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 heard back from HR saying “we’d like to invite you for a second interview this week” – so i replied “great, when?” and never heard back! It’s already Wednesday and I have another job so I’d need to take time off in advance. I tried calling, no one is picking up. What’s going on?
Hi Julia!
There’s a very high probability that whatever is going on has nothing to do with your or their interest in you. Someone got sick, or someon on-high decided that something else was a higher priority than filling this job, or any one of a thousand other things.
If you have an email address, you might drop them a polite note that you need to a day or two (or however long) to schedule the time to be available, so you’d appreciate as much notice as they can provide you. And, you look forward to the opportunity to speak with them again.
Polite persistence is very powerful.
Good luck!
Susan
Work Coach Cafe Team Captain.
I interviewed with a company last week. I met with four individuals including the person who would be my direct supervisor. In ending the conversation, he stated that they were looking to fill the position by the end of this week.
I have several questions as I have not heard from the company and I have not tried to contact them. Should I try to follow-up based on what I was told about the job being filled this week? If so, should I follow-up with the gentleman I interviewed with, or the HR person who made the initial contact? If I do follow-up, should it be via email or phone?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
help!!!
so i have been cooresponding with HR since my interview in november. i know they are interested because i have had fingerprints done and a background check. HR has been consistent with keeping me up to date. the last email she sent it said they would make a decision “early in 2012″ this is very vague and that was december 23…now it is january 13. almost a month!!! when i got this email i thanked her for keeping me up to date and hoped she had a nice holiday. i really really want this job!!! i don’t know what to do..send an email or what??? i don’t want to look OCD as it has been described here!!!! can anyone help me i am going crazy over here on what to do!!!????
thank you
mj
Hi MJ,
Well, “early in 2012″ could extend through the end of February or March, technically, I think. But, I understand where you are coming from. On December 23, they seemed to be saying very soon. And that’s probably what they meant at the time, but a lot of “stuff” can happen at the beginning of a new year, that postpones “less important” things like hiring new people.
Sounds like you’ve already been in touch with them once this month when you replied that you hoped she had a nice holiday, so I’d cool it for at least a week after you sent the last email before I’d approach her again. Wait longer, if you can.
I know it’s hard, but a very good thing to do until you receive good news – and an offer (in writing!) – is to continue your job search.
I know several times I put my job search “on hold” waiting for a job offer after promising discussions, and most of the time, I was wasting my time. Not good. So, keep looking. This job may not come through, or it may come through in a couple of months. Unless you can afford to go that long without a salary (or the guarantee of a new salary), I’d keep looking. It’s not easy, but it is the smart thing to do.
This doesn’t mean you are giving up on this job. It just means you are protecting yourself by continuing to search until you get an offer. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to choose from two nice offers? It could happen!
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Thank you, Susan. I appreciate the information!!! It was very helpful
You’re welcome! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
I am from Canada and glad that I have found this blog. I am in a career transition and so far since November, I had gone to a few interviews. I was contacted for all of them and since I am starting my career search, I thought some of them were good places to explore. One in particular was an interesting one, even though the company was smaller and the base salary much lower than what I earned on average 6 years in a row. I went through 2 phone interviews, including a check background online, then 3 separate 1:1 face to face interviews with HR(1), Team(1), Panel (2), VP(1) and finally CMO(1). Throughout all the phases, the feedback via the recruiter was positive. Each thank you note sent was acknowledged by the hiring leader and Sr. Exec. I was even told after my last meeting with the CMO to stand by my phone as I would probably get the offer same night. I spent a lot of time, even the VP and CMO meetings lasted over 1 hour each as I felt there was such a great dialogue. The interview questions were very thorough and I liked it – even though they made me sweat after so many years that I have not gone through such a rigid process. I took it on the positive side as they really want the right fit and it felt good. However, the call did not come same night and since it was almost Christmas, the headhunter told me that he was asked to put forward two more candidates as the company felt that it was not right to hire me w/o a comparison- however everyone “loved me”. The only main concern I rec’d during my interview with the VP is that he told me that the job was “not big enough for me” based on my experience and qualifications. I believed that I was able to convey that I saw opportunity to further develop in the organization and I was not just looking for a job but rather my next career move and was ready to accept a role that was probably not big as before but I was interested in helping this organization into their next phase.
With Christmas over, I had to go to NJ for a potential consulting job and then had a minor surgery so did not have any feedback after New Years. I sent a note to the recruiter as he continued to tell me that I was in the running what the update was. I wanted to have a chat but rather he sent me an email and told me that one of the candidates he sent over was very strong and he was going for the final interview this Monday and while nothing has been decided most likely he would receive the offer.
I would like to know if it is still appropirate to send a follow up to the hiring leader whom I have not contacted since my thank you note – as most of the contact has been w/ the recruiter – and emphasized my interest. The job has lots of cons as not sure if they would be willing to pay me what I make as their salary base was much lower, but I like the people I met and felt that this would be a place that I will be proud to work for.
After my last meeting with the CMO, she indicated that the job could evolve and I could make it bigger than what it really was. There is definetely something that made them changed their minds. But after all these interviews I might have some optimism that I could still make it work.
What would you suggest? I dont want to call them but maybe a follow up with some collateral I had created as part of my career campaign to refresh their minds of the value that I could bring. They would not need to teach me but definetely they are the ones with the job and hiring decision and not me.
What would be the most appropriate approach for this type of situation? Can you help me as this person goes to meet the company this Monday? Am I too optomistic?
Wow! Since you were presented to them by a headhunter, I’d do my best to get that headhunter on the phone to find out what he recommends as a good next step, and any alternatives he might have developing with other employers.
If you can’t get any information from the headhunter by early afternoon on Monday, then you could follow up with your collateral later on Monday and reiterate this statement in your correspondence with them – “I like the people I met, and felt that this would be a place that I will be proud to work for.” That’s a strong statement, considering the drop in salary involved.
Do consider that the headhunter may have other, better leads for you in the future. That could be a relationship worth careful management in this situation.
I have a feeling this will “work out for the best.” If you don’t get this one, I have a feeling that something else – a better fit with a higher salary – is waiting for you.
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks Susan for your prompt reply and advice. I have tried to reach out to the headhunter but since he is also connecting with the other candidate, he might be waiting for the bank’s decision on which of the candidates would receive the job and got the feeling that he might also have a conflict of interest if he tells me what’s going on behind the scenes.
I have already received an acknowledgement reply from the hiring manager once I met him so I would definetely send a follow up note with the collateral as it would not hurt and it might also remind him since interviews were during Nov and December (too long ago)….
Regardless of their decision, it is always to keep these contacts in good terms even if this does not translate into a real opportunity.
There is definetely a long road ahead of me as I am on my 2nd month of career transition but definetely don’t want to miss any opportunities as time flies and I would not like to be in a difficult situtuation in a year from now b/c I have not been able to secure a comparable career opportunity.
I will keep you posted of the outcome as it is important to share these experiences as we are all in the same position – some with more room to wait than others – but still all these tangible experiences would help someone who is going through a similar situation or can take a different approach the next time to avoid the same mistakes.
Regards, Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
Sounds like you’ve got it under control. And you are SO RIGHT about keeping on good terms with these contacts. For many years, I have seen thank-you-for-not-hiring-me notes go a long way in building relationships and in building careers. Not snarky notes that slam the employer, but positive notes about enjoying meeting the people and learning more about the employer.
SO often, that “first choice” does not work out – they accept another job offer, turn out to be better at interviewing than at working, etc. – and the thank you in response to a rejection often puts someone at the top of the list for “next time.”
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us here!
Good luck!
Susan
I was interviews on the Friday and after the interview, they said that I would hear from them ‘if selected’ on Tuesday(Today). I did write a follow up email on Saturday. So I am waiting for their call. Would it be appropriate if I called em later during the day or tomorrow, to know the status of the job?
Hi Raj,
Since today is Wednesday, I would give them a call to see what the status of the job is.
If it turns out that you are not being considered now, don’t just say good bye and hang up!
* Thank them for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the company and to meet some of the employees.
* Ask them to keep you in mind if another job like this one opens.
Then, send them a follow up email reiterating those same points (assuming that you would like to work there some day).
Good luck with this!
Susan
Dear Susan:
I would appreciate some advice on my situation.
This company (public policy analysis) found my resume online, and someone who worked for them contacted me to invite me to apply for the position. I submitted my resume and application on November 14th. The very next day, I was contacted for a phone interview, which was held on November 22
The very next day, the “Manager of Educational Programs and Admissions” contacted me for a second phone interview, which was set for December 1. The interview went well, and on December 9 I got contacted (all these contacts, btw, through email) again for a third interview; for this third one, the company flew me up (their expense!) to Washington, DC, for two in-person interviews with two different pairs of interviewers. One of the interviewers was the aforementioned Manager.
This set of in-person interviews was on January 3. They told me I would hear back within two weeks. Well, January 17th came and went, and I’ve heard nothing from them.
Throughout this whole process I’ve always emailed thank-you noted, but never received a reply to them.
Today being the 18th, I wanted to follow up, but since I interviewed with a total of five different people, I wasn’t sure who to write, so I wrote the aforementioned Manager a brief note. That was just this morning.
I don’t know where to go from here. My tentative plans are to wait 24 hours, and if I still haven’t heard back, email the man from the company who contacted me about the position to begin with, and ask him who I should contact for the status of my application. If I *still* hear nothing back, within 24 hours, my plan is to then *call* the aforementioned Manager.
Does this plan sound good to you? What’s your advice? Have I done well so far?
Thanks!
Hi Earnest,
Sounds like you’re doing everything right to me, and you have a solid plan.
I might contact the external guy this afternoon (WDC time), by phone, to see if he has any insight he can share and to ask him your question about the best person to contact. He should have a good idea what is going on, but he might also be in the dark, too.
I think they’ve invested enough in you to keep you in the loop, but I could, unfortunately, be wrong about that.
Solid plan. Good luck!
Regards,
Susan
In case it wasn’t clear, the man who contacted me at the beginning of this process was not an employee who knew me; he contacted me on behalf of the company, after coming across my resume.
GREETINGS
This is venkatesh, i recently attended an interview(on 9/1/2012) in which openings were for 5 posts.After the second round of interview,they said i was shortlisted for the next round(felt vvery happy then) and told me that the wud give me an intimation as to wen to come for the next round of interviews,but its been 10 days ,but havent got any call or mail regarding it.
My question is should i call them or still wait? (whic i dont think is a good idea).If i were to mail them wat is the actual etequity that i should follow……??
REGARDS
VENKATESH G
Hi Venkatesh,
I think a phone call is the best bet for you, and since it’s been more than 10 days, that’s appropriate. Ask them when the next round of interviews will start and when you will be hearing from them about the next round – if they don’t tell you immediately. Then, ask for permission to continue to stay in touch via phone, or, if not by phone, the preferred method and appropriate contact information.
If your job interviews are in the USA, Canada, or the UK, I’d have a friend, who speaks English as a native, review your emails for you before you send them. You have some inconsistencies in your use of English that would hurt you in a competitive job search situation.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Hello,
I had a second face-to-face interview on tuesday 17/Jan/2012 (this with the CEO and last week with the line manager). The line manager one went well and the CEO gave me feedback at the interview saying I was the strongest candidate but they are not sure whether I would fit in the culture or not. CEO interview went ok. I didn’t impress I think but was well enough. (Tiny company – 10 people).
Should I send a Thank You note? I don’t have CEO’s email – only line managers email. So, how do I send it and to whom?? And then do I follow up with line manager next week maybe? (There is no HR.)
They want the new person to start by end of this month and if I am starting I need to organise fulltime childcare.
Best wishes
Hi Aradhna,
Hmmm… Don’t underestimate the importance of “cultural fit” particularly in a small company. But, small companies can also be very flexible, too – it depends on the culture.
As the strongest candidate, I would definitely send a thank you to the CEO since you had time with her or him. If you can’t guess the email address (e.g. firstname.lastname@ or first initial-lastname@), call the receptionist and ask for the CEO’s email address.
The start date can probably (!) be negotiated, even though starting on the first of the month is probably ideal for everyone. I would be sure to send the CEO a thank you today, and then follow up next Tuesday to see what the status is.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Hi, some really good advice here, so thanks for that! I’ve had three interviews and all of them received positive feedback. HR reached out to me after the 3rd and we discussed compensation/benefits/availability etc. She told me she had to discuss with some people, but assured me she would be in touch the following week. It has been 3 weeks since that conversation and I have not heard from her. I emailed her the week she said I should hear, and then called and left a voicemail this week, the 3rd week since the interview. Have I followed up too much at this point? I’m getting mixed messages from friends and family; some are telling me to hold tight and not to annoy HR, others tell me to call and ask for a timeline. I feel like if she didn’t tell me she would keep me in the loop, I wouldn’t be so worked up about waiting this long. What do you think?
Hi Grace,
If you were in charge of this process, asking for a timeline could work. But, as you know, you aren’t in charge. I think that the people who are telling you not to annoy HR are right.
Many, many things can happen between the time you are talking with someone on the phone and the time the company is ready to put their money where their mouth is and make an official offer.
Hiring someone is a scary thing to do, actually. Some “empty suits” interview extremely well and then are useless on the job. Sometimes, a current employee will finally raise their hand and say they want the job – usually the safest kind of hire to make. And sometimes jobs are cancelled or the person who spoke with you is not the person in charge (HR is seldom in charge) and is, perhaps, not well-informed about what the decision-maker(s) are thinking. It could be a million things.
The sad truth is they may have hired someone else already, and you may never hear from them again. OR, you may get a job offer today! It’s hard to tell.
Stay in touch every couple of weeks. Politely remind them of who you are and the job you have interviewed for 3 times (if there is a job requisition number, include it), and what was told you in your last conversation with them. If you haven’t gotten an answer by the end of February, I’d give up.
Meanwhile, I’d keep looking for another job! There may be a much better job out there with your name on it – you just have to go find it.
Good luck!
Susan
Thanks for your advice. I guess my question is whether one email and one voicemail is too much already? I’m not going to make contact anymore, but I’d like to know for the future if I’ve already follow up too much. Thanks.
No, Grace, one email and one voicemail are not too much, particularly spread out over three or four weeks. Don’t stop now. Stay in touch with that promising opportunity.
Good luck!
Susan
I’m so thankful that I just found out this blog, and it kept me from e-mailing HR and looking unprofessional! Though I had an interview on 19th considering it was a big holiday(Chinese new year) from 21st to 24th here in S. Korea, I guess I could hang on a bit longer.
One thing worries me though I heard that usually in the consulting industry, they let you know immediately if you get a position. (If don’t, usually no phone call) Even if the interviewer told me at the end of the interview that it’d take a bit longer than usual since they had some internal decisions to make about this position. I do hope he was telling me the truth.
(why would he tell me something he didn’t mean to but you know when you are waiting anxiously, so many things come across your mind.)
Like other people who wrote here, I do want this position so badly. I think I’m getting an anxiety attack staring at the phone all day long!!!! I’m usually very positive and energetic person but this waiting makes me just so miserable now.
But again, thank you very much for your advice here. It definitely made me feel calm.
Hi HJ,
The waiting is the worst part, isn’t it? . . . especially if you’ve had particularly good interviews with the company.
So many things can be at play here, and all of them are out of your control. Whatever you do, don’t assume you have the job. Continue pursuing other opportunities. An even better one may come along.
To reassure you a little more that you’re doing the right thing by trying to be patient (as hard as it is!), take a look at the latest post by our own Susan P. Joyce over at her excellent Job Search News blog, Did I Get the Job??? Here’s some of what she said:
We all hope you hear soon, and that it’s good news!
Best,
Meg Guiseppi
Member of the WorkCoachCafe Team
Hello everyone I Have a question had the 2nd interview 1/18/12 pretty much got a verbal pending background check H.R told me 5 to 7 business dayes going crazy in texas
Hi Terry,
First, do your best to become un-crazed.
Since we’re coming up on 2 weeks from 1/18/12, I’m thinking it’s appropriate for you to reach out to HR and ask how things are going. No matter how good someone’s intentions are (NEVER doubt good intentions in these situations), something often gets in the way of responding when they thought they could/would.
So, get back in touch. Be polite. Don’t expect them to remember you or the exact situation!
Remind them of
* your name
* the job you are under consideratioin for – the job title at least and, if you know the requisition or posting number, tell them that, too.
* when you interviewed and with whom
* when they (by name if possible) said you could expect to hear from them.
Then, ask them for the current status, and if there is anything more they need from you.
If they don’t know what the status is on the background check (don’t be surprised if they don’t), ask them when they think they will know, and what the next steps are.
Then, ask when is the best time for you to call and who is the best person for you to contact.
Good luck!
Susan
I’ve been communicating with a company in a difference state since November. I was referred to the position by a friend at another company, and I have since exchanged a few email. I had a phone interview that went great, then within a few days I was invited for a face to face.
My interviewer was quite understanding in needing some time to gather questions, research company changes, etc and asked that I contact him with my other questions and when I’m ready to “discuss the next steps.” I followed up with a thank you message, and did mention I would be in touch with any additional questions to which he thanked me and looked forward to them.
Apprx a week later, I emailed him my questions and he was very quick to reply to schedule a follow up. He missed the 2 scheduled calls, however followed up after each missed appointment to reschedule. This morning, he asked if we could speak this evening to which I agreed and he said he would call. Unfortunately, he did not called. This is the 3rd call in a row he has missed.
I have been understanding because I know there is a difference in time zones, and things come up but I am not sure what to do at this point. I hope we will have a call at some point, but it is difficult to adjust my schedule for these meetings he cannot keep. I feel it is a good sign that he is following up with me via email after missed calls, and to keep me updated of his schedule (traveling, visitors, etc) but I am just a little lost.
Where do I go from here!
Well, Cari, it’s obvious this guy needs help!
Yes, it is a good sign that he keeps following up, but missing 3 calls is not promising. He might be terminally disorganized and horrible to work with…
I’d reach out again, and ask him if he can send you the questions so you can answer them via email. Then, try to reschedule the call to go over the answers to his questions.
If he misses a 4th call, I think I’d give up on him and this employer.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi everyone,
I had an interview on November 25th after the interview the person told me that he is putting me through for second round and within two days the hr called me and updated the same and told me she is processing my cv for second round.Then after two weeks also I didn’t get any call from them so I called the hr she told me I have to submit my deputation letter as a proof that I am working I did the same and I asked her whether she got it not.She told me she got it and she didn’t get any interview slot as of now that’s why she didn’t call me once she got it she will call me and she told whatever will happen start from January only.This thing happened end of December.This is end of Jan till now no calls nothing.Usually this is a very slow company,as in processing.My first round happen after 1& half month of processing my cv,till then the hr was not getting any time from panel to take my interview.I am a positive person and trying other things also but I eagerly want to join this company because this is a good company.
Seek your advice.
Hi Supi -
If this company has a history of not being very responsive, I guess this isn’t surprising. Even in responsive companies, a couple of months between CV receipt and job offer is not unusual. And, the December – January timeframe is certainly crazy in a lot of companies.
But, tomorrow is Feb. 1, and I would certainly reach out to your HR contact to see what is going on since you haven’t heard from them during January. Don’t be angry or frustrated. Be polite.
Remind the HR person who you are, the job you want, and the history so far (interview on 11/25, deputation letter in December, etc.). Then, ask her what is happening now.
Don’t give up you search for employment elsewhere, but keep in touch with this company too, particularly since it is a “good” but “slow” company.
Good luck!
Susan
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for your advice.I’ll do the same,hope I will get a good company soon.
Regards
Supi.
You are very welcome, Supi! Stay in touch, and keep trying.
Good luck!
Susan
Hi there,
I had my interview on Tues, Jan 24, 2011. In my opinion the interview went well as I prepared for it the night before and the panel of interviewers (three to be exact, all whom were middle aged women) seemed to be very pleased with my answers. They said they were aiming or most likely making call backs on Tuesday. It is Tuesday and still have not heard anything. The start date is February 26th. Also, when I gave them my personal history package she noticed that some things were incomplete and asked that when/if they call me back to offer me the job to provide it then. I am getting a bit anxious now and feel that maybe I should have provided it that day in stead of waiting. What should I do at this point? If I don’t hear from them today should I call or email tomorrow? Should I send the package via email now or is it too late?
Hi SF,
I would send a complete (!) personal history package ASAP. Then, follow up with a call tomorrow if you don’t hear from them today.
Good luck!
Susan
I have a question, 2 weeks ago on January 17th I had an interview with a company that I really want to work with. Sixdays later (about January 23nd) I sent a brief follow up note to find out the status of the position (to which he thanked me vehemently for following up on him) but he said we were still in the first phase of the hiring process for the available position and that he’d get back to me at a later date. He didn’t specify the date, he just said a “later date.” It’s now February 1st and I still haven’t heard anything. Should I send another very brief follow up? OR should I wait for him to reach out? I’m getting other interviews (thankfully) but I sorta want to find out whats going on with the first interview. I feel foolish not reaching out and getting very impatient. Should I reach out or wait?
Hi VL,
I know it’s hard, but you need to “chill out” right now. Don’t let your impatience show!
If they were still in the first phase of the hiring process last week, I’d wait until next week before I followed up again. I wouldn’t wait for him to reach out in case he doesn’t, but, as Ronnie Ann recommended, I wouldn’t follow up every week. It’s too easy to be labeled P-I-T-A (as in Pain in the A**).
Be polite, confident, and patient. Remember, they really don’t owe you anything, and you aren’t the only job seeker who has contacted them with interest in this job.
But the next time you speak with this fellow, I’d ask for permission to stay in touch every couple of weeks, and then do that.
Good luck!
Susan
I had an interview on Monday, I did a fallow up email that night. It’s the 3rd day now (Thursday) after the interview. The company did state that they will be doing interviews this week. Is it inappropriate to do a fallow up call today (the 3rd day), or should I wait till Friday or the 5th day? I’ve heard many different suggestions and I’m still uncertain which is right?
My interview went very well, it seemed more personable and connected regardless of a couple of nervous reply’s on my behalf.
When I say, “Fallow up email” I meant an “Appreciation letter.” FYI
Hi Rick –
I understand where you are coming from, but I would NOT call this week. Really, the earliest I would call is the middle of next week, and the end of next week would be better.
If they are interviewing people this week, they are probably very busy, and another contact from you, particularly a phone call, would probably be viewed as annoying since you were told they are interviewing people this week.
So, chill out for at least a few more days. And, continue with you job search. Don’t wait for a yes that might not be coming, or might not be coming soon. Keep looking and keep interviewing. The more interviewing you do, the better you will be at it.
When you do call them, don’t expect them to remember you. Tell them your name, the job you interviewed for, the date of the interview, and who interviewed you. THEN, ask for a status update, if they have one yet (they may not).
Good luck!
Susan
Hello
I had an interview about a week and a half ago and it went very well. I was told they usually do 3 interviews jut soo everyone can get to know the candidate and then decide where they best fit in. I had my second interview this past Monday the 30th and after my interview I was told they were going to reschedule me for a 3rd one. Well when my interviewer went and asked the 3rd interviewer their availability to see when they were able interview me they both came up to me and told me that they were going to just “forget” the 3rd interview and that they were going ahead with submitting my paperwork for a background check. They said they would contact me by the time the info. gets back to them which is about a week or so. It is now The end of the week Friday and I’m not sure if I should follow up and check up on the status of the background check. I’m sort of confused as to if I have the job or not. Should I call and check up???
Hi Chezza,
It sounds promising. But they might have discovered that they can’t “forget” that 3rd interview for some reason. Perhaps the background check is taking longer than expected. Or someone who is a necessary part of the process is on vaction or out sick or a million other things can delay the process.
I’d wait until Tuesday at the earliest, before I contacted them about the current status.
And, I would be very polite and positive. Don’t assume anything has gone wrong, and don’t act as if they “owe” you this job.
Do tell them your name, remind them of the job you interviewed for, when you interviewed and who you interviewed with, and what you are waiting to hear.
Good luck!
Susan
What about after I apply for jobs? I’ve been placed on many “reviewing applications” lists or “eligible” list but should i call and check on these? Thanks!
Nora
Hi Nora,
I would stay in touch periodically to see what is happening. Look for new job postings or updates to the “eligible” list. Probably every couple of weeks or once a month. And I would keep looking.
Good luck!
Susan