidate…”
That is my opinion. I would wait until after this weekend, and then you would have right to do that
It’s your call, Marnie. One thing I recommend is to pay attention to how organizations treat you during the hiring process. If they give your radio silence as an applicant you may also receive that as an employee — not an ideal situation always, from my perspective.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Love this website! I’m in a similar situation. I interviewed with a company on Tuesday, July 24th and emailed my thank you follow ups on Wednesday. When the interview ended, the HR contact told me she would speak with the team and let me know their feedback. It is now Wednesday, August 1st and I have yet to receive a response from HR.
What is the average amount of time that companies take to make a decision? I work in advertising (the agency side) and this interview was with a relatively large company. I’m slightly concerned because they haven’t gotten back to me with any feedback. Also is email the best way to follow up? Or is a phone call a better way to follow up?
Thanks in advance for your help! I am just trying to not make the same mistakes (if I even made any at all) in future interviews.
Hi Christine,
It’s really hard to pin down an average amount of time that companies take to make a decision. There are so many variables – size, industry, personalities, and on and on.
I would definitely wait another few days, until next week (so it would be 2 weeks after the interview) would be best. Give them time to work through their process.
Good luck,
Susan
Christine,
In your case, since it is a large company, I would still wait until at least the Monday…it’s still early. Annoyingly, it took me 7 agonizing weeks to find out my results…as you will see from earlier thread. Why larger companies take so long is another discussion altogether…I think it’s silly sometimes…but yes, in your case, it is still early.
You have displayed interest and excitement with the thank you email…now the “process” is something HR teams and managers want to be left to…As for phone or email…I think these days email is better to allow them opportunity to respond how they like…Phoning gets results, but it can backfire and piss them off if you corner them when they are still making decisions
Hello,
I am seeking advice regarding follow up. After my second interview , I was told by the HR that they will give me a call the following week. I also received an email, asking me to provide few references (Same day). so I did my part of thank you letter and provided the ref.
After not receiving a call that week, I decided to make a follow up call. It went to VM but the VM is this type “Please leave a message for ###-###-####”, so I decided to not leave a VM since I wasn’t sure if the right person will get it or not. I did email the HR and did received a quick response that they are still interviewing people and will be in touch.
How long should I wait again to follow up? Its been a week since the last follow up. Should I wait out another week and not bother them or just follow up again?
Please advice
John,
Wait at least another week. They responded and told you they are still interviewing, so it’s your cue to wait to hear from them, since you’ve done your entire part. It’s a good sign however, that they asked for references, so take that optimism with you and wait to hear. Good luck
John,
I agree with Mark. Give it at least another week — and think about what you want to have happen from the outcome. It’s unlikely a second follow-up will hurt — or hinder — your chances at getting hired, but it’s also unlikely that following up a second time will push the hiring decision in your favor. If it’s more important for you to definitively know your status, you should follow up.
In the interim, continue to apply for other opportunities. I once did this and got an offer letter the same day I received a rejection letter. I must say the offer helped the rejection feel much less painful.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thank you soo much Mark and Chanlee.
I have taken up a temp assignment to keep up resume up to date and will try to follow up end of this week. Hoping for positive response in this second follow up after two weeks.
Thank you once again
Hi John,
What wonderful news. Keep us posted, and good luck in your temp assignment — sometimes they turn into full-time jobs!
Best,
Chandlee
Didn’t get it. I called and they called back afterward. They went with a candidate with more experienced then what they posted in the site. Lets hope the temp job opens new door
Hi John,
Oh, so sorry to hear that. Let’s do hope that temp job opens new doors — and I really recommend applying for other positions too in the meantime.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thank heavens for this blog. I have been caught in the waiting period for months now and the latest interview was about six weeks ago. Everything was positive and I seem to have the job but I am awaiting the official job offer letter. I have called and left messages with HR and there has been no response. I understand that the office can be quite busy but I have things on my end to plan as the job involves me relocating. I am ready to go but I am still awaiting the official offer letter. What should I do next? This feels like a strange kind of purgatory.
Krista
Hi Krista,
I recommend that you call the person with whom you interviewed directly, and ask him or her for a status update. Don’t leave a message or send an email, do something which invites an immediate response.
Keep us posted and good luck.
Best,
Chandlee
My situation is like this:
First, I had phone interview by HR. Then next week HR called and confirmed another date for next phone interview with the Director. It went well. After 5 days, HR called and confirmed another date for personal interview. Also note during the phone interview the director said, they prefer someone to join by September, 2012.
So now I am done with personal interview on 16th Aug. It went pretty well, and after the interview I did send Thank you letter to each one of them. During the interview they informed me that the last interview is scheduled on 27th Aug, 2012. And I should hear from them after that.
As today is 29th Aug, now what should I do? How long I should wait to send the followup letter.
Please help, as I need your suggestion badly.
Andy
I just want to start off with, I would be checking into crazy-town by now if I hadn’t stumbled upon this blog (as I’m already half-way there by now). So- thank you!
I am probably wigging myself out WAY too much about this, as it hasn’t even been a full week yet, but I feel the need to get a second opinion if anything to just calm my frazzled nerves.
Almost 2 weeks after I applied for an admin position with a large college outside of my current state (plans to move there, and it’s no secret I’m not “local” to the prospective employer), I get a call late in the day (Mon) while I was at work, looking to speak more with me about it. I wait til noon the following day (Tues) to return the call. They confirm with me if I’m still interested in the position (yes!!!) and we set up a date and time for a phone interview (Thurs, same week).
Thursday comes, I duck out of work for an hour to make the phone interview. I speak with a woman from HR and an Admin hiring mgr and it goes VERY well! By the end of the call, they are requesting to coordinate a time/date for a 2nd interview in person- again knowing full well I am not local. 15 minutes after the call, I get an email from the HR woman requesting again to coordinate a date, as well as attaching the benefits brochure (good sign?). I happened to be vacationing 2 hours away for the weekend and I offered to push my flight home back a day and take a day off work, in order to make the meeting happen. Date clears, I call and pay the fee to push the flight back, book a hotel room and I begin to dance in glee. SO soon after the phone interview, they want to meet with me in person!
In-person interview happens, I believe it went well. I met with two new people: my would-be bosses (VP and Exec Dir). They seemed to be charmed and were smiling, the whole nine. It was only able to last 30 minutes, as the VP had a meeting to attend. Had he not had to attend a meeting, it would have continued, but we covered a lot of ground in the 30 mins allotted. I KNOW I was nervous in the interview. I believe I answered the questions well, and smiled a lot. I love the college, as I am a TWICE graduate (which I believe is a large reason why I was contacted for this admin position), and it wasn’t lost on them of that and the fact that I’d love to be part of the college once again.
After the interview, I sent a quick thank you email to the HR woman who I originally interviewed with and whom I had been in contact with the entire process thus far. I requested she forward my thanks to the two of them and that it was lovely meeting with them. She said she would and she would follow up that week.
Now- I understand orientation has been going on since that day I went in to interview to just yesterday, and it’s been a HUGE event and I am positive admin has had their hands full and then some all week/weekend- and even today being the beginning of classes. However I haven’t heard from her yet. I know it has not been a week from the 2nd interview yet, on top of the all the nuttiness I know that’s going on— I can’t help but feel super on edge, stressed, and anxious about it. A lot is riding on obtaining this job- my relocation to a new city and everything (to which I said I could start 3 weeks after obtaining the position, when they asked me when I could start if I got it. They were pleasantly surprised, I could tell, knowing I am not local and working out of state currently)- basically a new start on life which I desperately need (current job is contract and running out soon) is riding on this job, and it would be an amazing one to boot.
In the meantime, I’m still scouring the net for jobs. But job-hunting out of state, and in this economy, is very difficult. I’ve come so far with this job prospect that I’d be devastated to fail at this point.
I guess I’m just looking for a second (or third…) opinion on this- I’m hoping I have a shot at this and that I’m just freaking myself out for not much reason! Ahh!!
D,
Take a deep breath. The beginning of the academic year is nuts in higher education. I say this having worked at colleges. Searches almost always take longer than they should.
It sounds like you had a positive experience, and that they are certainly interested in staying in touch with you. As always, I cannot prognosticate whether that will result in an offer.
I never recommend waiting by the phone and waiting for it to ring. Keep your eyes peeled for other opportunities at the college — and others — as you wait to hear back. Set up alerts on job sites to send you notifications when listings get posted, and keep exploring and pursuing options. It simply cannot hurt.
Hang tight, and keep the momentum going…
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
Thanks for the response. Today, I heard from HR saying they are going forward with references, and I’d probably hear tomorrow. One of my references contacted me this evening saying they were called and she gave a “glowing” review.
This is looking pretty good for me. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
D
Hi D,
Sounds great. Keep us posted and good luck.
All the Best,
Chandlee
GOT THE JOB!!
Thanks for your support! I’m over the moon!
D
D,
Wonderful! Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi Work Coach,
My situation is a bit more difficult. I was fired from my job in July when I was 5 months pregnant. My friend reached out to me and said her new job was hiring and she put a word in to her boss for me who had just come off maternity leave herself and told me to send her my resume ASAP. I did so and I had an interview and pretest that same week. Everything went well but I did not hear from her boss for a couple of weeks so I followed up with a call. The manager asked me how far along I was and she said that she is working on getting me a sit down with the supervisors since I did so well on my pretest. I waited for about two weeks, sending one follow up email with no response. About 2 weeks ago, she emailed me and said she wanted to have me come in to meet the supervisors. The meeting lasted about 6 minutes and they seemed impressed with my availability and skills. One even said “Let’s pull you up a chair right now then.” I’m now 7 months pregnant and it’s very obvious so I’m sure if she did not disclose that to them, that they saw my big belly. Anyway, as soon as I left the meeting, she called to ask when I could start, I said immediately. About two hours later, I received a forwarded email from her that she sent to HR that appeared to be a job offer. HR then called me to have me fill paperwork out for a background check and a job application. I immediately completed those and faxed them to her. I sent an email saying it was done and she confirmed receipt. The manager started her own medical practice and her last day with the company happened to be the day of my last meeting so I have contacted HR and one of the supervisors to check the status. They both said they were just waiting on the background check. It’s been 7 business days not including Labor Day. I don’t remember other background checks taking this long. I’m very anxious because I am pregnant and due on Thanksgiving so if I’m not selected for whatever reason, I want to know so I can move on and take the “if I get this job” idea out of my thinking. It would be perfect. It’s night shift so my husband can keep the baby, it pays very well, it’s self scheduling, full benefits for the family, and twenty minutes from my apartment. I have never been in any serious legal trouble or convicted of anything but I was fired from my last job without good reason, which is why I qualify for unemployment. Does it sound like they could actuallybe waiting or could my previous termination be standing in my way? My friend who works for them actually trained me at a precious job we worked at together so I’m sure she has vouched for my work ethic and behavior. I’m feeling so anxious and stressed and I’m at my wits end. Please guide me.
Hi Chelsea,
Unfortunately, I don’t have any magic answers for you. It’s often that it takes a while for a job offer to be extended. Background checks can take a while, but if you don’t hear by next week you may want to follow up again. That said, in the meantime — I encourage you to keep up your search. One other option you may want to pursue is that of flexible work arrangements. Flexjobs.com is a site that has many jobs with flexible hours and work at home schedules. There is a fee to use the site but FlexJobs verifies all jobs listed on the site to make sure that they are real openings. Again, applying for other jobs may help you keep your anxiety at bay.
Good luck and keep us posted.
All the best,
Chandlee
Hello
I am currently employed, but I am looking to leave my company for reasons too long to type. I applied for a job at a very popular place on july 10th and it was for a position with two departments. I didnt hear from anyone until my phone interview on aug 10th which led to a face to face one on aug 13. During my first interview, she mentioned that it would be difficult to ask about my employment history since im still working and they dont know im leaving. So in my thank you email I gave her references to speed the process along. I feel like the interview went well since my 2nd interview with the head of HR (who i would be working for) was scheduled aug 30th. I sent him a thank you email as well and he said he had 2 more people to see and that a decision would be made nxt week (which was last week). I think it went well. We even went off topic about sports towards the end. Its been about 2 weeks now, and im getting paranoid. Do you think i still have a shot?
Hi Alice,
It’s hard to tell whether or not you are still in the running if you don’t ask. You may want to reach out and contact your last interviewer directly. Let them know you remain interested in the job, and offer to put them in touch with additional references if they have need of it.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hello Chandlee,
I gave him a call on Monday, and I got his assistant who said he was running around the building. I left my number for him to return my call, but nothing as of yet… :/
thanks!
Hi Alice,
Yes, that’s always the challenge. Sometimes leaving a message with the assistant — or on voice mail doesn’t yield a response. Unless the job is no longer posted on the company website, I’d consider the job still open and sit tight.
Good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
Just to update…I never heard back from the place…or anywhere else for that matter
I wonder whats the problem though.
Hi Alice,
Hang in there and take a look at some new opportunities. To increase your chances of hearing back, make sure you only apply for positions that you meet at least 70% of the qualifications for — and apply as soon as you see the listings.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I would like to convey my gurditate for the kind-heartedness helping folks that absolutely need help on your market. Your actual resolve for moving the answer up and down experienced turn out to be especially educational and have frequently assisted anyone else much like me to attain their own desires. Your individual informative details indicates much to me far more more to my mates. Thanks a ton; from every one of all of us.
Esen,
What a nice message to receive. Good luck and all the best to you in your own search.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi
How are you all? Once again, I need some career advice. This might not be the correct section to ask this question.
I been temping for this company for good 3 months. Three weeks after I was hired, I noticed I can improve many excel related templates. So I went ahead with it and presented to my manager and everyone loved it. Few weeks later, my manager spoke to me about FT offer and I showed great interest. I was told, at the end of my assignment we’ll talk about it again.
Meanwhile, I did go for 2-3 job interview and she was well aware of it. But every time I mentioned that I need to take 1-2 hrs off, she used to remind me that I am under a commitment and I can not leave this place until the assignment is over and also, how they are working on a FT offer.
The person I am covering for currently is scheduled to return soon at the same time, I am faced with a family crisis that forces me to fly out of state 1 week before that person arrives. I did mention this to my manager and they understood that situation.
Again, they spoke to me about an offer but this time they mentioned that once I return back, we can discuss an offer. So everything is all good and great.
Now few days ago, they made an announcement. They promoted someone in the department to a new position and hired a new person as a replacement for the promoted person’s position. Therefore, once the person I am covering for comes back, there is no physical space for me to sit and work.
So my question is, what are the chances of me getting an offer once I return back since there is no physical space? Also, DO you think I lost my chance at the FT because of my emergency? As far as I know, job offer to acceptance to negotiations process is more then a week. I am lost at thoughts right now, because I feel that they offer the position to the new person before I mentioned about my emergency and gave me false hope so I do not take up another offer from another company.
Please share your thoughts, because its been bothering me a lot and would like to know how to handle future temp offer if I am unable to find a FT offer.
Dear John,
Argh…that sounds like a very difficult situation.
That said, a few potential thoughts and strategies:
1. It is not your place to worry about where you would sit if you did get the job. Quite likely that they will figure out how to take care of it. I wouldn’t read that alone as a sign that you don’t have a place at the organization.
2. That you are good with Excel shows you have a skill that this organization — and others will likely need. Don’t give up on marketing that skill: It is quite likely that these skills are in demand.
3. I would never recommend giving up a job search based on something that SEEMS like a sure thing, especially since you have skills that have been noticed and appreciated. In the interim, why not check out FlexJobs.com (a site that has no affiliation with Work Coach Cafe). There is a fee to join the site — but the site verifies all jobs before they are posted). FlexJobs has skills tests you can take to showcase your knowledge of Excel and other specialty area. This may help you find out about opportunities.
Bottom line: You may want to continue to consider the company AND keep looking. I doubt the company is short-sighted enough to decide not to hire you based on your need to spend a small amount of time with family.
Good luck.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi John:
I’m not hearing a commitment on their part. Use your personal power and ask for an appointment to discuss the FT position. If they put you off, then gently and apologetically but firmly let them know how much you’d love to work with them but you need to have FT employment and that you’ll need to be continuing on the interview circuit. And you will need to take time off to do that. No need to ham it up, it’s clear you’d love to work with them. You can show that desire while at the same time expressing what position their current decision not to go forward yet is putting you in. As for desk space. Might mean something, might mean nothing. I’m more concerned that they are putting you off. Also, if you aren’t already, put more energy into those other interviews. It may turn out you get a real offer from another company you’d love to work for.
I hope this is helpful!
I managed to receive two sets of interviews with company A and company B at the same time. Company B extended an offer right away, Company A is taking along time, although it would be my dream job. Due to finances, I took the offer from B, began working, still waiting on A. Would should I do if A offers me a position, how should I handle the resigning ? I am almost positive A will extend an offer soon, and want me to start right away. I guess this is a good problem to have, both are Fortune 500 companies.
Hi Work Coach,
I’m stuck in the same waiting phase which I’m finding stressful even though it’s only been 2 days. I had my first interview last Friday when the interviewer really liked me and said I would be the perfect candidate for the job. He invited me back for a more formal interview with him and another director on Monday. They thew difficult question after difficult question at me for 2 hours, part of which was a final chat. In the middle of a sentence the director i’d seen twice. Suddenly said ” how do you cope with rejection?”. It came out of nowhere but I managed to answer.
My problem is after asking a million questions and asking them plenty myself, they said we’ll be in contact soon. I stupidly didn’t ask about next steps and timeframes. I’ve sent my thank you email and some extra info they needed and now I’m not sure what else I can do. Did I mention that I am incredibly impatient???
I have no clue if the interview went well. So frustrating!!!
Any feedback would be fabulous. Thank you!
Fiona,
There should be a name to describe the period between an interview and when you hear back the results of a search. Phrases like “waiting game” don’t really describe the intensity of emotions one feels. It’s a roller coaster switching back and forth between feeling confident and self-doubt, as well as exhaustion and exhilaration. A common experience for many.
It sounds like you have done the very best you can. The only effective strategy that I know of is one is recommended for parents of small crying children: Distraction! Distract yourself by doing something nice for yourself, spending time with friends and family, movies, or looking at other additional possibilities. It may not make the impatience go away, but hopefully it will make it somewhat easier…
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I followed you advice and did my best to distract myself! Mission accomplished, with some difficulty.
Got calls from 2 other companies to come in for interview which made me feel better, but also got asked back for 3rd interview with the big boss (1 rank higher than directors I met). They also said I may need to come in to see the same directors so I’m guessing they have some concerns about hiring me. Never had to interview so many times before! Not sure how to deal with this but right now I feel honesty is the best policy and that I should ask them what concerns they have. That way I can at least try to put their minds at ease. What do you think??
Thanks again!!
Hi Fiona,
No need to ask for their concerns. Just interview. Hiring is a big decision for organizations, this may simply be the last step in their process. Normally you get screened out before the interview with a senior executive if they are not interested.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi there,
I thought I’d give an update of my situation in case any others read what I wrote. I found out early this week that the director who interviewed me resigned which was why they had to do another round of interviews. Despite being grilled and feeling negative I got offered the job, and the other interview I got called for worked well and I got offered that on the same day.
Stay strong people! It is so hard to go through the interview process. Its so important to you, more than to the interviewer. Also you end up having to reveal a lot about yourself which to be honest is not what we all want.
Anyhoo – thought I’d post a positive outcome as I fear that many forget to do so.
Happy jobhunting people!!
Hi Fiona,
Thanks for sharing your positive story; it provides a glimpse of what often goes on behind the hiring curtain and is very valuable.
Good luck and all the very best to you,
Chandlee
I’m not sure if I should just chalk this one up as a rejection or not. I partly flubbed because I neglected to close the deal and not get any info on how long it would take for them to make a decision. It’s been over two weeks since my face-to-face interview (which I think went well besides the closing). Since then I did the traditional follow-up email promptly after the face-to-face. A week ago I sent a nicely worded email asking when they might make a decision and reiterated my interest in the position. Nothing. No contact at all since I left the interview. Should I call or just move on?
Jaime,
Hang tight and wait to hear back. In my experience, searches almost always take more time than you think that they will. If the job disappears from the website, then chances are good that it is filled.
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
This website is amazing for those on pins and needles. I had 2 interviews.1 with HR the other with the hiring manager. Everything went well..The hiring manager did not give her card to anyone on purpose (she said later) but from the company website I determined her email adress and sent a Thank you. On Tuesday, she called and said that she neglected to have me or any of the other applicants fill out the company application and she was asking HR for help with the hiring decision. She had received my application on Wednesday. There are 4 top applicants (out of many) and I am one of them and 2 positions open so I have a 50/50 chance. Today is Friday and I have not yet heard back. I understand thats only a few days, but both people that have the positions now today is their last day. Should I calll today to folllow -up? I know they are on a time crunch.
Thanks for your help!
Mia,
It sounds like you’ve already followed up. Now all you can do is “hurry up and wait.” Or, perhaps use the time you have been given to fill out holiday cards!
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I want to first say that this blog is AMAZING!!!
I interviewed a few months ago over the phone for a case management position through a non profit agency. The phone interview went very well and the hiring manager informed me that I seemed very passionate about the work, however, it seems as though I didn’t have the client experience they were looking for at the time. She then continued to explain that she understood that I had recently graduated college a year ago and that there was no way that I could obtain the “work experience” they were looking for without being hired by an agency. I have been exclusively interning and volunteering for similar agencies over the past 3 years.
The same hiring manager called me in to interview for a different position that I hadn’t even applied for. During the interview, she spoke highly of me to the other staff members and the interview went very well. A week later I was asked to interview with the executive director and the interview was more do relaxed and the director asked me about my future career aspirations. At the end of the interview the director informed me that they should be contacting me soon. I sent a follow up email to the hiring manager the next day and a week later she emailed me informing me that she was out sick and thanked me for my patience. She informed me that they would be meeting later that week to discuss the position and she informed me that the start date would be close to or after the new year ( by the way, I didnt inquire about the start date in my email) and that she would give me more details as soon as she has them regardless If I’m selected or not. It has been over a week since I last heard from her. Should I send another email or just wait? Errrrrr this is so frustrating lol. Excuse the typos, I’m using my phone