You know the drill. You get the interview. You ace the interview. In fact, it was the best job interview you ever had! You head home dreaming of the offer for the new job you’re pretty sure you just landed. And then…you wait. And you wait. And you wait some more until you just want to scream! And then maybe you do scream. And rant a little. And even think of all the things you’d like to do to that stupid company you once thought was so perfect for you.
But before you decide the company is made up of former Guantanamo guards trained to torture you in some sick waiting game, take a deep breath and let me take you behind closed doors. It’s time you learn more about the mysterious steps of the interview hiring process – what goes on inside the secret rooms – and why you aren’t getting any feedback from the company even though you send e-mails and call them hoping for even the tiniest clue.
Hard as it is to believe, sometimes there are good reasons – really! – why a company’s interview hiring process steps take so long – and why all too often you have to wait forever (or so it seems) before you hear back from an employer after a job interview.
So what does go on behind the scenes after an interview?
I was recently asked to guest post on the Pongo Resume Blog, and decided this would be a great topic since I get sooooooooooo many e-mails and comments about how painful the waiting game can be. I once even wrote a post begging Human Resources people to be more considerate. But sadly, for many reasons, the torture continues and you’re still waiting.
I hope by telling you about what goes on behind the scenes after the interview, you might be able to relax just a little more knowing one week, two weeks, even three weeks or more of waiting can be perfectly normal.
Possible reasons you’re still waiting after the interview:
Here’s an excerpt from my guest post:
- Sometimes HR controls all communication and that means people you write to are advised not to respond to individual candidates. Why? It could be a mandate from legal to prevent any miscommunication. (A poorly worded response from the company could be construed as an offer when none exists yet.) Or it could simply be HR wanting to call all the shots. It happens.
- Someone critical to the process (aka SCTTP) may be sick or called away. Why not work around the person? They could, but sometimes the company prefers to wait for the sake of continuity — even if that means you wait too.
- Our SCTTP may suddenly have been put on a top-priority project that’s taking all their time. Even if they said they want to hire quickly, the hiring process can get put on the back burner. I’ve seen this many times.
- Our SCTTP has been fired or quit and must be replaced first.
- The department is going through a reorganization — again.
- The job is being rethought and possibly needs to wait for HR to approve a reclassification. Why? Sometimes they find a specific candidate (maybe you) whose skills are even more suited to their needs than their original concept. Or they find two people they like and decide to split the job into two different positions.
- Hiring may require numerous people who did not interview you to sign off on various steps of the process. Meanwhile, you wait.
- Sometimes it simply takes weeks to find room on everyone’s calendar for the next round of interviews.
So if you’re stuck in the waiting game, try not to get caught up worrying about things you can’t control…like all the stuff behind closed doors. Instead know you’ve done your best (that’s all anyone can do), make sure you’ve sent a great thank you note and, after a couple weeks have passed, follow up with a polite e-mail and/or phone call saying you’re still interested and would love to know your status. You might even ask if they need anything else from you.
Other than that, you just wait. As long as it takes. I once waited four months and I was their top candidate!
Meanwhile, do what you can to keep yourself busy and diverted so you aren’t obsessing about the wait. Also…keep looking! Not only does the action help you stay sane, but you may actually wind up finding an even better job in the process.
Good luck finding the right job for you.
Ronnie Ann
Some other posts you may find helpful
12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview
I Got the Post-Interview Temporary OCD Blues
How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well
I Messed Up My Job Interview. What Can I Do?
Hi,
So I interviewed one week ago for the perfect job at a large corporation. It was an entry level engineering position and everything went great. I interviewed with three different people and my.last.interviewer, who would be my direct supervisor/mentor, even told me he hopes to see me again soon. He was happy with my background knowledge of the products. After the interview I sent thank you emails to the people that interviewed me. Then three business days I emailed the HR admin who originally contacted me with a follow up email. These were her words “Have heard positive feedback. I’m waiting to hear back from the VP. I will call you as soon as I have something solid.” Should I expect good news or is it too vague?
Thanks,
Ed
Hi Ed -
Well, it sounds very positive, so far, but I wouldn’t “count my chickens before they are hatched” as the old saying goes. This is usually just step one, and you made it through that quite well, if seems. I would expect that there may be follow-up, possibly more interviews, reference checks, etc. before you actully land the job.
So, don’t stop job hunting yet. In fact, don’t stop job hunting until you get that written offer in your hand.
Good luck!
Susan
“Your enthusiasm for the area and your professional background make you an excellent candidate for the position. We would like to move forward in the hiring process, so I’ve outlined the steps for proceeding below.” (the email continued but I will not post those details)
So the problem is I know they are about $12,000 low on the offer. The position is in an area that does not have a big draw for what I do (Cost Accountant with 10+ years) and I would be leaving a metro area. Should I tell them my concern now or wait till the offer comes on paper then bring it up?
I also have suggestions for how they could make up that difference. I live within my means and cannot go backwards, but would move in a heart beat, the position and location is desirable for me !
Hi Matthew,
Congratulations on the pending offer! Excellent! A very strong pre-offer message!
Hmmm… And a very interesting situation! Not sure what “the answer” might be in this case.
Unless you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will come in $12k too low, I think I’d wait until I had the offer in my hand. Yes, sometimes “positions” become “set in concrete” once they have been put in writing, and that’s definitely a risk in this situation. The flip side of that is the fact that you will have an offer in your hand – that’s a written commitment from the employer. And, I’m thinking that if they want you badly enough to put together a formal offer and hand it to you, you will have more leverage to get the salary increased.
On the other hand, if you are open with them that the offer you think they are preparing is way too low, you may offend them. You may scare them off and not have any offer. OR, they may make some effort to increase the offer to please you because they are convinced you are exactly the person they need to hire.
The fact that cost accountants are scarce in that location is good news, to be sure. If they have been looking for a good cost accountant for quite a while, they may be flexible (aka “desperate”).
Some things to consider:
* The first question that popped into my head was whether or not you would need that extra $12k if you are moving to the new location with a lower cost of living that your current metro area? Have you explored that?
* The issue of “internal equity” comes into play – paying someone new dramatically more than everyone else is not a good idea for a number of reasons.
* Could you negotiate something else to replace the $12k in salary? What alternatives would be acceptable to you: paying for relocation for you to move to the new area, including covering closing costs on new home and paying your rent until you move permanently, a company car for x number of years (replaced every 2 years), extra paid vacation, tuition payments for your kids, stock options, opportunities for bonuses, or ????
Barbara Safani wrote an ebook thatmay give you some ideas for alternatives to $12k in your paycheck. It’s available for free on Job-Hunt.org – Winning Negotiation Strategies for Your New Job
Keep us posted!
Good luck!
Susan
.
Hi,
This is an absolutely wonderful write up about post interview blues. One gets really frustrated if one applies for a job, gives the interview n then finally hears nothing from them!! Guess I’m going through one of those phases. Gave an interview last week with an MNC. And I suppose all went well, and they said they would get back in week or so. Close to 9 days now, and I’m worried
But yeah all the possible reasons for a delayed call mentioned in this write up seem sensible and I guess about 3-4 of those apply to this particular MNC as well. I just hope all goes well and I get a call from them this week.
I was …..ummm… kind of down on confidence..been like this lately (owing to a REAL bad phase in my life – professionally & personally). This post has boosted my confidence and happiness quotient to quite an extent. Thanx a ton
Hi Poornima,
We’re so glad the blog post was helpful, and boosted your spirits so much!
Sorry you’re having a bad time these days. Unfortunately, professional and personal problems often hit at the same time. Do what you can to make yourself feel better. Have you read Susan’s recent post, Handling Those Job Search Blues? She offers some great tips.
Meantime, why not get in touch with the company to restate your interest in the job, ask if they’ve made a decision, and stay top of mind with them. It’s been more than a week, and they said they’d get in touch in a week or so. Knowing something about where you stand would probably help.
Good luck with this one!
Best,
Meg Guiseppi
Member, WorkCoachCafe Team
Hi Meg,
Thanx for the reply. Went through Susan’s post. As expected, it was very encouraging. Will make sure I try out those ideas.
As for the company, before I could call them, they got in touch with me and told me that I have been shortlisted for the 2nd round. But the dates for the 2nd round haven’t been finalized. Sounded strange to me because why would a company get in touch with a candidate without finalizing things from their end!
Anyways, I’m happy at least I heard from them. And that too just a day after I posted on this site. Guess it’s got to do with the positive vibes associated with Work Coach Cafe
I’m glad I chanced upon this site
Thanks
Poornima
Hi Poornima,
Thanks for checking back in and congratulations! How nice that they contacted you before you had to do it.
You’ll probably never know why the company hasn’t finalized things for the second round, so I hope you won’t dwell on it. All kinds of things could be going on internally that have nothing to do with you. Be prepared for perhaps a longer wait than you might have wanted for them to get things together and reach back out to you. That way, you may be less disappointed by delays.
And I hope you’ll let yourself “feel” this good news. To move into round 2 is a wonderful accomplishment!
Funny you should mention the positive vibes here at Work Coach Cafe. There have been other good karma stories from this community about posting a comment here for the first time and then landing that dream job they’ve been working on. Hey, you never know. Even if that doesn’t happen, being able to vent and maybe get a little support always helps, right?
Good luck!
Meg Guiseppi
Absolutely. Being able to vent always helps, especially if there are great listeners like you around, who are always willing to understand, support, advise and share.
Yes maybe I should prepare myself for a long wait. Expectation is the root of all heartache. So, in expecting an early call from them, I might end up getting disappointed.
Just to tell you a little more about myself – I have often googled about positivity n optimism but haven’t come across many encouraging posts. This site has ended my search. I guess I share a very strange connect, at a very different, unexplainable level (at least beyond my comprehension!)
I don’t know if this is merely psychological (though I wouldn’t like to believe so) but now, with so much positivity around, things are actually looking brighter.
Irrespective of whether I land up with the job or not, I hope to emerge as a better human being with a more optimistic outlook towrads life. I will definitely continue to contribute to this site for as long as I can. Chancing upon this website is definitely one of the major turning points of my life. I’m evolving into a better person already. I don’t know if I’m sounding like an emotional fool, but I’m writing all that is running through my head right now.
Thank you soo much Meg.
You do NOT sound like “an emotional fool” to me, Poornima. You sound very wise – “Expectation is the root of all heartache” is so true! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and connecting with us here at WorkCoachCafe.com!
If this job does not turn out for you, something better is waiting for you. Stay in touch.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Poornima,
What a lovely, beautifully written comment! I hope you get to use your considerable writing talent for work, as well as pleasure.
I echo what Susan said. No way you’re an emotional fool. You’re speaking from your heart, which is very appropriate, and appreciated, in this forum. I’m sure your words have hit home with and comforted others here in the WCC community.
Having the goal to become a more optimistic person is an enviable one. Another site that may help you immediately came to mind — Leo Babauta’s Zen Habits. Check out his archive of past posts — http://zenhabits.net/archives/ — including, most recently:
– The Habits That Crush Us
– Learning to Sit Alone, in a Quiet Empty Room
– Life as a Conscious Practice
– Clearing Your Life for a New Year
– How to Have the Best Year of Your Life (without Setting a Single Goal)
I hope you find his posts enlightening.
You made my day by saying this site has been a turning point for you! Please do keep us informed of your job search progress.
Meg Guiseppi
Hi Meg
I’ve still not heard from them. Guess I’m not getting this one. A little upset – maybe something else is kept in store. Hope it’s something better
.
Poornima
Hi Poornima,
Congratulations on having a positive attitude about this! Yes, if this one doesn’t come through, that could well mean there is something better in store for you.
Thanks for checking in!
Meg Guiseppi
Hey Meg
I was dying to get back here. I have finally received an offer letter from the company !! and I’m THRILLED !!!!!!! It’s been almost a month since my 1st interview there and I got the offer letter today!
And I tell you it’s definitely got to do with the vibes associated with the team here @ Work Coach Cafe !!
All those who are still waiting – please don’t be disappointed. I have got this job after a string of rejections (by about 5-6 companies – I’ve lost count now) – and I can assure you it’s got nothing to do with my potential. For some strange reason things were just not working out.
After each rejection, I would wonder what went wrong, and what to work on! And the only answer I could come up with was that something better is in store for me. I now realize how true that was !!
And now that I’ve got this offer from this MNC that I’ve been dying to work for, I’m actually happy I didn’t get through anywhere else. It’s definitely worth the wait.
Hi Poornima,
What fabulous news! Your patience paid off and you have the letter in hand! I’m very excited for you.
How kind of you to credit the vibes here at Work Coach Cafe for landing this opportunity. I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m glad if this community at least helped you feel better about your agonizing wait.
Thanks for reinforcing to others out there in a similar situation that they shouldn’t despair, or blame themselves or their interview performance. I believe things happen for a reason. We can’t always figure it out at first, but it all seems to work out for the best in the end.
Having a positive attitude can smooth out a lot of the bumps in job search. Sounds like you made a turnaround a week or so ago and, what do you know!, the job came through. I hear about these things happening all the time.
Congratulations! And thanks again for giving hope to others here.
Meg Guiseppi
Thanks Susan. Will definitely keep you posted.
Thank you Meg. I’m flattered by your comments. I read some of the posts given in the link that you provided. They sure are enlightening.
Will keep you updated about my job.
Regards
Poornima
Hello,
I recently had an interview at a company. Interview went great lasted about an hr, they asked what I am looking for in salary and how long of notice I would need to give current employer, and 2nd lady I spoke with in interview said she ya soon after it ended. A friend of mine works there are asked her boss what he thought of me he said we liked me alot and I would fit in well there, they also called my references a half hr later. It has been a week since interview and I heard nothing yet, I am getting worried, girl I know who works there said they are making 2 offers to people but the big boss has to do get some codes or something first before they hire someone, When I spoke to woman who interviewed me 2nd time they said a decision would be made by this friday, am I worrying to much, I thought I nailed the interview
Hi Jeff,
This is how almost everyone feels – we all worry and try to figure out what’s going on. But, the reality is that it’s out of your control at this point. The best thing to do is to try to stop fretting about it, and to continue with your job search because this job might not work out this time.
The signs are very good for you, I think. They called your references immediately, and you have a friend who already works there. All very good!
But, don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from them on Friday. It could take a while – longer than anyone expects – for the big boss to get whatever he needs so that he can go ahead with adding 2 new people. Let your friend keep snooping around to see what is going on, if she can do that without putting her own job at risk.
If you don’t hear by Monday, call them Monday afternoon or Tuesday to see what is going on. Don’t be angry or annoyed, and don’t be demanding. Just politely ask what is going on and when you can expect to hear from them about whether or not you got the job.
And, just keep looking for a job in case this one doesn’t work out.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the advice, I will follow up with them early next week If I dont hear from them.
Hi,
I’m in a waiting pattern as well….but it’s not for a job offer, it’s for a repsonse from a counter offer. I’ve interviewed with a company over the last several weeks. I got a job offer a few days later. The offer was not exactly what I had hoped for, so I proposed a counter offer to the company.
Communication with the company had been good / quick from the beginning. They would respond to any questions I had on the same day. I recvd the offer on Wed, had some back and forth dialogue on Thurs, and then sent the counter offer on Friday. I did not hear back from them on Fri, nor today (Mon).
Should I be concerned that they have decided to go a different direction……or am I being impatient?
Hi Chris,
Congratulations on getting an offer!
It’s hard to tell what is going on. Your counter offer could have put you out of consideration because it caused “internal equity” problems with existing employees or they think you are being unreasonable.
Or, they could be running your offer up the chain of command to see if it will fly and/or get the appropriate approvals, assuming your offer is an exception to what they normally do.
They could also be testing your nerve to see how committed you are to your counter offer.
If you haven’t heard anything today (Tuesday), I’d check in on Wednesday, preferably in the afternoon, to see what the status is.
But, before you check in, consider how firmly you feel about your counter offer. Is it this offer or nothing? Or, is there some middle ground you might consider if they are unable to get this to fly?
When you contact them, just ask for the status, but be prepared to either walk away or modify your offer in some way based on what you have decided. Your decision depends on how much you want this job. Do NOT begin the call offering to reduce your counter offer’s value, though. Keep that in your “back pocket” to pull out if you need to – if you are considering it.
To give an idea of some options you might not have considered, read Barbara Safani’s free ebook, “Winning Negotiation Strategies for Your New Job.” It’s full of good negotiating ideas. And it really is free – http://www.job-hunt.org/guides/Job-Hunt-Salary-Negotiations.pdf
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
I applied for a dream job position at a prestigious organization in which I not only hit all the required qualifications, I also hit the preferred! It’s in international development, and I’ve been living the past 3 years abroad, and this just seems like the perfect opportunity to come back to the US. Since I’m well-connected in the field, and know this organization would get a huge number of applicants, I had four different contacts forward my application to someone they knew there! And it worked! I had a great interview with the Assistant, and then one with the Executive Director, in which she asked me to join a work call and to meet her in Nairobi next Monday (I live in Africa). Then after the interview, HR called and asked 1. Eligibility to work in US 2. Start date and 3. Salary requirements. He said I would hear back by the end of the week, whereas the Director said next week. They want someone to start soon, by the end of the month, and I told them that was fine as long as I can give my current work 2 weeks notice.
And then radio silence. This last interview happened 1 week ago, and I’m getting really nervous! I thought all the signs pointed to me getting an offer, but now I haven’t heard back yet about the logistics on meeting the Director in Nairobi, let alone any hint of when I’d be hearing from them concerning an offer. I sent two follow-up emails today (one to HR and one to the Assistant), so I hope they don’t find that pushy. Also, I realized they didn’t ask for my references either. Should I assume I didn’t get the job? Or how should I proceed?
Thanks!
Hi AP,
Hmmm… This does feel a bit strange, particularly if you need to meet the Executive Director in Nairobi next week, and you need to travel to get there for the meeting.
However, that meeting gives you the perfect excuse to be a bit pushy since next Monday is only a few days away. So, I’d reach out to that assistant, and press gently to get the logistics of that meeting set up.
If your contacts inside the organization are in a position to find out what is going on and if you are comfortable asking for help, I’d reach out to them, too. Maybe they can find out something about your situation or what is going on with the Executive Director.
It could be that thing are just very busy or that someone dropped a ball somewhere in keeping in touch with you.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for the response! So I took your advice and contacted the Assistant and HR to ask about Nairobi. The response was, “Oh the Executive Director didn’t call you? She said she will call you to discuss everything. Let me check on her now.” HR said the same and then asked for my references, which I take as a good sign. However, she never called! I followed up again today (Friday) to find out about Nairobi, but no response. So its clear that I’m not going to Nairobi now, but does that indicate my current status with the job offer?
Thanks!
Hi AP,
Hmmm… Interesting! It’s hard to know what this means. It could mean that the Executive Director is a total ditz (so working there might not be good), that she had too many things to do before leaving to have time to set this up, that the Nairobi trip has too much packed into it already, that momentum built up too quickly and the ED is not as comfortable as she would like to be before meeting with you, or that any of a dozen other things happened.
It could have nothing to do with you, or it could be more complex and potentially negative. Difficult to know.
Since the ED is clearly on travel the early part of this next week (from the US?), she may be there for more than 1 day and the meeting could still happen, just not on Monday.
I might check in with the Assistant on Monday, to see what the explanation might be and whether you could meet with the ED on Tuesday or later in the week. Or, I might wait for them to get in touch with me. It depends on how you feel about them and the job now, the “vibes” you’ve picked up from them so far, and how much you want this job.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
I just wanted to update you that they did finally get in touch over the weekend and asked if I could fly over there between Tues-Thurs! So I went last Wednesday, and spent a really great day with the ED at this conference, and I really felt like she spent the time to get to know me and that it went well. At the end she told me it was between me and one other person, and that I would hear back on Friday.
Well, now it’s Tuesday. Should I call or email? Also, my current job is a 1-year contract, and they have offered me a permanent position. I don’t really like where I currently work, hence I’d really love to move to this new job, but I also don’t want to be out of job at all. They want a decision asap, so is it smart to tell the place I’m interviewing this? Or will it not really affect how long it takes for them to get back to me?
Thanks!
Hi AP,
Good that you finally met the ED. I would think that hearing from them by last Friday would be very optimistic (unrealistic?) given that the ED wasn’t heading back until late Thursday at the earliest, so I’m not surprised you haven’t heard anything, yet.
And, now it’s Wednesday. I think I would contact them this coming Friday, probably by email. If they are going to make you an offer, best to have it “in writing” via email from the employer’s domain name than in a conversation over the phone.
The reality is that unless the employment “rules” where you are differ from the USA, you are an employee “at will” and can quit your job any time – as an employee. That’s one of the good things about a “permanent” job vs. a contract job. So you could accept the job today, and quit next week – at least in theory! It would probably permanently “burn that bridge” with your current employer, but perhaps that is acceptable.
I’m not sure what I would do with the existing offer from your current employer. Try to postpone your decision if you can by telling them you have a lot of things to consider and need to discuss things with your family (true, hopefully) before you accept the offer, which I’m assuming requires you to remain in Africa. One year in Africa vs. a semi-permanent move to Africa is a BIG deal for almost anyone (just as the reverse would be). Do they have offices in the USA? Are there questions you could ask which would help prolong the discussion through the end of this week? Or accept this week with the possibility of quitting next week?
In any case, I would not turn quit or down the current employer without a written offer from the other employer.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
I just wanted to say that after applying for the position on December 5th, I finally received an actual job offer on March 13th! Some organizations really do take ages. I luckily am coming from another job, but its a terrible position to put someone unemployed in. Reading the mind of an employer is really tough, but perseverance does help!
Thanks Susan!
AP
CONGRATULATIONS, AP! That’s excellent news – thank you for sharing it!
You are very welcome for any help WorkCoachCafe provided!
Good luck in your new job!
Susan
Just want to tell everyone not to lose hope… After over a month since the interview and relative silence after nailing the first phone interview and second in person one, I got the job officially! They said their silence was really due to HR policies, so don’t feel discouraged. I did however send a thank you email, follow up letter, then another follow up email within this one month time… They didn’t seem put off by this at all. So just don’t lose hope!
Congratulations on your new job! Thanks for letting us know!
So often, we fear the worst when we don’t hear from an employer, and it turns out they are just taking their time processing the paperwork.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi There
I had an interview on thurs the 9th with a large company that I have wanted to work for, for a long time. The interview seemed to go well, I dont think there is anything I would change, I was so happy I got the interview in the first place! I know that they were still interviewing for a few days after my interview on thurs. Its now been a week since I had my interview… should I be worried? I sent a nice thank you letter… and the interview ended with them telling me they still had interviews, and to maybe think of some references. I have a friend who works at the company… and she said maybe that person would be a reference…. They seemed to like me…
Please help calm my nerves… I really want this one.
Thank you
Hey fennek
I’m being made to play the waiting game as well. So I know how it feels..to be almost there but still waiting for ‘it’ to happen. Since you have no other option but to wait, I would suggest you do that with a smile on your face. It somehow manages to soothe all anxieties.
There are many organizations that take more than a week (close to 2-3 weeks) to get things done on their end before getting in touch with the candidate again.
Remember to be positive. It actually helps. As they say, hope for the best, but also be prepared to face the worst (just in case…..)
Meanwhile why don’t you check this link out.
http://www.workcoachcafe.com/2009/04/14/12-ways-to-stay-sane-after-a-job-interview/
Good Luck
Poornima
Thank you for the advice…
I am confused if i should send a follow up email yet or not? I had my interview on thurs last week, and I do know she said they were still interview within the nexy few days.. which could have led to monday/tues considering it was friday the next day… its now been 8 days since my interview… should I send a follow up?
Thanks
Thank you for your advice… its been 8 days since my interview and I know they were doing a few more days of them…. should I send my follow up email today?
Hey
I don’t know how qualified am I to advice you – because I still haven’t got a job
Anyway if I’m not wrong you already have sent a thank you mail.
So I would suggest maybe wait till the coming Monday or Tuesday to followup. Things at times take a little extra time. Plus you wouldn’t want to seem desperate to them! So being patient is the key.
Also, my personal opinion (and past experience) says try as much as possible to not think about the interview, or the ‘delay’. Indulge in your favorite pastimes – and trust me, you would receive their call when you least expect it
UPDATE. ok so I just realized that for us (in Canada) it is a long weekend and I am not sure if people would be in the office today, since a lot of people book the Friday off cause monday is a holiday…. so I am not sure if I sent the follow up today or wait till tues morning so that my email doesnt get lost in the many she will have when she gets back to the office if she isnt in today! What do you think? could someone help me ASAP?
Thank you
Poornima gave you great advice, Fennek. Exactly what I would have said. Since this is a holiday weekend, probably best to wait until after the holiday to respond, and I’m betting Tuesday afternoon would be better than Tuesday morning.
Good luck!
Susan
So I didnt get the job… they just called… im feeling really discouraged about the whole job thing
Hi Fennek,
Sorry you didn’t get the job, THIS time! And, don’t give up on this employer.
NOW, send them a “thank you” for the time and effort they went to to interview you. A thank you for being told that you weren’t hired is fairly rare, these days, and it was good of them to let you know, rather than letting you wonder forever. So, send that thank you. Tell them it was nice to meet them, and you still hope, one day, to work for them. Seriously! IF you are still interested in working for this very large company,
I wrote this post about what to write in your thank you. Check it out for ideas -
Rejection into Oportunity
I remember when I really, REALLY wanted to work for a large employer here. I used every avenue to get into the company that I could. I interviewed in a half-dozen different departments. And, the day I received my offer letter from the department that hired me, I also received a rejection letter from a different department in the same company (and it wasn’t the first rejection I received from the company)! That happens all the time.
So, if you really want to work for this employer, don’t give up now. Send that thank-you-for-not-hiring-me note, and stand out from the crowd!
Look at other employers, too, of course, but don’t give up on this one.
Hang in there. A better job is waiting for you!
Good luck!
Susan
Thank you for that advice Susan, I just sent the thank you, I think that is a great idea and shows you are a good sport… even though inside I am very upset… it wont stop me from applying to other positions within the company… its just so hard these days, I spent a lot on school… but without a Masters these days, it seems really hard to get a job…I have been trying a long time… but everything is apply online and I just feel its so impersonal and hard to stand out.
Excellent, Fennek!
That’s shows great attitude and spirit, and excellent determination.
A career counselor told me after my 2nd layoff that I should consider every “rejection” as another step closer to the YES! that would mean I’d finally landed a job. It’s a good way to look at these things (or to TRY to look at them).
I predict that you will find a much better job at this company. Keep plugging!
[And keep us posted.]
Good luck!
Susan
Hi guys!
I had an interview on Thurs 9th Feb 2012 for a large investment bank. It was my first ever interview and I felt I impressed the four interviewers, especially the head boss. I have been waiting patiently for a response since a job offer would mean i would have to relocate and that takes time.
So i decided to search for some more information on the processes behind the scenes to ease my concerns regarding possible reasons for no correspondence, and i found this insightful post.
I have read a few comments which have been posted and it seems potential employers do waist time conveying information to candidates.
I have been told many times “No news is good news.”
Hi Nik
It’s good to be patient, but since it’s been more that 2 weeks now, why don’t you follow up with them on your status . This way, you would stay top of mind with them. And they would know you are still interested.
Hi,
So happy I came across your site!
Heres my story-It all happens in the same week
Tuesday AM-Applied for an Executive Assitant postion via email on company web site. Found the job on Craigslist but decided to go the company site direct and sent it right into HR. Pretty clever I thought.
Wednesday PM- Got a phone call from Director of HR. Had an onthe spot 45 minute phone interview. Asked me to come in the next day at 2PM.
Thursday 2PM- Spend an hour and a half with HR Director. This job is a perfect fit for me in so many ways. I could be a real asset to this company. I believe she feels the same way, as she asks me to return the next day at 2PM to meet with the GM.
Friday 2PM-Meet with GM and spend time talking and touring the premises. We have great chemistry. i would be working for him the HR Director and support the owner. After tw hand shakes a BIG smile, he brings me back to HR, the Director tells me she will be bringing me in Thurs or Fri next week to meet with the owner. I am so happy. I feel really good!
Friday PM- I send a thank you email to GM and Director.
Saturday and Sunday- Happy Happy, Joy Joy…my dream job is coming soon. Go shopping for new suits. Confident this is the one!
Monday-Nothing
Tuesday-Nothing
Wednesday AM- Send Follow-up email, short and sweet to see if she has scheduled a time for me to come in Thurs or Fri. NO RESPONCE! Im looking at my phone, checking my email. Nothing….I get a sinking feeling, wondering and worrying. Totally bummed out. Now what do I do? What happened? What did I do wrong?
Thursday- No Call
Friday- (Today, 2/24/2012)- Still no call.
Is there anything at all I can do without stalking them. Should i contact them again?
The postion was to be filled immediately. And I know I can do this job really well!
Thank you,
Kim
I had the same experience like that before. Once I applied for the position Purchasing executive, i have both great interview with the Pur manager and CFO. i came home with high happy feeling. The HR supervisor said that she will call back to me later. The thankful email had been sent but i wait and wait for more than 2 weeks but nothing happen, no call, no email. i wonder what’s happened, did they find another candidate who accept the lower salary than me ? why they didn’t tell anything about this. The time for waiting is terrible. i’s so angry with them but i don’t know what i need to do at this time. So bad experience
TC and everyone -
ALWAYS reach out by phone at some point! Email is NOT a perfect medium of communications because not every email message gets through to the recipient. Things like spam filters and firewalls and people being too busy can easily get in the way.
So, if you’ve sent email and not gotten a response, place a phone call. Be polite and professional. Do not expect them to remember you, and don’t be insulted if they don’t remember you.
When you call (and when you email!), tell them your name and give them these details:
* The job you interviewed for,
* When you interviewed, and
* Who interviewed you.
Leave a voicemail message with those details if you can’t speak with a live person.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Kim,
I would try reconnecting via phone with the HR Director later today (not Monday morning!) to see what is going on. Email is not 100% reliable! They might not have gotten your thank you emails, or the one you sent Wednesday.
Or they might have had some major distraction come up, the owner had already decided to offer the job to his niece or 4th cousin, or something else moved this from the front burner to a back burner.
Time to get back to your job search to look for other options until you hear back from these folks.
Good luck!
Susan
Susan.
I still never heard anything, but I am getting over these things more quickly now. The new suit came in handy on another interview this week. I keep telling myself, the good news is, you are getting interviews, for good jobs. …and the right one will come along.
I dont put all my eggs in one basket…. I stay positve and keep looking.
It is very hard and emotional and I take it personally at times….but it is not in my control.
Thank you for giving me a forum to vent!
Kim
Hi Kim,
Your attitude and approach sound excellent! Yes – the right job WILL come along, and the fact that you are getting interviews is a very good sign.
I’ve been laid off twice, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if those hadn’t happened. They were painful, but beneficial, in the end.
Yes, it is very hard not to take this personally, but, wrongly, we all tend to do that. So keep on doing what you are doing. I expect to hear from you soon that you have landed that new job, and it’s what you’ve been waiting for!
Stay in touch!
Good luck!
Susan
So, here’s how my whole job fiasco started…I was actually scouted by a manager from a clothing store while I was working my current (and low paying crap job that I really, really want out of) this girl told me to call the large retail chain store to set up an interview and I did. Within the week, I had an interview with this girl and another manager, who then passed me onto a second interview with the store manager who said she saw me as the perfect candidate, and she was even willing to try to get me benefits, she also said to expect a call from HR manager around Thursday…well, Thursday passed and now it’s going on Sunday. Should I call? Or keep waiting for a call? A really want this job because it will actually pay me a living wage as oppose to my current job that is BARELY keeping me afloat…advice please!
Thanks!
Hi Lawren,
My guess is that it really is a part-time job, and that the store manager was unable to get you nearly full-time hours, benefits, and the other things she mentioned because it really is a part-time job..
If you have an email address for the store manager, send her an email. Thank her for her interest and time. Tell her you enjoyed meeting her, and would be happy to talk with her again in the future.
Next Thursday or Friday, give them a call to see what is happening. Do NOT sound desperate for this job! Tell them that you liked everyone you met, it feels like a good fit and a good organization with opportunities for you to grow professionally. That’s why you want to work for them – not because you are currently in a “low paying crap job.”
I would stay in touch, but definitely not give up my current job. Perhaps a genuine full-time job will develop soon at this store, or perhaps, develop at another branch of it, if it is a chain..
Good luck!
Susan
Susan,
So the good news is I found out about what is going on. They called me back and said they wanted to “extend the offer” and pay me the wage I was asking, the only thing is they want me to meet with the DM to approve that…is this a good sign? What should I do for this meeting? Any advice? Thanks so much! This is a retail position…
-Lawren-
Hi Susan,
I went for an interview last Thursday that lasted about 45 minutes. I interviewed with two women. They were very impressed with my knowledge and professionalism. Asked me what my current rate was at my current job. Told me that they send their top people through a personality test, which I did get invited to take and I completed it. So the very next morning I sent a thank you letter to one of the ladies and stated that it would be great if she could let the other interviewer know I said thank you. I got a response from both ladies saying how impressed they were with my experience and professionalism and how it was nice to meet me too, and at that time got invited to take the test. It’s only been 3 business days. I am freaking out. This job would be perfect. I am worried because I want out of my current job like yesterday. The interview was great, and they stated how great it was to finally see a legit candidate apply for the position, all the other were like hair dressers applying for this medical position. Any advice? They said they would let people know either way in two weeks. But why make people wait?
Hi LT,
You need to find a way to chill out. It can take MONTHS to go through the whole hiring process! So, find a way to stop thinking about it.
Don’t let this potential employer know how impatient you are to leave your current job and don’t bad mouth your current employer or job.
I would check in with them AFTER those 2 weeks are over. So if the 2 weeks are over on 2/9, I would reconnect with them on 2/13 at the earliest.
Good luck!
Susan
It is so great to find this article! I just had my second f2f interview yesterday with a company, so now I plan to be waiting just like many here.
I had my phone interview 2 weeks ago, then my firs f2f interview last week (with 3 people, one after another), then a really long interview yesterday (5 hours, with many people – one right after the other).
I think it went extremely well and I think it is an exciting opportunity. I hope it all gets wrapped up soon, but I expect a wait. The hiring manager is going on vacation, so I expect that I won’t hear at least for a week or two?
Thanks to all of you for posting. It is comforting to hear from others who are “in limbo” too.
Hi Kerri,
Yes, unfortunately, “limbo” is an all-too-common phase in a job search. So, it’s always a very good idea to keep looking, even when you are in limbo.
I would expect that you won’t hear from anyone for at least a week after the vacation is over. But, I hope you sent thank you’s to the people you had interviews with yesterday. Thank them for their time, and remind them who you are and (carefully!) how wonderful you are.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi! Thanks so much, Susan. Nice of you to respond. Yes, I sent thank you’s. I received a phone call this morning! They wanted to double check that it is OK to call my references today. I heard back from one of my references later that they called. So, it’s moving so fast. Honestly, I thought this whole process would take months and its flying by. This is good, but I’m not 100% used to the idea of leaving where I’m at, so my emotions are a bit unsettled. But, as a (wise) friend of mine says, there is no decision to make until an offer is made. I’m trying not to spend too much time worrying about how my boss will take the news should Ieave. I know it will be a substantial blow to her if it happens.
Thanks again, Kerri
Sounds very positive, but you never know.
Good luck!
Susan
I was just presented an offer – that is much less than I expected. I am feeling so deflated right now! They offerred me a base salary + 5% annual bonus. With the bonus, they are at $4,000 less than my minumum. I’m about to get a raise at my current job that will bring me to the minumum they offered for the base salary. If I can get them up $4,000, with the bonus it will bring me to the minumum I was willing to accept.
What should I do? If I say I want $6,000 more, I fear they will tell me to forget the whole thing. If I say $5,000, I’m afraid they will only come up to 3. I really cannot take less than $4,000 over their base – it would simply not be worth it.
I am willing to walk away from the offer if needed, but I was very excited about this job. I don’t want it to come to that.
I appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks!
Kerri
Hi Kerri –
Yes, congratulations!
Victoria’s advice is excellent!
Be sure you are ready to walk away – don’t bluff. It is usually best in these situations not to play with the numbers, trying to anticipate a negotiating position. Just tell them your minimum. I hope they meet it!
Good luck!
Susan
Kerri,
Congrats on your job offer! Getting an offer is great news… now you just need to tweak the details!
If your minimum acceptable offer is $4K more than what they are offering and you are prepared to walk away if they don’t meet your minimum, then you have your answer.
I think the key to this is approach. Let them know that you are excited by the prospect of working for them and that you are close on compensation but their salary is below your requirement. Remind them of the asset you would be to their team (be specific) and that you are the right person for the position.
The worst thing that can happen is that they say they can’t increase $4K and/or rescind their offer… since you weren’t prepared to accept it, then you’ve lost nothing.
I have been in the same situation and they came back with a counter offer that was lower than my stated requirement – I held firm and they came back with an offer that met my requirement. I would only recommend this tactic if you REALLY require that number and are prepared to lose the offer completely.
Good luck with what ever you decide!
Victoria
Hi Victoria & Susan,
Thank you very much for your advice – it was so nice to see your responses this morning! Yes, I am prepared to walk away from the offer. I am so disappointed with the knowledge that it will likely come to that.
I told the gentleman from HR that I would call him around 9 this morning. I appreciate the advice to simply give him my minimum number and not try to play the numbers game. I have an absolute minumum that I am willing to take. Unfortunately for this company, I do not hate my current job. But, when this opportunity came knocking at my door, I thought it would be a fabulous growth opportunity. I am so sad that it may not end up being that.
Victoria, it’s reassuring to hear that you had this happen before and you were able to get your required after a low offer.
Thanks again to you both. I will let you know how it goes.
Kerri
Excellent comment, Victoria. Thank you for joining the discussion!
Susan
I almost cannot believe it – but they countered and came up over $5,000! So, I am actually $250 over my happy place. They didn’t bother to try to get me to accept my minumim. I accepted and will be giving my notice today.
This morning, I truly did not forsee this happening. I was honest with him, though. I thanked him, told him how wonderful it had been to meet him and his team & how highly I thought of the company. I explained that my salary at my current job was being raised to X this month, though. Therefore, I simply could not take lower than X. He called me within half an hour to counter.
Thanks so much for your help and support! This has been a great place to come to while I was going through my emotional ups and downs.
Now I have to give my notice and I am so nervous. This all happened so fast, I have not had a chance to get used to the idea yet!!
Kerri
Congrats Kerri!
Before you give your notice, make sure you have the offer in writing.
Glad everything worked out for you… best of luck!
Victoria
Hi Victoria –
GREAT comment again! Feels like we’ve both been through the same “wars” and have the same scars to prove it.
Thank you VERY much for your contributions!
Cheers!
Susan
Hi Kerri!
Excellent news! SO glad it worked out for you!
CAUTION!!! Do not give notice to your current employer until you have a written offer in your hands for that job at that salary!
Cheers!
Susan
Hi Susan,
I am in a very similar situation of “limbo” as most people here and have been trying to relieve my tension and frustration by reading such articles. I must say I am very much happy to have found this article and such positive comments here.
I gave a phone interview for a MNC I applied for on 20th Jan which was perfect and very positive. After a much long wait on 6th Feb i got a call from the head who had interviewed me, and as he was in my town for some meeting he wanted to meet me personally. I met him on 6th Feb personally and we had great conversation. He discussed everything from company work, projects, company culture, my salary expectation and date of joining etc and said will get back to me. As there was no reply i called him back on 14th Feb and he said they will be having a presentation with higher management on 20th Feb and they were planning to take 2 candidates instead one.He sounded positive and at the end of call he mentioned that I am very much in consideration . But since then there has been no reply or feedback from them. What should I do ?? I am really looking forward for this job ..
Thanks
Hi MK,
Well, it has been over 2 weeks since you contacted them and nearly 2 weeks since the meeting on Feb. 20, so reaching out again this coming week should not be viewed as inappropriate. The meeting on the 20th could have gone well (so 2 jobs available) or not. Hard to know.
Don’t expect them to know who you are. Do provide the details necessary to identify you – your name, the job title, the dates of your interviews, and who you interviewed with. Then, ask for the current status.
Hopefully, you will get good news, but you may not. And you may also learn that more waiting is needed. But at least you will know.
Meanwhile, keep job hunting because this job might not come through for you, and you don’t want to have wasted a lot of time.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for your reply. I shall definitely reconnect with them in the coming week. Meanwhile i already am job hunting. Lets hope for the best.
Thanks again !!
MK
Hi Susan,
So I contacted the head again and he said that its taking long due to some budget issues at their end as the job offered to me is in another state and hence different location of the MNC. He also mentioned that it has nothing to do with the candidate. On asking by when the process was expected to be completed he told me that he would connect with me maybe by next week. My fingers are still crossed .. I am really hoping to get it now and also hoping they offer me salary as per expected.
Regards,
MK
Hi MK,
I’ll keep my fingers crossed, too, in hopes that this works out for you!
Be prepared with some alternatives if the salary doesn’t turn out the way you want it to – vacation time, parking or public transportation fees, etc. Know what your “walk-away” number is before you get started, and don’t bluff.
Good luck!
Susan
Hey Susan,
Hope you are doing great.
.. I think calling them up again wouldn’t be a good idea as I myself would feel awkward to call up now after doing it twice before. Should I wait for some more time .. as I suppose budget issues do take some time to get resolved. This wait is really irritating me now, especially when i know I am almost there . Please suggest what do I do.
So its been a week now since I called them up last time.
Regards,
MK
Hey MK,
Doing fine, so far, thank you! Wish things were going better for you and your job search!
Also wish I had a good answer for you on this one. It started in January, so we’re through 2+ months in this process so far.
Yes, budget issues can take a long time to resolve, sometimes months, particularly in an MNC. And, sometimes, hours. It depends on the size of the organization, current profitability, “power” of the budget controllers, etc. Many unknowns and variables are involved, unfortunately.
If you could push yourself to make one last call, you could ask whether or not you should stay in touch. But, only make that call if you are ready to hear him say “no.”
If you’re not comfortable calling them up again, then I guess your options are email and snail mail. Email isn’t always reliable, so the risk is that they won’t receive your message, but you might feel better and it might show them that you are still interested and available. Snail mail will be unexpected, I think. And sometimes, it’s very effective for that reason. On the other hand, sometimes snail mail is ignored as “old fashioned.” It depends on the organization, the organization’s “culture,” and the job.
Whether you do email or snail mail, be sure to remind them of who you are, the job you interviewed for, who and when you interviewed, who and when you called, and any other relevant details (think marketing!) that you can fit into about 3 lines of text. Then, again ask for the current status and what the next steps are.
And, definitely move on in your job search. If they are really going to hire you, it probably won’t happen any time soon.
Good luck!
Susan
Hey Susan,
Thanks a lot for your detailed reply and the options suggested by you.
However fortunately, I got a call from the head yesterday. He wanted to confirm my current CTC and said he shall talk to me soon. While this looks positive, I am still unclear on whats happening at their end. Hope they have moved past the budget issues and wont drag this for another 2 weeks. I wish they connect to me soon.
Will let you know whatever comes up next.
Thanks a lot again!!
Regards,
MK
Hi MK,
Thank you for the update. I will keep my fingers crossed for you! Keep us posted.
Good luck!
Susan
Hey Susan ! Hope you are doing good.
So here it goes. I called up the head(hiring manager) yesterday again (after he inquired about my present CTC almost 2 weeks ago.) He says that just after they were almost ready with the offer letters, the position has again gone under budget discussion and it can take additional one week or more time as he also needs to get almost 3 approvals.He cited one of the reasons for the process being late as change of a senior manager associated with this process at the concerned location.
Further he mentioned that they are still keen for me to join and that I am a suitable candidate for the position.I replied positively restating my interest in the position and that I am still willing to wait.
Now, I am a little nervous again about these ups and downs.Is there any possiblity that they would scrap the whole position now due to any issues,( especially after me waiting for 3.5 months with them through this ??).I suppose in that case the head would have mentioned it to me directly.
Please let me know how you percieve the situation.
Thanks & Regards,
MK
Hi MK,
What an ordeal you’ve been through! And not over yet!
It sounds like they are very interested in having you work for them (excellent!), but they are as administratively complex and disconnected as most MNC’s (maybe more). Remember that if you decide to accept the job. Nothing will happen quickly in this organization!
Yes, the budget issue could blow the whole thing away – see my post about why people aren’t hired that they have no control over. Budget issues are #1.
But, the hiring manager really wants to hire you, so I would not assume that this opportunity is dead. It looks like you’ve made it through all the “hoops” – including your current CTC.
So, I think it looks very promising. And, I’ll keep my fingers crossed about their budget!
Good luck!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks a lot for your positive words.Your help and feedback has been really helpful for me.
I am hoping for the best. Shall let you know whatever comes next.
Regards,
MK
Thank you, MK! Looking forward to getting good news from you!
Fingers still crossed for you and that pesky budget!
Good luck!
Susan
Hi,
It been little over a month now since I spoke last time with the hiring manager.
Would it be a good idea to call again? He did mentioned last time that he needs to get 3 approvals and he will get back to me. I don’t know how long should I wait for his response or should I connect with him .Or should I call him by May end ? Please suggest .
Hi MK,
You might want to give him a call and just check in. Calls can be better than email as they are harder to ignore.
Good luck and as I always suggest — keep your job search going until you have been offered — and accepted a new job.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi Susan/Chandlee
I think I have been through the worst ordeal in this job hunt. On 23 May the hiring manager finally called me and told me that the budget issue will get closed soon and it looks very positive . He even checked if I was available and told me that he would call me and talk how to take things ahead.
Now today June 25th I called him to follow up and he says that there has been slight change in the requirement and they are interviewing some experienced candidates now. They would evaluate me against them. He also said if positive he will call me or else if its not goin to work he will drop me a mail in another couple weeks.
I am really dissapointed and broken as i have waited for 6 months with them through thier budget issues. I was also selected long back for the position. Even the call on May 23 was extremely positive. How could they suddenly change everything??. Is the interviewing of experienced candidates another excuse and the real reason is their budget issues are still not resolved ??. I am really confused and disheartened. Please tell me what should I do ? Should I mail him a positive note that I am still interested and willing to wait?? What do you think of this ?? Please suggest.
Hi MK,
The reality of job search is that things change inside companies all the time, and many times while a position is listed something that happens inside the company forces hiring managers to re-evaluate the position itself.
(Often this is a senior employee leaving, or the decision is made to combine the job with something else.)
It likely isn’t personal. And while it may not seem fair especially in light of your patience and loyalty, it happens. It isn’t about you.
Hang tight and continue your search with other organizations in the interim. In my experience, it may come back around — and they may offer you another position in the future. But you deserve to have as many options in the future, too — so keep applying for opportunities.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thanks Chandlee for reply. Yes I would have to start applying for other opportunities now.
But it really hurts when one is very close and some external factors blow the whole thing away. It seems there is no point in keeping any hopes for this opportunity now.
Thanks a lot again.
MK
Hi
It has been almost a month now since the hiring manager said that they will be interviewing some experienced candidates for the position and they will evaluate me against them. He also had mentioned if positive he will call me or else if its not goin to work he will drop me a line in another couple weeks.
But still there is no positive nor negative reply from him even after a month. I am already applying for other companies now. Do you think he will at least drop a line if its negative or he will never communicate it to me.
Thanks,
MK
MK,
If this is making you preoccupied, I recommend contacting them by phone to follow-up — either way it will be nice to where you stand.
People don’t always think about what needs to be done in terms of follow-up, it’s uncomfortable if a decision has not been rendered or you are not the candidate of choice but it happens!
I recommend you keep up your search in the interim… always good to have more than one opportunity.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Outstanding article!
I interviewed 2 weeks ago, got a call back a few days after the interview. HR tells me they really liked me and they thought the interview went really well. And she asked me for references. I was thrilled!
So I got her my references and none of them have been called.
EXCEPT for one of them, my potential boss, who interviewed me, knew one of my references and had actually worked with him previously. So also good news here.
After the phone conversation, my reference told me that my potential boss raved about me, went on and on about how much they liked me.
Still heard nothing from HR.
Found out that recruiter went on vacation for a week and gets back later this week, but definitely worried obviously, because I have heard NOTHING.
Why can’t someone else in HR handle this? I just want an email regardless of the outcome so I can move on…..
Another interesting twist: A friend got me the interview. I would be working alongside him if I were to get the job. He was quick to respond to any texts I sent him until a week ago. Now he’s not responding to my texts. Perhaps my potential boss told him to not communicate with me?
Obviously I’m overthinking every little thing. lol
Thanks
md
Hi MD,
Of course you’re overthinking and ready to climb the walls. Everything seems to have gone so well in the interview, your references were spot-on, and you have an inside advantage with your friend. I wonder what the heck is going on too!
Whether or not you get the job, you may never know what the delay is about. Ronnie Ann covered so many possibilities in this post, but there could be others.
It’s easy for me, or others not going through this, to hope you’ll try to stop fretting about it. That’s nearly impossible, isn’t it?
Check out another of Ronnie Ann’s posts for help in trying to distract yourself from this agony, “I Got the Post-Interview Temporary OCD Blues” — http://www.workcoachcafe.com/2009/03/16/i-got-the-post-interview-temporary-ocd-blues/
I’m concerned that you said “I just want an email regardless of the outcome so I can move on…..”. I hope you’re continuing with your job search plan, and not putting all your eggs in this basket. Working on uncovering other job opportunities is a great distraction in itself, and (sorry to be negative) at this point, you really can’t be sure you have this job.
But we’ll keep our fingers crossed that you have landed this one!
Meg Guiseppi
Member of the Work Coach Cafe Team
Thanks Meg!
I’m definitely still looking around for other opportunities. I’m actually just wanting to schedule a vacation soon and I can’t really until I hear about this. haha =)
Keeping my fingers crossed. Recruiter gets back to the office on Thursday, but now I’m thinking she’s going to be super backed up, so I’m assuming I won’t hear anything until next week now. Ugghhhhhh
Question, why couldn’t this recruiter give someone else in HR all of the information so that they could work on it? This is a big corporation, so I’m sure their HR team is rather large.
Hi MD,
You may never know why the recruiter didn’t pass off the info to HR. Maybe they did, but HR hasn’t gotten to it. The company may have a lot of hiring going on right now (typical for early in any year) and, even if HR is a super large department, they could be swamped. Your guess is as good as mine.
This is one of the many things that are out of your control in job search. See if you can try to put it out of your head.
Sounds like you’ll have to wait a bit longer to schedule your vacation. Maybe things will work out perfectly, and you can celebrate your new job while on vacation! Wouldn’t that be nice!
Best,
Meg
Susan,
So the good news is I found out about what is going on. They called me back and said they wanted to “extend the offer” and pay me the wage I was asking, the only thing is they want me to meet with the District Manager to approve that he wants to meet me first…is this a good sign? What should I do for this meeting? Any advice? Thanks so much! This is a retail position…
-Lawren-
Hi Lawren,
Yes! This is a great sign!
Now this meeting the final hurdle in the process.
It could be just a quick meet-and-greet, since the others have approved you as a new team member, or he could have his own set of questions for you. Try to come up with what you think the DM would want to know about you – if you were him, what questions would you have?
Be your professional and confident (but not over-confident) when you meet him. Answer his questions honestly, if he has any. Then, tell him you appreciate the time he’s taking out of his busy schedule to me you, and that greatly look forward to joining his team.
Good luck!
Susan
Nice article.
I was interviewed by several people last Wednesday, the 7th. The interviews went better than i expected b/c few interviewers said they didn’t see any potential weaknesses in me and am exactly what they look for. Got an email from the HR within two hours after the interview requesting for an authorization of background check (which he said it should be sent to me before interview). I also got a reply from one of the interviewers who said he very much enjoyed our conversation and look forward to an opportunity to speak with me again.
It has been almost a week, and I haven’t heard anything from the hiring manager nor the HR. I wonder am I still in the run? I know am over analyzing, but can’t help it.
Thanks,
Amy
Hi Amy,
Yes, everyone over analyzes and second guesses themselves in these situations.
I would check in with them to see what is going on and to make sure everything was OK in the background check. Ask if he has any questions and what the next steps are – AFTER you remind him of the job you interviewed for, when you interviewed, and who interviewed you (so he doesn’t confuse you with another interviewee).
Good luck!
Susan
Susan:
Thanks for the reply and advice. I have sent email to couple hiring managers and HR which I haven’t heard anything back (got an auto reply from one of the hiring manager that she is out of the office until the 26th). It’s frustrating I don’t know where we stand with the process. I doubt the company has started its background check because none of my references were contacted. I guess it’s probably best for me to be patient and follow-up again in couple weeks.
Amy
Hi Amy,
Yes, gigantic quantities of patience are needed for this whole process, unfortunately. Filling a job opening is an “additional duty” for everyone but HR and recruiting, so it takes a back seat to just about everything. Jobs get filled, but very slowly, often.
Hang in there!
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks Susan. None of the interviewers reply my follow-up email. I always have a feeling that if one doesn’t hear anything within a week, most likely he/she is not the #1 candidate.
Hi Amy,
That may be a valid assumption, but it may not. If you read the post about email, you know it doesn’t always get through or always get read. AND, in organizations which do not have a good HR staff (or any), not getting back is more a sign of people being too busy than not interested.
In better economies, employers worried about good people getting grabbed by competitors. Since the economy went south on us in 2009, employers have gotten much pickier. Drives recruiters and job seekers crazy! Where an 80% “fit” (#1 candidate meeting 80% of the specs) was fine in 2007, they look for a 100% fit now. Takes longer to fill a job now because employers keep wondering if someone “better” isn’t out there somewhere, if only they could reach them.
So, particularly in this economy, don’t give up too soon.
Good luck!
Susan