How long before you assume a family isn't interested in you as a candidate?

[Anonymous]

After 4 days of no response, I should probably just move on, right? It's a summer only job and not exactly one I'm dying to get, although I certainly could do much worse...

[Anonymous]

Did you already email after the interview to thank them and let them know you were interested? If so, after 4 days I would definitely move on. If they come back in a few days with an offer, someone likely turned them down, and if you're willing to gamble the job, I'd counter the offer.

[Anonymous]

Every job I've gotten that was a great fit wad offered to me within 24 hours. No exception. I was offered a couple of jobs after a couple of days and they both turned out to be a poor fit and didn't last more than a couple of days. If it feels right, you'll know right away.

[Anonymous]

I've been called back within hours after the interview and offered the position. Every time. I'd move on if I were you - you'll find something better.

[Anonymous]

For both of my dream jobs they had called my references and agency within 1 day and I'd been offered it by the 2nd. I'd as move on.

[Anonymous]

I'd move on and assume they aren't interested. If they are, you would know right away. I've always had offers within 24-48 hours. A family I was with waited 48 hours, but was in constant talk with me the next day regarding references, trial days, and background checks. I was with them for 2 years until the dad got a great job offer out-of-state.

[Anonymous]

Well it would depend.

During my in person interview, I always ask the family when they expect to make a final decision and then use that as my guideline to if they are interested. I also ask them to please let me know either way if they want me or not which will make my job search easier.

So if they say they will be making a decision by next Wednesday, and I do not hear anything by Friday, I will just assume I am not going to get the position. If it is a position I really want, though, I may e-mail the family just to inquire if they haven't corresponded w/me already.

Usually when a family wants someone, they want to make sure they let that person know as soon as possible, before another family takes her. So if it seems a lot of time has passed and you haven't heard anything, you probably are not going to get the position.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I (regretfully) never emailed a thank-you to the family. I know there were a couple potential scheduling issues MB said she would have to discuss with her husband. It's not really a job I want anyway (it would get in the way of a few commitments I have, and I don't love summer nannying), so I wasn't sure if it was just wishful thinking or if I actually am out of the running.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like neither you or the family felt like this would be a good fit. I would probably move on and continue job hunting.

[Anonymous]

I give families 24-48 hours to respond, unless we agreed on something different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like neither you or the family felt like this would be a good fit. I would probably move on and continue job hunting.

MB here - I agree.

And next time, if you want the job then ask during the interview what their timeline is and follow up w/ a thank you email promptly. Those kinds of things make a big impression on me in determining the candidate's interest.