In a recent exchange of comments on How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well, the subject of how soon and how often to call an employer after the interview came up. One of my wonderful readers, CE (who recently got a job herself), was helping comfort someone anxiously waiting to hear whether she got the job.
Speaking specifically to the question of how often to call, CE wrote:
I once got a job because the hiring manager said they would hire me if I quit calling them all the time. They said I was persistent, and they hired me! While I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone, I would recommend that you call the prospective employer back to check on the status. Anyone else agree with this or do you have another opinion?
Glad you asked, CE. I covered this a while back in After an Interview: Can Weekly Follow Up Calls and Emails Help Get You the Job? But since this question comes up so often, I figured it was worth discussing post-interview follow-ups again in a new post.
What You Need to Know about Post-Interview Follow Ups
Here’s a quick summary of salient points I hope will help ease at least some of the waiting pain:
- Thank you notes are a great first follow-up step. While I have hired folks who never sent one, it is a good positive initial follow-up contact and leaves a nice impression. (Although there was one time when it didn’t.)
- Show you have patience and professionalism by waiting at least a week – or better yet two (depending on the type of job) – before you follow-up after the thank you note.
- When you do follow up, make it short and sweet unless you have something new and relevant to add – and keep that short too.
- Some of the very folks you are waiting to hear back from get over a hundred e-mails a day – many requiring immediate action – so if they don’t respond right away (or at all)…it’s NOT about you.
- Some companies take weeks just to interview the first round of candidates – plus there are internal decision-making processes that take lots of time.
- Some companies have policies about not responding at all to follow-up contacts (there are legal implications such as when responses are misconstrued by the candidate), and so these companies wait instead until an offer was made and accepted. Again this is not about YOU.
- After the thank you and additional follow-up, wait at least 2 weeks before checking your status again – unless they tell you to call on a specific date or to just wait until they get back to you.
- If there is even a chance you might get the job, the employer remembers you – really! If there’s no chance…no amount of calling will help, and it may hurt your chances next time there’s an opening. So please resist trying to remind them every few days. There’s a fine line between persistence and stalking!
Hope that helps. Feel free to add your own thoughts about follow-up frequency. And thanks again CE and all my other readers who so kindly pitch in to help those with the post-interview OCD blues.
And last but definitely not least…congratulations on your new job CE! I’m happy to report she’s not the only reader who has recently gotten a job. There is indeed light at the end of the long interview tunnel! 
Posts to read while waiting to get that post-interview call:
How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well
After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?
Stuck in the Waiting Game After 2nd Interview
12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview
I Got the Post-Interview Temporary OCD Blues
I had an interview with the Sous Chef of my dream location 2 weeks ago, which went great. He gave my information to the Executive Chef, whom I had an Interview with exactly one week later. I feel this interview also went well. At the end of this interview the chef told me he was speaking to a couple of other candidates and would get back to me in about a week. The one week timeline has come and gone, and I’ve started to worry. I waited til the next day and left a cordial message on the machine of the Executive Chef, but 2 days have passed with no reply.
I’m wondering, is the Sous Chef my contact? Am I still in this?
Hi David,
Based on what I know of your profession, Sous Chefs and Executive Chefs are very busy on the job…I’d give it another week and then follow up with both chefs again — requesting feedback if you were not hired and the candidate of choice for right now.
Be patient — the hiring process almost always takes longer than one would expect — and often even if you don’t get a job the first time around, you will stay top of mind and be offered the same position at a later date. I once got my dream job after coming in second for the job a year before — and the wait was worth it.
In the interim, explore other opportunities in the same area — never hurts to have as many options as possible.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi, I did an interveiw for Clinque beauty advisor. I had 3 interviews at the store and 1 talent plus interview over the phone yesterday and I haven’t recieved a call yet. When should I call to check on it and do you think I have the job?:)
Hi Christina,
I can’t possibly tell you if you have the job as I am not involved in the process. I recommend you send a thank you note now (if you haven’t done so already) and follow up in a week to “reiterate your interest in the position.” Make sure you say what you like about the potential job.
Good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
Hello. I recieved a phone call for an interview three weeks before the closing date for a cook job at a nursery. Although my interview was great and everything went well, the closing date for the job is at the 14th and I just found out the advert had been removed early yesterday. I cant help but feel a bit concerned now as I havent been contacted. I looked up on situations like mine and saw that some of the school recruiters get people in for an interview before closing date but nothing about them removing the adverts early. Should I feel worried? I understand sometimes people can get chosen asap but if someone actually is chosen then are they usually to find out at the actual closing date or earlier? I’m sorry it’s such a silly question but I’m really confused.
Hi Sheryl,
If enough candidates are received before the closing date, the advertisement may be removed early. I recommend that you follow up on Monday — to give yourself peace of mind. Call them, let them know you are still interested — and ask if they need references or additional information. If they have filled the job, they will likely let you know.
In the interim, keep up your search!
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hello,
I have had an interview for a clinical research coordinator position three weeks ago. At the end of the interview, the manager said she would contact me within a week- but she didn’t. I sent them a thank you note, and waited 2 weeks to give them a call to check on the status. I left her a voicemail last week but she hasn’t contacted me yet. Should I send her an email inquiring the status of my application? Or should I wait another week to do so?
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
-Ester
Hi Ester,
Recommend you wait a while longer since you just followed up, and keep applying for other positions in the interim. If you haven’t worked in this capacity before, you may want to do informational interviews with other clinical research coordinators to find out what you need to know most about the job — and what you should stress in interviews.
Hiring takes a long time, but I would not “stand by to stand by” to wait to hear more about this job. Keep up your search — and if you don’t hear back the next time you follow up — move on.
Good luck.
Best,
Chandlee
I unfortunately did not hear back from them, so I decided to move on. I want to thank you for your help and advice. I truly enjoy reading your comments, and insights regarding the hiring process. I have learned a lot.
Thank you again!
Ester
Thanks, Ester. And good luck. Don’t be afraid to follow-up one last time if you just want closure. I literally recently talked to a job seeker who found out he got the offer THREE MONTHS LATER.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hello everyone! I had an interview at a hospital for the position of a mental health assistant, which is an entry level position. I think the interview went very well because I answered all questions smoothly and I had prepared greatly. The Manager and the staff were friendly and the gave off a good vibe. It will be a week on Wednesday since the interview. I can hardly wait for the call back, if I receive a call back for the job offer. Any advice/Tips? Anyone know about this position and or how long hospitals usually take to call back? Anything would help ease my waiting pain! Thanks! =)
Dave,
The hiring process isn’t just about your interview, it’s also about seeing through a process which likely involves several candidates and internal colleagues.
It typically takes time. I recommend you follow up at the beginning of next week just to reiterate your interest. If you haven’t sent a thank you note already, you should do that as well.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee
I got the job offer this afternoon. I just feel awesome. Thank you for all your helpful tips and advice n this website is a great place for employees.
Hi Poppy,
Delighted to hear that — congratulations on your new job. We are currently putting together a blog post with advice from newly hired Work Coach Cafe members with advice on how to apply for positions. Would you be willing to share? If yes, let me know and I will send you an email about it.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I had an interview last just over a week ago on a Friday — today is Tuesday of the second week, and I’ve not heard back from them regarding the second portion of the interview, which I felt like I was sure to get a shot at. It’s a customer service position, basically in a call center, and I pretty much felt like it would be ideal; one little problem I have with doing the thank you note, is that, sad as it sounds, I don’t remember the persons name who interviewed me for some reason. So I don’t know about sending a “To whom it may concern” addressed letter, and how it might look (or am I overthinking this?). …during the interview she even had her phone go off while I was answering a question, and (politely, sort of) cut me off to step out and take the call for about 3 or 4 minutes before coming back and finishing asking questions….anyways, I was told that the person who would make the decision would call me to set up the second part of the interview, and havent heard from them. I was thinking I’ll try a phone call but I’m not sure? Sorry for the lengthy comment, any pointers? Thanks
Hi Jamie,
That’s a tough spot to be in — I recommend calling the person who set up the phone interview — thanking the company for inviting you in, and reiterating your interest in the job.
If you don’t remember the name of your interviewer, don’t draw attention to the problem — sounds to me like your interviewer wasn’t as attentive as she should be — and that is a shame, too.
I recommend you hold tight if you don’t have any name or phone number — and keep your search open as well…keep looking for ideal jobs and pay attention for local announcements of employers who are moving into your area and adding jobs.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I had an interview last just over a week ago on a Friday — today is Tuesday of the second week, and I’ve not heard back from them regarding the second portion of the interview, which I felt like I was sure to get a shot at. It’s a customer service position, basically in a call center, and I pretty much felt like it would be ideal; one little problem I have with doing the thank you note, is that, sad as it sounds, I don’t remember the persons name who interviewed me for some reason. So I don’t know about sending a “To whom it may concern” addressed letter, and how it might look (or am I overthinking this?). …..anyways, I was told that the person who would make the decision would call me to set up the second part of the interview, and havent heard from them. I was thinking I’ll try a phone call but I’m not sure? Sorry for the lengthy comment, any pointers? Thanks
A friend of mine works at a company and told me to apply. I sent in my resume and received a acknowledgement that they received it and will review. I waited a week to inquire about the status of my application. I received a email back saying that we will set up a interview over the next week. 3 weeks later I received a email to set up a interview which we had a few days later. The interview went well. The employer stated they will make a decision in a week or a week and a half. It is now been 2 and a half weeks and still no response.
I’m wondering what to do. I’m sure a follow up email is the answer but I am really hoping for this job and I don’t want to be a pest which might end up hurting my chances.
The company was going through a transition phase when I first sent in my resume so it may be a reason for the long period than but not sure now.
Thanks in advance
Hi Joe,
Given your experience to date with the company, I think it’s a safe bet that things are in progress and that it likely would not hurt to simply follow-up and re-iterate your interest in the opportunity.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I had an interview for a position of Dept Admin Assistant on last Wednesday, the interviewer said that they will come to a decision within 1-2 weeks, and they will contact all the candidates about the hiring result. After interview I did send a thank you note to them but no respond.
Till today I still haven’t receive any call or email from the employer and i wonder i should send a follow up email now or wait until exactly 2 weeks?
Hi Sophie,
I recommend waiting until 2.5 weeks to follow-up. If they invited you in for an interview, chances are good that they would be interested in having you there for a follow-up.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I did follow up on last week and got the feed back by this morning. They choose someone else for the position. I am disappointed and sad while i get their email, but i stay positive and optimistic in my job hunting. Good luck to everyone here and thanks for the advice, I’m really appreciate it.
best regards
Sophie,
Sorry you didn’t get the job, but thanks for writing and giving us an update. Follow-up like that is a good habit, and makes a positive impression. And positive impressions often lead to job offers. I recommend you write to them and let them know you appreciate their consideration.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I recently completed my second interview for an ideal job opportunity for a Corporate Trainer position. The initial process seemed to go very fast. I was referred by an employee, within a day I was emailed by the recruiter (Monday), within 3 days (Thursday) I had my first phone interview, he called the next day(Friday) to schedule my second interview, and I had my second interview (Monday). Of course I felt the interview went great, however, after an intial speedy interaction, it’s been 3 days and no response. I sent an immediate Thank You letter and I left a message for the recruiter on yesterday.
Ultimately, I know that I have to be patient. But I must say it just feels really good to vent my frustration and anixety with individuals who are experiencing the same thing!
I will let you know when I get my new job:-)
Joi,
I know it’s frustrating — but on the employer’s side — the getting approval and paperwork for the formal offer is always the hardest part. Good luck and let us know what happens.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
Well I got the news via email today ” I wanted to take a moment and thank you for your interest in our opportunity. Although your experience and qualifications are impressive, we have made the difficult decision to narrow the selection pool to a limited number of candidates and unfortunately, you were not within the segment we selected.
We appreciate your interest in this position and our family at —– and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”
Now I have to say that my initial reaction was disappointment and I wanted to go in a corner and cry. However, 6 hours later I am again back optimistic and excited about what’s to come. I’m going to continue to pursue my entrepreneurial endeavors as an Independent Corporate Trainer.
Thanks again for having this awesome blog…it really helped me!
With sincere regards,
Joi,
Ack! So sorry to hear your news…But sounds like — true to your name — you are bringing fresh energy to whatever comes your way. And I’m glad they had the courtesy to let you know. Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
You give great advise and I appreciate all of your feedback. I interviewed for an intake position with a company. I got an email a week later saying they hired someone else with more experience. I then got a call from another manager in the agency stating I was referred by the manager that interviewed me last. She said she had a assistant program manager position open and was curious if I would interview for it. I was very interested and interviewed for the position. I was asked to do a background check and personality assessment, which I passed. I was then invited for a second interview with all of the program managers. I think it went well. At the end of the interview I was told two people had gotten through to this point. She told me they hoped to decide next week and would call me. It has been a week and two days since the interview. I was wondering if I should contact HR or the hiring manager next week if I don’t hear anything by the end of the week. Could you give me tips on proper etiquette? Thank you!
Oh I should mention, this job has been posted for a year and a half. I asked about this and they said they’ve had a hard time finding viable candidates.
Dear Work Coach,
My panel interview took place nearly 4 weeks ago. I followed up, the next day, with thank you notes for each nurse manager I interviewed with. I called two weeks later; left a voice mail and email message for one manager, I spoke with one of the managers and she told me she sent her information over to the recruiter the previous day. I have not heard back from the other managers, but I did contact the recruiter three days after speaking with the nurse manager.
The recruiter returned my call to explain to me that the units are undergoing restructuring; nurses are being moved around, and she has not received all the hiring decisions from the nurse managers yet. The recruiter told me to call her in the middle of next week to see if a hiring decision has been made. She also explained that with a restructuring, a hiring process can take a little longer than usual.
Should I call back, wait, or just accept the recruiters statement as a polite brush-off?
Thanks.
RN New Grad,
Take the recruiter at her word. In my experience, this happens all the time — and is not a brush-off. Remember in most cases while an organization is hiring, they are also working — and tackling current problems and issues. Organizations are like living organisms — they evolve, they change, when things don’t work well — they get sick and they try new remedies to get better!
The hiring process takes a while — there are multiple steps to follow as well as a timeline for getting required signatures and sign-offs. This is standard, and you should expect it now and in years to come.
Be patient and call back at the appointed time.
Good luck,
Chandlee
It has been seven agonizing business days since my interview. I sent a follow up email on Monday and even included more writing samples and continued to express my genuine interest in the position. And yet and still I have not heard anything. I’m thinking about calling tomorrow to ask when the decision would be made. Is that a good idea? Any advice, comments or tips would be most appreciated.
Mo,
It would be better if you could wait another few days. Your follow-up isn’t likely to speed up their decision making process — and I don’t think you want to look too eager.
Hang in there and continue to explore other options in the interim: It never hurts to have as many options as possible. Good luck!
All the Best,
Chandlee
I don’t think I can do that… I am MISERABLE at my current job and I REALLY want this one! I AM EAGER! Eager to work, eager to do new things, show what I can do. Eager and enthusiastic, yes! I just want an answer. Yes or no so I can move on and stop worrying about whether the job is mine or not.
Mo,
Follow up again quickly and you run the risk of looking desperate. You don’t want to do this — and in most cases you cannot rush the hiring process. It’s important to remember that you aren’t the only candidate in the pool — and employers almost always need to follow company protocol and interview all candidates before an offer can be extended.
I’d recommend at least another 3 business days.
Good luck,
Chandlee
The interviewing process ended last week. I followed up the first time after the interview in an an e-mail. She said I should know something this week, which is why I followed up on Monday. Now, I’m literally just biting my nails and tapping my foot… Desperate no. Anxious and hungry for a new opportunity, YES!
Chandlee,
I waited until yesterday to call back. I left a voicemail for the interviewer and later she called me back stating they were still interviewing but they would know something further by Friday. She also said they would let everyone know either way by the end of this week or the beginning of next week.
I had an interview a week ago for an accounting job, at the end the manager said that he would contact me with a decision at the end of the day and didn’t. The next day I phoned back and he said that he is yet to make a decision, and will let me know for sure by Wednesday at the latest, and will let me know either way, even if I don’t get the job.
Again he didn’t call me last night and its Thursday, so I’m wondering if its ok to call in and see if he made a decision, or is it too much to call in twice in one week ( since I called right after my interview)
Thanks
Mike,
I think it’s too much to call twice in one week. I’d wait until at least Monday or Tuesday to follow-up. It almost always takes employers longer than they would initially anticipate.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I interviewed for my dream job (just graduated college- yay!) with the city last week. It’s an entry level position, and I think my background is exactly what they are looking for. I think the interview went well- I was a bit nervous at first but then later felt a lot more confident and even had the interviewers laughing. Toward the end I asked a few questions and they went as far as telling me the future of the position (they’re moving across the street sometime in the near future) and went into detail about that. I sent out a follow up thank you e-mail the very next day to both interviewers. The interview was last Wednesday, so it’s been about a week and a day today. They did mention that I was the first to be interviewed and that it might take a couple weeks. When should I do the follow up call? I thought a week, but my mom (works in HR) says 2 because they did say “couple” of weeks. Plus, it is the City so I figure it might take longer. I applied at the end of February and just got the interview call about 2 weeks ago. Please help!
My husband just got a city job and from interview to start date it will be 6 weeks. They are slow in every government agency. He waited two weeks after his thank you for a follow up and it was appropriate. Good luck!
Thank you Joy! That makes me feel a bit better that I haven’t heard anything before I call. I’m definitely going to do the follow up call by Wednesday. Thanks again!
this was a great article. igoogled it when I was sitting here thinking about should I contact the employer I had an interview with myself. I decided not to and send a card instead. my favorite part of this article was the last part that said if you have any chance of getting the job trust me the employer remembers you. that put me a peace although I want the job I may not get it its not up to me the only thing that I can do is try as hard as I can with my resume and in the interview the rest is up in the air that’s life.
Jr,
Good luck to you and let us know what happens. I have a very good friend who got her first job when she was the only person who sent a card. So you just never know.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Reading this article and comments have made me a little less anxious. I was interviewed for a bank teller position last Thursday. The interview was quite short ( but it was the day before a relocation supposed to take place), but I thought it went well (I hope the hiring manager feels the same). I haven’t heard back from him so I sent a follow up email yesterday and he said he got a few more candidates to meet and he will keep me posted. When is a good time to follow up with him again? I really want this job, the location works perfectly for me.
Mimi,
Unfortunately, there is not a direct correlation between following up again and improving your chance of getting hired. At this point, I would recommend not following up again for at least two weeks — the bank clearly has a process they need to follow before they can make an offer.
In the interim, suggest you perhaps apply for teller positions at a minimum of two other banks. Having as many options as possible is a good strategy for getting hired, as well.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Thank you Chandlee! I guess all I can do now is wait. Even with a bachelors degree in science, finding jobs these days is difficult…
I interviewed a company for a designer position at the first week of June. After the interview they have told me the result will come in 1or 2 weeks. They have gave me there HR(The HR was in the interview together) phone number to call after or before if I would like to know about anything.
After the interview I have sent a short thank you email and waited. At the 3 week (Thursday) I have called as a follow up during the morning. The HR had picked up(She knew my name before i told- I don’t know if this a good thing or nothing) and I told my interested in the company and the process of the interview. The HR responded very kindly and told she is on a phone call and she will call me right back.
I had no call back.
Currently I am thinking to call her back today(Monday) during the or should I still wait? If I call and if she does not pick up should I leave the HR a email? It would be great to have some advise and feedback’s from my current situation.
(And I have just known there has been a interview starting June 1st, 8th, 15th every Friday. not sure if the was last week and mine was on the 1st)
Thank you
Hi Jack,
If the last interview was on the 15th, then it is quite likely that they do not have a decision made yet — or are still in the process of making their decision.
HR can’t say much beyond “we are still in the process of making our decision” to any candidates — until they are ready to extend an offer.
I recommend following up with HR again in a few days.
All the Best,
Chandlee