You've applied. You maybe even interviewed. Now what? You're waiting by the phone waiting for a call but it hasn't come yet. What are you supposed to do?
First of all you'll want to ask at the end of the interview about the hiring process to get an understanding of what you can expect. Ask when they plan on making a decision about the position and when you should follow up. If they say in a week, you'll want to wait at least that long. Send a follow up letter or thank you note after your interview reiterating your interest and promise a follow up call. (Very few people do this and it's a great way to stand out.)
Second, calm down and practice some patience. When employers say they'll make a decision in a week, a lot of times a hiring decision takes longer than they expect. If they say they'll make a decision in a week and it's nearing the end of the secon it's ok to give the recruiter a call to find out if the hiring time frame for the position has changed and to let them know you're still interested. If you get a voicemail, leave one message. Recruiters get busy and may not always have time to call you back right away.
When you do get an offer from another organization, it's ok to let the company you haven't heard from know about it. Be careful when trying to use this as a means to gain an offer from another. Sometimes this can backfire and rule you out. The first offer may not wait around forever but as long as you're upfront with employers and get back to them in a timely manner they usually will understand.
After leaving one message on voicemail, I might try the recruiter one more time either again by phone or by email. Spacing your contact out over 4 or 5 days is probably best. If you don't receive a response to a 2nd time of contact maybe it's time to move on. It's unfortunate that not everyone gets follow up from an interview - recruiters go through hundreds of resumes and dozens of interviews everyday. Stay positive! This will help your search and confidence when interviewing for the next position. What else? Any other suggestions that you have?
Good luck!
-Rosie Reilman
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Join the HiredIn Network
Join our LinkedIn NC Job Seekers Group
Follow us on Twitter
Guide To Careers Series
Podcast Archives
4 comments:
those are good tips and i like the time spacing/leeway you suggest. one of the best ways to get the job you want is by having someone or some kind of contact that can put in a good word for you. if that cant be done, there might be a thing or two that can help your chances. before and after the interview, act enthusiastic, smile, and say hi to other people working there. it may seem like something small but it can go a long way and even be a determining factor on whether or not you get the job.
~mike
This is true. I got my very first job ever by standing and talking to the Assistant Store Manager for an hour (I had no idea he was a manager at the time!) He later told me that the store manager was hesitant to hire me since I had no experience, but he talked her into it :)
Thanks for your insight Mike & Jenn. You are so right! We have no idea how much being kind to someone can help us. I'm glad that your situation worked out Jenn!
-Rosie
Post a Comment