Short answer: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
People wonder what to do after the job interview . I just read a recent comment from one of my readers who said “I still haven’t heard back from them after my job interview and they stopped answering my weekly follow up calls and emails so I just assume they don’t want me. I think that’s rude not to respond to me, but oh well. I will continue applying for more things!”
Of course my heart goes out to her, but I almost jumped out of my skin when I read how often she was following up with both phone calls AND emails after the job interview. I get she was just eager to know “Did I get the job?”, but there’s good reason not to do what she was doing. What you do after an interview can count as much as before or during!
While I well understand the agony of waiting to hear back after the interview – and do love her positive attitude about moving on to look for the right job – I worry some of you, including this reader, may actually hurt yourself badly with an overly zealous approach. Bugging a potential employer week after week – no matter how wonderful a hire you might be – is not going to get you the job. In fact, too many phone calls or e-mails can totally turn off the very people in the company you want to impress.
Avoid weekly follow-up calls and emails after an interview
Sending all those e-mails and making all those phone calls does not help your case with the company – and in fact only irritates HR folks and other hiring managers, many of whom have inboxes full of e-mails all demanding immediate attention. An occasional polite post-interview e-mail or phone call can be a good thing…but after that, believe me…if they are interested, they’ll remember you!
Unless you have something you absolutely need to tell them or maybe a new Pulitzer Prize you just won and want them to know about…less is more is a pretty good rule to follow when it comes to contact after the interview. And if they aren’t getting back to you – as annoying as that can be – just assume they have a good reason and do your best to focus on other things…like continuing to look for a great job!
(If you are waiting to hear back, you might find some helpful hints here: 12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview)
What about phone calls or email before an interview?
Speaking of following up…here’s a post from Kerry over at Clue Wagon that generated some great discussion. Basically, she tells us be wary of online experts who advise us to call or email after sending a resume (before any interview):
Calling to Follow Up? Hand Me a Fork.
(Kerry, a former HR person, is not one to mince words you’ll notice.)
Seriously…unless you have a contact there or a very good reason to call or are in an industry where this is ok (as Kerry also advises in 3 (Possible) Exceptions to the Do-Not-Call Rule), you are probably not helping yourself one bit by calling before an interview to follow up on your resume. Employers sometimes get a hundred or more resumes for one job posting. Believe me…they do not want a hundred or more calls or e-mails for each job they post! (Hmmm…maybe we should call anyone who suggests you do that?)
Of course, for every rule there are exceptions. And I will admit I may have helped myself get to a couple of interviews by using the send-resume-then-make-polite-follow-up-call technique – but then again, it may have been my particular circumstance. And I also might have gotten there anyway based solely on my resume and strong cover letter. (That’s what a good cover letter is for.) So please…if you do try this, just tread gently.
Nuff said.
So what’s your take on how often to follow up AFTER an interview? How have you handled your own post-interview follow-ups?
hmmm, that is interesting….from my experience in Canada, contract staffs are always the first to let go if things go south. It is easy to do so because employers can just simply stop renewing the contract.
Another reason might be that banking middle office conducts projects, so it is easy to plan staffing needs ahead. For every new project, banks look for experienced people as contractors. If the project turns into an ongoing basis, i.e. from development to maintainance, contractors might get an opportunity to become permanent.
In bad economy, sales, marketing, even HR were the first to downsize, followed by contract staffs in middle office, permanent staff in middle office maintaining compliance and risk management programs the last.
Awhile back I wrote to you that I recently came in contact with a gentleman (Ron) that I worked with 30 years ago who still works for the same company and told me that a secretarial position would be opening up and for me to submit my application and resume to the HR person. Ron said he would give a heads up to HR to let him know it would be coming. I stopped by the organization to say hi, catch up with Ron, and meet the HR person. Ron said to me when I was leaving not to be afraid to keep in contact with Jason (HR). Your comment to me was more curious as to how there interview process worked, where do they post, do they interview internally first and so forth. I sent and email to Jason (HR) and cc: Ron asking those basic questions. Jason’s response: “I spoke with Ron and we are both in agreement that as soon as a secretarial position opens I will contact you. We do post internally first however I would also call you to be included in the first interview process. The only outside source I use at this time to post any (professional position) jobs is the Michigan Works Talent Bank. Thank you for your continued interest and I will be in contact with you as soon as a position opens up”. I don’t want to be a pest. But I would like to periodically send an email just to reiterate my interest as I don’t want this opportunity to slip by because I lacked any form of followup. What do you suggest? email, a written note mailed? How often? What should I say?
Hi Ashley,
Since they post their jobs at the Michigan Works Talent Bank, is it possible to set up an email alert at the Talent Bank in case a secretarial job with this company is posted? If there isn’t an email alert, I would just check the Talent Bank every week to see if they have posted a job. That way, in case Jason doesn’t remember to contact you, you will still know about their opening and can contact him.
Meanwhile, I would definitely send Jason a note using whatever method you used before (email?), and thank him for his assistance. It doesn’t sound like he wants you to check in with him very often, so I would limit it to once every 4 to 6 weeks, meanwhile checking the Talent Bank frequently.
Good luck!
Susan
Ok I need some advice please.
I am currently a college student and I applied to an HR intern position at BCBG. I applied March 12th and received a phone call on April 9th. The person whom I spoke to told me that she would email me on Wed (April 11th) since she was going to speak to her manager regarding all the applicants. She asked me when I would be able to meet during the following week (this current week) for a fact-to-face interview. Since this is a dream position I have been anxious since April 9th. I sent her an email on the 11th about my status since she didnt email. I figured that she probably doesnt check her email often since it took her 1 month to call me from when I sent my resume. Therefore I called her last Friday and left her a voicemail. Should I wait until she gets back at me? Or should I call or email again? Now I am scared of messing my chances…if I have any in obtaining this position. What do you suggest?
Hi Imelda,
I have a feeling that nothing will happen quickly at this organization or with this person, so I would back off. You’ve reached out twice since you spoke with her on the 9th, so the ball is in her court. She knows that you are very interested. Contacting her more will just annoy her.
The reason it took so long for her to get back to you initially probably has absolutely nothing to do with how often she reads her email. It probably has a lot more to do with their own internal processes and procedures.
Your job now is to wait – at least until next week – before you contact her again. And, you need to also continue to look for other opportunities so you aren’t out of options in case this one doesn’t work out for you. So, keep looking.
Good luck!
Susan
Hello.
I got a job. Before they offered me a job, I told them I am going on a vacation for 3 weeks.
They offered me a job and said I can take my vacation and then come back and join them.I happily signed the offer letter, and filled up my personal information for background check.
(I am on a work permit, so my visa needs to be transferred from current company to another company).
With in 2 weeks I am leaving the country and when I come back, I will have 2 weeks before their said joining date. They haven’t asked me about my work permit related documents till now. Last Wednesday, I asked the HR and they said everything is fine and they don’t need anything from me as of right now.But as I told you, it is exactly I have 2 weeks before I leave the country.Am I unnecessarily being impatient? Shall I wait for their intimation, or shall I directly ask them about my work visa related documents?
Hi,
First, congratulations on your new job. That’s wonderful news.
My recommendation is that you assume full responsibility for your visa status and work permit information. If you know they will require certain paperwork and it is standard in the company where you are working, then you should provide them with any copies and information that they will need. Don’t ask them, just offer the information in an easy-to-understand, well organized manner.
If you cannot return back to your current location without the work authorization and will be crossing borders during your trip, I suggest you speak to your official government agency and find out exactly what you need and when — and how you should handle the situation.
It is okay to take a leadership role on this — people who don’t need work authorization may not feel the urgency as much as people who do and have experienced problems in the past. Again, the best approach may be simply to educate yourself about work permit requirements, and proactively provide them with the information that they need to get the information. (Example, “I understand average processing time for transfers is five weeks right now with ____ office, so here is my information in advance. I’ll be out of the area from ____ to ____ and am available at your convenience until _____ date. Here’s a phone number you can reach me through at any time: ______.
Good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
I would first like to say that I love this blog. I used the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” suggestions almost word for word and it works!! In saying that, I have been actively interviewing for about a month. After my last officially scheduled interview something told me to continue looking so I applied to a few more positions online. This lead to a few calls and an interview from a really well know prestigious company. I am now in the final round which is a face to face competing only against one other person and was told that I was the lead candidate and that they were very excited about me. Now this job has a salary at almost six figures. The other day I had gotten a call from another job and received an offer ( salary begins at mid 30’s plus commission). Knowing that I had yet to receive an offer from my dream job I accepted. I have rejected other offers so now it is just down to company A and B. Here is where I run into an issue. I leave for training in about a week. I have since mentioned to my dream job that I received an offer and have a week deadline before I make a final decision. I also told her that I see her company as a better fit and is preferred; in addition I am willing to try to risk asking for additional time if that is what they need and that they just needed to let me know. She advised that she will see how she can speed things up since I am at the “top of the pile”. I have not heard word in two days and am very nervous since I would like to reject the offer by next Friday before I actually officially begin work out of respect for the other company. I am not sure if I should call and follow up. So far I have always allowed them to call me but the clock is ticking. I am so stressed out and would love this job- it is literally the opportunity of a lifetime! Should I just wait it out, or follow up after the weekend (which would be 5 days or three business days) since I am on a time crunch. I am trying to make sure that I give the other company enough time to go to the next candidate and have already decided to reimburse them for the plane ticket to try to “mend the bridge” so to speak if it comes down to having to choose. I feel like this dream job is one worth fighting for but I don’t want to be pushy either. What should I do?
I recommend following up Monday afternoon with the company you have not heard from and let them know that you understand that you would not expect them to be able to rush a decision based on their timeline — but that you remain interested in working with them but should let the other employer know by Friday…
You are doing a great job overall by letting your first choice employer know what is happening in the process.
Good luck,
Chandlee
HI! I had interview with one of the banks in South Africa on 13/04/12 for a position as Sales Consultant i filled up some forms and i attached my id copy and matric copy then my interviewer told me that they will call after two weeks because they have to check my credit record now is already four weeks does this means i was not a perfect candidate for a job ? Can i contact them or not it will show them that i am not pro.
I applied for a Financial Consultant position at a credit union near my house about 2 weeks ago. I was called for a phone interview, then brought in for a personal interview. The next day, they called and asked me to come in for a second interview. The lady said, “Can you come in early tomorrow? I know that’s short notice, but we’d really like to get things moving.” That got me pretty hopeful. 5 days later I hadn’t heard anything, so I dropped off personal thank you cards to each of the 4 interviewers. It’s now been a week and I still haven’t heard. Would it be a good idea to ask the status of the positions? There were 2 Financial Consultant positions available. I’m qualified and have experience. Both of the interviewers in each interview (4 different, all together) kept making comments like, “Oh good, this is good.” I also had a referral from someone in the supervising team of the branch, and have had other Financial Consultants encouraging me to apply for quite some time, one of whom was one of my interviewers. I’m just torn about whether or not to call. Waiting until the end of this week will be 9 days since my second interview. Advice please??
Kasee,
The hiring process often takes longer than you would expect — especially if the position is for a branch or office that is part of a larger institution. Unless the job is no longer posted, I would not assume that you are out of the running — they will need to jump through paperwork and authorization processes to hire anyone.
I’d recommend waiting another 3-4 business days and follow up next week to express your continued interest in the position if it is still available.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi,
So you have helped me before Susan but I have a really odd question. I went on an interview today through a staffing agency. I always like to send hand written thank you notes after all of my interviews, BUT I am not interested in this particular job whatsoever and I let the staffing agent know that it was not a good fit for me. What do I do? Do I send a thank you but no thank you letter? Not really sure how the etiquette plays out on this one. I’ve never interviewed for a position where I definitely do not want the job? Any thoughts on what the next step would be, what if they want me to go to second round interviews with me? I have to come up with some complicated 30 60 90 day plan for this next interview and I have absolutely no experience creating one of these and frankly just don’t want to create it? I just think some of the duties are over my head and not a good fit for me. Even though I really do need a job, I just don’t think I would be my at my best with this one???? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks
Hi Heather,
Be honest it shows your authenticity and doesn’t waste anyone’s time.
Write a thank you note and write a follow-up note which expresses your gratitude for the interviewing opportunity and that — as all interviews do, it helped you assess the potential fit between their needs and their goals.
Let them know that this particular job does not appear to align with your goals as you would like to gain more experience in _______ first before you take on a leadership role — and that you think they’d be better suited with another candidate who has more experience in this area.
Then state what your ideal role is — share your strengths — and let them know if they ever have an opportunity that utilizes those strengths, you’d be happy to meet with them again.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I applied late last tuesday night for a job posting on a firm’s website (that had been there for about a week). The next day at 3pm I received a call asking if I was still searching to which I said “yes” and she said “so are we”. We scheduled an interview for Friday morning. Keep in mind, this job is in another city an hour away from where I currently reside that I am desperately trying to move to. They knew I would have to take time off from my current job and drive in for the interview. Anyway, the interview went great and we both seemed to really click with each other. They said that all of the associates would have to meet early this week and would let me know a decision by the end of the week. However, at the end of the interview, one of the interviewers asked for some sample work and two references. The firm ended work on that Friday at noon so I decided to send the requested material on Monday at 8am (which I did). In that same email, I thanked them and summarized my qualities and how much I’d love to work there. I haven’t heard from them and tomorrow is the end of the week and they get out at noon. When do I call????? The anticipation is palpable!!!! Thanks! (PS, its a very small firm (23 people) and the position is to fill for someone that is leaving)
Hi Jenn,
I don’t think you are out of the running yet. I’d let the clock run out today — and follow-up mid-week — next week — if you haven’t heard anything.
That’s great that you observed that they all seem to work well with one another. That doesn’t always happen, and it’s magic when it does! It’s a sign of a good work environment and it sounds like it was a good potential fit for you.
In my experience as a recruiter and a career coach who has worked with hundreds of job seekers, the hiring process almost ALWAYS takes longer than you would think.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Looking for some advice. Had an interview 3 weeks ago with a fairly large company. Was told that hiring may not be until August as the manager had her own way of wanting to hire. Was called back 3 days later to go into the office for testing and a background check. Was then called back the following week for my 2nd interview and was told that references would be checked that Monday (now 9 days ago) and we would know by the end of that week.
My question is, I have heard nothing now. I left a message on Monday this week and still have heard nothing. I am assuming a follow up email is not appropriate? But my experience this last 6 months and interviewing is that companies are not even courteous enough to send a rejection letter or call, they just never initiate contact again! So frustrated! Any suggestions?
Agree completely.
Companies are extremely inconsiderate these days.
I understand that they are busy and such, but not responding to those that you have *interviewed* – especially multiple rounds – is utter bullshit.
Kristen,
Feel free to follow-up via email one last time and offer additional information on how to contact your references if necessary. You can also say, “I would appreciate an update on my application status as I am currently weighing alternate options — but have a preference to work with you.”
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Thank you. I did send an email to the hiring manager this morning. I understand that there is a process involved and that they are probably busy, it just stinks for us to be told we will know by a certain date and then have no response for a week or longer after the date we have been given. I do have another interview tomorrow for a separate company, but like this one, I have interviewed for this company before and have pretty much had the same response.
So for an update, I did get a call from HR this afternoon.
2 interviews, a third trip for testing, background checks etc
I was told sorry you were the runner up, and you’ll get a letter
In the mail. So I once again wasted a lot of my time! I sucked
It up sent the hiring manager a thank you for interviewing me response and
That’s it! Maybe I need to start looking at smaller
Companies cause these big ones treat you as a number! Another
Interview tomorrow, at this point I’m discouraged about
Interviewing at all!
Hi Kristen,
The fact that you were given a call from HR means — to me — that you weren’t treated as a number. I don’t think making it to the final stages of an interview is a waste of time, even if you are a runner up — it means you presented yourself well. And, typically, it’s quite likely, that the person hired had more experience in a particular area needed by the employer than you did.
That’s great that you sent a thank you note to your interviewer. I encourage you to not rule out this company — or your next interview. I once got hired for a job a year after I interviewed for the first time — and came in second. The person who was hired initially had eight more years of experience than I did. And when I joined the team when another opening came available, I learned a lot from her. And it was a great job.
Hold your head up high and keep going. Something good will come of your efforts.
All the Best,
Chandlee
To date, I have had four interviews for a position. Granted, three of them were phone interviews, and one of which was with HR.
My 4th interview was a video conference, but I still had to visit their offices. I believe they all went well, but I haven’t heard anything since the last interview now nearly a week ago. It is odd because the person interviewing me told me they may bring me in to meet one more person as he was filling in for the main hiring individual. In concluding the interview he said he would email me his contact details (it was a video conference so he couldn’t provide a business card) and he stated that I should call him at any time during the process with any questions I may have. I was able to figure out his email address so I sent him a thank you, but I didn’t receive a reply and he never emailed with additional details.
I’m going to sit tight, but I wanted to state that it’s odd I haven’t heard anything since a) the interviewer stated he would send me an email and b) following my previous interview HR called me THE SAME DAY.
It just goes to show how inconsistent — and, I would add, *inconsiderate* — HR and recruiters are today. If you get an offer, they want an acceptance within hours. If at any point in the rather drawn out and inconsistent recruiting process they no longer are considering your candidacy, there’s a 90% chance you’ll just never hear back.
It’s not the incosistency that bothers me. It’s the inconsideration and that leads many, myself included, to treat companies exactly the same way in return. There’s no longer a trust between company and employee.
Hi Mark,
Yes, you are right. And it isn’t fun. But at the same time, I encourage you to think about this from a slightly different perspective: when you interview for a job, you are typically one of several finalists or interviewees. Most organizations have hiring processes — and protocols for communication — that ensure that all candidates are treated the same in the process. Just because you interviewed one day, doesn’t mean the process is finished the next day. And it wouldn’t feel fair to most people if some candidates got more time and follow-up than others — just because of when they called or who they talked, too.
In a majority of situations, the lack of follow-up isn’t personal, it is protocol.
I know it’s frustrating, but if a company treats you badly and then offers you a job — it’s still your choice as to whether you wish to accept the position…And many companies really are now addressing these issues and looking at how they treat candidates — take a look at the number of recruiters on Twitter for example.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Huh? Was this a reply misfire? I don’t have the interviewers phone number as he never emailed me (even though he said he would).
I do have the HR/recruiters, however. And I was debating on sending her a quick “candidacy status check as it’s rude – but not uncommon – for HR to not follow up even though they have invested multiple rounds on the process.
One more thing: I realize that there are likely several candidates, but a) this is a large multinationation consultancy and b) they called me before after my third interview on the same day to let me know of the next steps. So where’s the “protocol” in that?
Mark,
I speak from the perspective of a recruiter as I have worked as one in the past. It isn’t uncommon to call someone and give them protocol of “what to expect next” before an interview — it is hard to speak with authority on what happens next after an interview — as it can be like herding cats inside an organization to consensus/receive the final decision and approval to extend an offer.
If you don’t a phone number, I recommend calling the main company phone board and then using the company directory for a phone number. This approach has worked for me 9 times out of 10. Another approach that you can use is to google *@companyname.com — and search results until you see a person’s email account. This will often provide you with the protocol companies use to assign email accounts — you can adapt and follow-up with your interviewer.
Either way, I do recommend you follow-up: you have invested a good bit of time in this process and you deserve follow-up.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thank you!
I agree those that invest time in the process – I’d draw the cutoff at actually coming into an office for an in-person meeting – deserve follow up.
I have the recruiter / HR person’s contact details as she has been the one coordinating the meetings I had have. So I assume I should contact her and not my interviewer whom I already sent a thank you email to following my interview last week.
1) Is that correct?
2) Assuming it is, should I call or email her?
Thanks again!
Hi Mark,
I think you could follow up with either one, but probably easiest to follow up with HR — and ask if they require any additional information from you.
Good luck,
Chandlee
And P.S. I don’t recommend saying you have another offer if you don’t. As for myself, I have a very bad poker face.
I just sent the following email:
“Hi -
I am writing to follow up on my candidacy at . Specifically, I wondered if you could provide me with a decision timeline or any next steps in the process as I am considering other alternatives, but my preference would be to work with you.
Thank you.
Mark”
I don’t see anything wrong with that as it’s the truth and I don’t beleive I am pestering given that I have had four rounds already and she has provided feedback within days of each of the previous three.
Ugh. Wouldn’t it be great if there was site people could visit to check the status of their candidacy? That would save the recruiters from having to respond to individual emails and allow candidates to know where they stood – in near real-time – with each opportunity they were considering.
I am posting a follow up so people can see just how messed up recruiting is now at many places given the state of the job market and economy more generally.
The HR person replied to my email within an hour that I should contact another HR person with whom I originally spoke about the opportunity over a month ago. So I forwarded her response and asked him for an update. He replied immediately that he hadn’t heard from the guy with whom I interviewed last week (he’s wearing two hats now because I gather they are so short-staffed) and will follow up *AGAIN* with him. I replied thanking him for his time and letting him know that although I was looking elsewhere, I was still very interested. He replied that he undertands and will let me know as soon as he hears back from my interviewer.
I know I’m not supposed to assume anything, but it’s obviously not a good sign if the interviewer has apparently even replied to internal HR’s request for feedback let alone my thank you or provided his contact details as he originally stated he would.
I know people are busy, and we’re not supposed to “bother” HR/recruiters and such, but without my shoulder tap, I may never have heard and, as Chanlee states above I “have invested a good bit of time in this process and…deserve follow-up.”
I would bet many are in a similar situation.
Mark,
I think what you are experiencing is symptomatic of challenges on the OTHER SIDE of the recruiting equation.
Companies hire HR staff and recruiters when they can afford to hire them to focus on these efforts. Recruiting is EXPENSIVE for companies, because generally recruiters focus on bringing people in — not on making the products or services that a company SELLS.
Recruiters often hire for MULTIPLE positions at any given time. It’s a stressful job as they are typically often the contact for both hiring managers/interviewing teams — and job seekers. And often the internal decision makers (i.e. hiring managers) don’t communicate on a schedule. Because they are busy selling and making the products or services they need to keep the organization’s revenue up — so they can hire.
It’s a dance. Don’t take this personally because in 99% of cases, it isn’t about you. And if and when you get the job offer, you can follow-up with your interviewer BEFORE you accept a job — and express your concern about communication during the hiring process — to ensure you don’t have this problem once you start work.
Good luck,
Chandlee
One more thing: I don’t think it’s a bad thing to fib and say I have an outstanding offer I need to make a decision on *if* I am willing to take the risk that they turn me away. After all, recruiters and HR personnel routinely fib/lie to candidates about why they were dropped from the process, if they get back to them at all.
I bet I speak for many candidates on here when I state that!
Hi,
I actually just interviewed with a company this past Tuesday. The interview seemed to go well and the person interviewing me asked me if I would mind coming in on the very next day (Wednesday) to meet with the Vice-President. I told her that I was free for all of the next day and any time would be great.
My interviewer said she would email me a bit later to touch base about what time I should come in the next day.
I waited for the rest of the day to receive an email from the interviewer but I never received one. Finally, at 6pm that same Tuesday night, I followed up with her by sending her a thank you email and reminding her that I was free the next day to interview with the VP. She responded to my email by saying that she had a meeting with the Vice-President the next morning and would touch base with me after that about what time I should come in.
So far, I have not received anything from her and it is Friday and she was supposed to email me to have me come in two days ago!
At this point, should I reach out to her again? I know that hiring managers are busy but I find it impossible that anybody could be so busy to complete blow off a meeting with a candidate.
I don’t want to be a pest but we were supposed to meet on Wednesday. Any advice?
Laura,
I recommend you reach out early next week and follow up. Basically, the challenge is that most people also have work at the same time that they have hiring going on — and sometimes the work can force them to re-evaluate their priorities (including hiring).
Good luck,
Chandlee
Thanks so much for the advice!
I will definitely follow-up next week.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Hi
I’m studying clinical research and I’ll get my certificate in July, I am looking for a volunteer clinical research position and I sent out many emails, usually all I receive is”thank you for your interest but we don’t have any open position right now”!
last week I received and email from one of the doctors the day after I sent the email saying: “Would you be able to briefly talk on the phone so we can make a plan that will be both feasible and rewarding for you?”
since I had attached my CV and information in first email I was not sure should I call or should I ask him to call me, so I replied: “Thank you for your time and consideration Dr…
I’ll gladly call you if I know when it is convenient for you, also I can come and talk in person if you have time, I live close to Sbk.”
since then(it’s been a week) I didn’t get any call or email.
do you think I should send another email, call him, or just wait?
thank you
Hi Shim,
Doctors are very busy people. I’d follow up again and let him know that he can call you at his convenience. If he doesn’t reach you, he will likely leave you a message with information on when he is available.
I don’t think you knocked yourself out of the running, but offering to call him — and requesting an in-person meeting — may have made it more complicated for him to arrange. It sounds to me like he was offering to call you — let him know you are available to receive his call.
Congrats on your graduation and good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
English is my second language and sometimes I don’t know what’s the best way to express myself.
Thank you so much for your help,
Best
Shima
Hi Shim,
If English isn’t your first language and you are applying for jobs in a country where English is the first language — your best approach is to spend as much time with native speakers of English and get their advice on interviewing.
As a result, you’ll learn “slang” and what has worked successfully for others. Make sure that you write in English too when using your PC — it will help you prepare for working in an English speaking business.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Thank you so much Chandlee for doing such a great job
I’ll definitely take your advice
Best
Shim
Thanks, Shim. It means a lot to me to receive your feedback.
Best,
Chandlee
I had an interview a week ago for a position that I’m perfectly qualified for. I held the same position for one of this company’s competitors. I interviewed with two individuals, and they told me that they were very impressed. They also said that they planned on making a decision as soon as possible. I followed up with “thank you” emails. Then, a couple of days later, I left a voice mail for the hiring manager inquiring about the status of the position and to see if I could provide any additional information. He emailed be within an hour, thanking me for following up with him and asking me what I was needing for compensation if hired for this position. I responded to his email, providing him with the information he requested, but leaving it open to negotiation. It’s been 3 days since I emailed him. i assume that he wouldn’t have contacted me about compensation if he wasn’t very interested, but I’m anxious to hear back from him. Is it appropriate to follow-up again, or should I wait?
Hi Becky,
I’d give it a couple of days and follow up again early next week. Getting approval to hire can be tricky.
Good luck to you and all the best,
Chandlee
This company called my references 2 weeks ago. According to my references, the hiring manager had nothing but good things to say about me and said I’d be perfect for the job. I emailed him a week ago to follow up on the status of the position but haven’t heard back. Should I assume that they are no longer interested?
I think you should give it at least a week before calling him again. Tough, I know but hang in there. In the mean time keep looking out for other jobs. Good luck
Here’s a thought: corporate HR is churning through candidates so they can select 1 or 2 our of like 100. And why not? They get to keep their jobs while the company keeps adding top talent. If they sit and do nothing (360 degree review, e.g.) they get canned. Plus, it sends the message to others that the company is growing.
By what? Like 1%?
America, 2012.
Hello,
My husband applied for a job back in Dec 2011, he had heard that they had several people apply. Well, we waited and waited. We found out that his name was selected along with 50 others, this was for a dozen jobs all around the US at different branches. We were hesitant but hopeful, well months went by and we heard nothing, we figured he was not picked. Then, June 6th he was contacted and did a phone interview. He asked the manager if he could contact him if he did not hear anything back within 2 weeks and he said yes. He called on June 18th and left a message that he was following up and never heard anything, he called again on the 20th and spoke to the manager and he said they were still reviewing and to call back in a week. Well, he called back on the 27th and had to leave a message. My question is this….should he stop calling now and just play the waiting game? I would hate for him to seem annoying or desperate and them not to want to hire him.
Hi Missy,
Yes, at this point I would advise your husband not to call anymore. They have his contact information and know how they can find him.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Update on my situation:
After no word from them for another week — how long does it take to “hear back” from the original interviewer?!? — I reached out again.
HR just replied, thanking me for the email and stating that they asked someone else in HR to follow up with me to schedule a face-to-face interview with the **same guy** I video conferenced with over 2 weeks ago now. WHY?
And round and round and round we go!
By the way, this company is not some mom and pop operations; it is a top tier global tax/audit/adivsory services firm!
Mark,
Corporate processes can be complex and complicated. It is not uncommon to have a second interview with the same company — generally different questions are asked — and often it’s about determining whether you are a fit with the company’s culture. Think of the job search like speed dating: would you want to commit to spending 40+ hours a week with someone after only one interview? In my opinion, it’s better for all involved if you have the time together so you can each make an informed decision.
Good luck and keep me posted,
Chandlee
Hello,
I interviewed with a company several months ago, but I hadn’t heard from them within their hiring timeframe, so I assumed that I didn’t get the job. A few weeks ago, they contacted me about the position again and called my references. I haven’t heard from them since then, so I followed up to see how the hiring process was going. They have yet to respond. There seems to be a lot of bureaucracy within the company, and I’d like to know what is going on, so I can finally get some closure.
Thanks!
Marissa
Hi Marissa,
Your experience is — sadly — not uncommon. If you don’t hear from them again by next Wednesday, I recommend you call HR or the person you interviewed with — and make sure you speak to someone. (No voice messages or email.)
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee