How soon to ask after job interview?

[Anonymous]

Three weeks ago, I interviewed for a job I'd really like to have, but haven't heard anything. Can I ask about a decision? How soon? Should I just take the hint gracefully and move on? Background: this isn't a government job, and both interviewers said they'd let me know soon and that they wouldn't leave me hanging for weeks and weeks. I didn't want to press them for a time frame, and "soon" could be mean different things to different people, of course. But maybe they meant that if I didn't hear from them soon, I should assume that they weren't interested? Sigh.
Thanks for any closure toward which you can point me!

[Anonymous]

3 weeks seems like a long time to me. i'd follow up with a call.

[Anonymous]

Just anxious OP here... if I were to contact the potential employers, would it be better to call or email? They didn't answer my thank-you email, but maybe a phone call would put them in too awkward a situation?

My husband thinks I should wait until a month has passed. Between the two of us, he has a lot more experience with this, but with every day that passes, I get more worried. My current job will do, but this would have been a great opportunity for me. I thought the interview went well and that my experience and expectations aligned with their needs. Sigh, again...

[Anonymous]

If it is not government then 3 weeks is way too long.
I would have checked back 1 or 2 week...you should call so you are not waiting anxiously (I hate that feeling).

Just say you are excited and want to know.

[Anonymous]

I don't think 3 weeks is a long time. They may be interviewing other candidates so are waiting to finish that process. I think now or next week would be a good time to follow up. I would follow up with a call. Of course email is easier because you can draft and re-edit as much as you want, but they still may not respond right away and you'll end up in the same boat you are in now. I would practice what you plan to say, keeping it simple--that you interviewed for X position on X date and you wanted to call and follow up to see if any decision had been made or if they are still in the interview process. Something like that. Your DH probably can suggest what to say.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice. I'll call today.

[Anonymous]

I think a month is way too long, especially if they told you it was a quick search. Give them a call.