Post-interview Jitters

[Anonymous]

I completed my third and final interview for a position that I *really* want early last week. I asked about the timeline and they said that they would make a decision early this week. I have not heard anything yet and am trying my absolute best to be patient. When do you think it is appropriate to check back in? I was thinking tomorrow/Thursday since that is clearly past the early week milestone. I really *hope* to hear something today so I don't have to. As a side bar, have you received calls or e-mails for job offers? I have worked with recruiters in the past and they call with the news but did not work with one for this opportunity so not sure what to expect.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, unless you have something concrete to add (like another offer putting pressure on your timeline) I would not check in. Maybe if it gets to be three weeks past what they initially told you.

I know this is hard to do, but employers move at their own pace and they aren't going to forget to inform you of their decision. Read through Ask A Manager for more insight and really great advice: http://www.askamanager.org/

I have only received offers over the phone, with a formal letter following via email or in person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, unless you have something concrete to add (like another offer putting pressure on your timeline) I would not check in. Maybe if it gets to be three weeks past what they initially told you.

I know this is hard to do, but employers move at their own pace and they aren't going to forget to inform you of their decision. Read through Ask A Manager for more insight and really great advice: http://www.askamanager.org/

I have only received offers over the phone, with a formal letter following via email or in person.

It would be nice if this were always true, but unfortunately it's not. Employers "forget" (read: don't bother) all the time. I've had it happen a number of times as a job seeker. They were usually positions that I was not particularly interested in, and/or I felt the interview didn't go well, so I didn't follow up. As a hiring manager who is currently hiring, I found out recently that our HR did not pass on a rejection to a candidate after we told her to (it's our protocol here to have those things go through HR). This was at least a month after the woman interviewed, and we knew the day after her interview that we were not going to continue the process with her.

That said, I would give it a bit more time, unless like PP said you have another offer to consider. Maybe give it two weeks from the interview until you follow up. GL!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, unless you have something concrete to add (like another offer putting pressure on your timeline) I would not check in. Maybe if it gets to be three weeks past what they initially told you.

I know this is hard to do, but employers move at their own pace and they aren't going to forget to inform you of their decision. Read through Ask A Manager for more insight and really great advice: http://www.askamanager.org/

I have only received offers over the phone, with a formal letter following via email or in person.

It would be nice if this were always true, but unfortunately it's not. Employers "forget" (read: don't bother) all the time. I've had it happen a number of times as a job seeker. They were usually positions that I was not particularly interested in, and/or I felt the interview didn't go well, so I didn't follow up. As a hiring manager who is currently hiring, I found out recently that our HR did not pass on a rejection to a candidate after we told her to (it's our protocol here to have those things go through HR). This was at least a month after the woman interviewed, and we knew the day after her interview that we were not going to continue the process with her.

That said, I would give it a bit more time, unless like PP said you have another offer to consider. Maybe give it two weeks from the interview until you follow up. GL!

Fair point, and I have unfortunately seen that as well. What I was hoping to convey is that they won't forget to tell you if they've selected you, and until that, you should just proceed as if they haven't and keep applying, interviewing, etc.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback. It is hard to sit still but will wait at least two weeks before following up. I tried to distract myself with looking for other positions but I have pretty strict criteria and nothing else out there meets it right now. Oh well...I will just sit tight. Thanks for the advice.

[Anonymous]

Job limbo is the worst. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks pp. I am feeling it all over again today

[Anonymous]

It wouldn't hurt to send a thank you to your point person over there. You could restate your interest in the job, follow up on points from the interview that you have been thinking about. Maybe strengths that you didn't have an opportunity to talk about in detail during your meetings. It would not hurt your chances. Good luck.