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?
Hi!
I am happy to have found this forum…I am stuck in the waiting game too. After applying for a job a week later an HR rep called me for a phone interview. During that phone call we set up an appointment to meet for a face-to-face interview a week later. During the interview I met not only with the HR rep but two of the department managers that I would be reporting to. The interview went really well, they seemed to be impressed with my experience and enthusiasm for the job and the company. I even brought in a sample of my work that is relevant to the position. I sent a thank you letter after the interview and a week later I called the HR rep to thank her and to check in about the status of the job. She told me that they still had a couple of interviews to do but it was looking really good for me! She said she would contact me when she had more information about the next steps. That was two weeks ago and I haven’t heard from anyone. I sent an email to the HR rep last Friday and its been almost a week and I am still waiting. Should I call again? Send another email? Would I be annoying them if I call or email so often? Any advice you can offer would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Please excuse my own delay. Hectic week. Will answer soon. Keep the faith!
Ronnie Ann
Hi inyc2008!
I am soooo sending you some pixie dust:
*~*~*~*~*~*~ !!!!
You’re smart to keep looking and not focus on this, but of course, no matter what the frustration of waiting and not knowing is there.
In the meantime, if you haven’t already done this, make sure your resume and cover letters are as strong as they can be. (I have a Resume Help tab that offers some useful thoughts). Also find ways to practice the fine art of networking* as best you can. And scour for jobs where others may not easily find them, including the individual websites of companies, government, non-profit and academia. They don’t always advertise widely.
In a tough job market, you have to do whatever you can to stand out from the crowd.
Good luck with this one! My fingers, legs and eyes are crossed for you!
Ronnie Ann
*Networking and related job-search posts:
Job Search: The Simplest Job Networking Tip of All
12 Ways to Jump Start that Impossible Job Search
Stuck in the Slow Lane By a Fast Food Job!
Hi Linzey!
First, congratulations on doing so well. Clearly you give good interview.
I think you’ve done about all you can. It’s hard for people waiting to hear to believe this, but good candidates stay on the minds of people looking to hire. We don’t forget you.
But as I’ve said before, time inside a company works like dog years – seven days to us may feel like one day to them! Give it at least another week before sending a polite e-mail or calling. These things just take time and, as hard as it is for you to be stuck in suspended time, you don’t want to bug them too much.
Take up oil painting. Learn to dance the flamenco. Write a novel. Fill your days with positive fun stuff. And also, keep looking for and applying to jobs. And then, hopefully before you know it, you’ll get an answer – and whatever it may be, you won’t have thrown away perfectly good days.
Good luck, Linzey! Hope you will be writing us soon with some great news.
Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie Ann,
Thank you so much for all the advice and insight. I have been trying to stay busy to keep my mind off of the wait. I’ve also been applying at other places just in case, so hopefully something good will happen either way. I’ll definitely keep you updated as soon as I hear anything!
Thanks,
Linzey
Cool, Linzey. You seem to have a great attitude. A company will be lucky to get you.
All the best.
Ronnie Ann
Hello! I just wanted to post a (non) update to my previous posts, #44 & #46.
I gave this company the benefit of the doubt and finally emailed on 8/12 with a “seriously, what’s up?”-themed message, worded all polite and nice-like.
I waited another week for a reply, which turned out to be surprising. I got the requisite “thanks for waiting and being patient”, but FINALLY got a real answer (of sorts) from them. The hiring manager said he was still interested, but my salary requirements were causing concern. Since I recall giving *very* broad range, I thought this was a bit surprising. I typically hate to talk about salary in an interview since I am really quite flexible, and the whole package (benefits, time off, advancement opportunities, etc.) mean a lot to me. In fact, any time I am forced to give a salary range, I reiterate all of that.
Well, this time his reply came during a time when *I* was busy and on vacation, so I took my time answering. When I did, I re-stated that benefits & time off and such were all worth a lot to me, and encouraged him to make a starting offer for consideration. His reply was (you guessed it) “I’m really busy but will get back to you next tuesday.” Well…”next tuesday” has come and gone with no word. At this point I am well beyond entertaining the notion of working for someone who can’t stick to a deadline or communicate effectively. I’m sad it turned out this way, but it did force me to take stock of my situation and I have decided to stick it out at my current job while casually (as opposed to frantic desperation) play the field for another opportunity. While in the “waiting game” for the other job I did receive other interest & offers, but nothing was quite right. I’m sure it has all worked out for the best.
Thanks again for your help, and for providing an excellent online resource for job seekers!
Hi,
My boyfriend interviewed for a high level finance position a week ago. Someone that I know ran into the VP he interviewed with over the weekend.
My boyfriends interview was brought up. The VP said he really liked my boyfriend but that he was nervous about his lack of experience managing others. He said the decision is down to 2 people. Is there something we could do to combat this negative comment before a decision is made? My boyfriend manages 2 people but would be managing 20 if he got this job.
Thanks.
Hi Christy!
Thanks for the “non” update. I’m sos orry you’ve had to wait this long and feel it’s probably not worth it at this point. I can certainly understand.
Just so you know, he may well be trying to get you an answer but has to wait for approval from other areas. Once the higher salary specter gets raised, people worry that you may be saying the right things, but in the end won’t stay long. (I mention this because it’s happening right now where I am helping a company hire someone.)
I agree it’s best to look elsewhere and let this one go. But if it comes back to you, at least give him a chance to explain. Maybe his way of handling all this is indeed reflective of how it would be, but then again…I’ve seen good companies with not-so-great hiring processes and people. But yes…this would give me pause for concern. And I also agree that things like this sometimes happen for a reason.
Good luck finding the right job for you! Please let us know how things turn out.
Ronnie Ann
Hi Jill!
If your boyfriend has already had his interview(s) and written his than you notes, an impression has been made and it’s a little hard for him to do too much more at this point.
But there are some possibilities.
Ina go-for-broke approach, he might consider calling the VP and, with a smile in his voice and down-to-earth confidence, let him know that he heard they have some concerns (pause for a sec or two) and that, since he’s very interested in the job, he’d like a chance to help them feel comfortable that he IS the right person.
Now, that might get him a gold star and it might also get him eliminated. Only he knows if it’s worth the risk.
It’s hard to convince anyone that you can manage a large group unless you’ve already done. it. And there may have been something else in your boyfriend’s interview that led them to feel unsure. They need to know he is confident he can do this and excited by the challenge. And this will only come through as true if he is.
At this point, these are his possible approaches: (1) wait and hope; (2) try calling the VP as I mentioned; (3) contact someone he knows well in the company and see if s/he can help him make his case; or (4) write a note expressing his strong interest and mentioning that he is most excited by the chance to manage the team.
Only he knows what feels right for him.
I wish him much luck! Hope they see his potential and give him the chance after all.
Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie,
Just wanted to give an update. I decided not to wait for the 2nd interview to come, even though one was promised to me. It has been 3 weeks since that promise and if they are going to be this slow, they might lose me. Also, I did some research and found a forum page where several people explained that this same company had promised them 2nd interviews, only to never call back. So perhaps it is standard practice to make the person think they are in the running, even though they have no intention to call again? Seems fishy to me, so I am no longer keeping my hopes up for that job to come through.
Since then I have applied to several other positions that are fitting. The one I wanted least, I got a call back on, and am having my first phone screening with them tomorrow. I am going to go into it like it is the job I want, because any job is better than none (the pay isn’t as nice and the location is not as cool as the job I was trying to get before.) It is not that I really don’t want it, but I would just feel bad if I get it, only work it for a few weeks, and then the company I REALLY want to work for finally calls me in… Anyhow, doesn’t matter, I’ll go with the flow and ace this interview tomorrow (I hope.)
Hi PatienceIsaVirtue!
Hope the phone interview went really well.
Definitely agree this one is worth pursuing. Sometimes what sounds only ok on paper turns out to be a nice surprise…and vice versa.
As for the other one, normally I’d tell you three weeks is NOT too long to wait, but since you were smart and did your research (please everyone…check companies out as much as you can), and since you found some negative comments (not conclusive, by the way, but certainly helpful for added perspective), there’s no reason to sit and wait for them.
But if they do call, maybe you still want to continue – with eyes wide open of course – and see what your instincts tell you. Who knows about the people who posted and what their stories are? The company might be fishy, but they also might be ok.
Good luck. Don’t worry about the choices you might have to make. Things sometimes happen that we can’t control or imagine, but I find it best to just walk forward as positively and confidently as you can and see what comes your way. And sometimes Patience really is a virtue.
Best of luck!
Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie Ann,
I’ve written before and am stuck again and in need of your help. I recently applied for an out of town, entry-level position as I have been in the process of changing fields. The company’s large, and a recruiter emailed to set up a phone interview with me. She missed our scheduled interview, and I sent an email asking if she wanted to reschedule.
She wrote back and we finally had the phone interview several days later. It went well, and she told me that she would give my info. to the hiring manager and be in touch soon to let me know about the next step. I sent a thank you email reiterating my interest in the job and letting her know that relocation was not an issue for me as I have close family in the city where the job is.
On the following business day the same recruiter sent me an email asking if I would be in that city at any time in the near future visiting my family, and if so she said that they would like to bring me in for an interview. Now, I’ve been flown to cities before for interviews, but since this is an entry-level job I understand that they may not be willing to fly in out of town candidates.
I wrote back to her within the hour letting her know that although I did not have plans to be in that city any time soon, that I would be happy to fly there for an interview for this position. I even told her that I had managed to find a flight using my frequent flyer miles that would allow me to be there this week if that worked for her and anyone else with whom I may need to meet.
This all happened yesterday morning, and I haven’t gotten any response from her. What is your take on this? Should I not have offered to come so soon? Should I be concerned that she hasn’t responded at all? Should I email again letting her know that obviously if this week doesn’t work I can come at a better time?
I just really want this job and want to do everything possible to get it. I know hr people are busy, but she has never taken longer than 24 hours to respond. What do you think I should do? Thanks. I tend to worry.
Hi Sophie!
Sounds like you’ve done all the right things. Not all companies offer to fly you in for an out-of-town interview, especially for entry-level jobs.
Please don’t worry…the fact that you are an action person willing to make this happen reflects nicely on you. Rather than being stuck, sounds like things are flowing nicely. Even 72 hours (and maybe many more) is not long to wait in this case!
Have a little more patience. She may at this very minute be trying to check schedules of all the people who would want to meet with you. (Before she only had to check her OWN schedule.)
When someone comes in from out-of-town, they try to line it all up so they can interview you the same day. And THAT takes time to coordinate. There may be holidays, vacation, important meetings, work deadlines, etc.
This still sounds very hopeful for you…and for them.
Just settle back, keep yourself busy, breathe, and let it all happen. If you haven’t heard from her by next Monday, a call or e-mail would be a nice idea.
Meanwhile…let it go for now. You’ve done all you can.
Good luck, Sophie! Hope you make this dream come true. Please keep us posted.
Ronnie Ann
Thanks so much for responding so soon, Ronnie Ann! Could I havea little pixie dust?
Thanks!
Hahahahahaha! My pleasure, Sophie.
~*~*~*~*~*
Best of luck! Fingers, legs, and eyes crossed.
Ronnie Ann
Just wanted to comment that I’ve enjoyed reading this blog. It’s calmed me down a bit about my current job search, but I’d still like your input if you’re up to it.
Some background: I’ve applied for 4 different jobs with Company A (my DREAM company). I received phone interviews for three of these jobs, but didn’t move any further in the process. For the current position I’ve applied for, I had a phone interview on August 28, during which I was told that they would be completing second round interview in two weeks, and hoped to have someone start by late September, early October. I, of course, sent thank you letters immediately.
After not hearing from them for two weeks, I sent an email reiterating my interest in the position. Three days later, I rec’d a call asking me to come in for a second interview.
This second interview was last Monday (an in person panel interview w/ 5 interviewers), and I felt it went reasonably well (good answers to questions, lots of nodding in agreement, felt like I connected with interviewers, etc.). I was told that they would have a decision within a week, and would like someone to start ASAP. Again, I sent thank you letters to each interviewer independently (by email, because of their short search term).
Last Friday, I was speaking with the admin asst for my top reference, and she informed me that my reference had been having some issues with his voicemail, so to send all calls to her to ensure that they were promptly returned.
On Monday morning, I sent an email to my main contact at Company A, letting her know of the new reference number, and reiterated my interest in the position. No response.
So….Is there anything else I can / should do at this stage? Would calling to check up on the status of the hiring decision be to stalker-esque?
Thanks in advance for you thoughts.
Hi Heather!
Yes…I think you may be approaching stalkerville.
I like your determination in finding a way to get to your dream company. You’ve done a great job of keeping this going. Your main contact may be out of the office or unavailable to work on this right now for any number of reasons. Or, they may simply be mulling over their choices.
Hard as it is, you have to trust they remember you. If you’re the one they want, they’ll do whatever they need to do to make this happen – at their own pace, of course. And FYI…when I can’t contact a key reference for someone I’m very interested in, I call the candidate and ask if s/he knows a better way to contact the person. I don’t just give up on the candidate!
So…let them do their thing. If you want, maybe…only maybe… something like a snail mail card to your contact with a short note saying how much you’ve appreciated her help and that you’re still very interested in working for this company, especially in this job, and hope to hear some good news soon. ONLY if that feels right for you and the position.
Other than that, I can’t think of anything you can or should do right now that wouldn’t get your resume tossed into the potential stalker bin. (A call next week would be fine though.)
My fingers are crossed for you, Heather. Good luck! Please let us know what happens. Oh…and thanks for the nice words about my blog.
Ronnie Ann
Thanks, Ronnie Ann, for the advice. I guess I’ll just wait this one out.
FWIW on the reference thing – I almost didn’t get a position because of a reference snafu. An organization I applied with to sponsor me for a fellowship almost DIDN’T go with me because they couldn’t get ahold of two of the three references on my list. One was out of the country, and the other was just having “getting back in touch with people” issues. The organization didn’t let me know about the problem until they’d been waiting for almost three weeks to hear back from them (and they were pretty annoyed about it)! Once I was able to intervene things went smoothly, and they decided to sponsor me for the fellowship, but it was a bit nerve-wracking waiting. I guess that experience is what has me all nervous about references.
I don’t want to drop any of them, because they all give absolutely glowing reviews of me (to the point that I’ve had interviewers comment on their responses), it’s just making sure that interviewers are actually able to reach them!
Thanks again.
Oh…of course you’re right to be careful about your references, Heather…especially after that horrible experience! I shouldn’t have minimized it the way I did. Not everyone will pursue it the way I do.
Personally – and I suggest this for everyone – when I’m up for a job, I make a point of calling my references BEFORE listing them to make sure it’s ok and just in case there are any changes in phone numbers or potential out-of-town type glitches. (Of course, in your case, you couldn’t have known ahead of time about malfunctioning voice mail.)
I think waiting is a great choice. Best of luck!
Ronnie Ann