Post Interview Silence....So you had what felt like a great interview with a prospective employer -- maybe even two great interviews. The vibes were good, etc., and at the end, they shake your hand and say with a nod, "Thanks so much for coming in...you'll be hearing from us." Then days go by, and you don't hear anything. You figure it's still too soon to worry. Then a week goes by. Nothing. A week and a half, then two weeks. No phone call, no e-mail, zilch. At this point, you're frantic. Sending a friendly e-mail couldn't hurt, right? Just to remind them of your interest in the job and let them know you'd be happy to answer any further questions and supply further information. That would show both interest and enthusiasm, wouldn't it? Well, jobseekers, it's time to face up to reality....if they're interested in you, they'll contact you. It's just that simple. Quit torturing yourself by thinking there's more you should be doing, or that maybe you didn't express enough interest, or that maybe they "lost" your e-mail address or resume. They didn't. If you don't hear from them, they're either not interested or there's somebody else they're MORE interested in (for a variety of reasons that may or may not have anything to do with you). It's also possible that they were just conducting an "informational" interview to see what sort of candidates they can attract. The point is, don't beat yourself up. If it's meant to be, you'll hear back from them and get the job. If not, MOVE ON. There are other job-fish in the sea.... If you have a good interview or two with a company, you should always follow up. It may not make any difference to them, but, then again, it might. And certainly there is absolutely nothing to be lost by calling or e-mailing to ask about the status of the interviewing & hiring process. One reason being that companies often do not make decisions when they say they will, for whatever issues (and that's another discussion), and at least if you call you will know. Or, if they tell you the job's been filled, you know. I can't see one single benefit from not calling; do you really think a 5-minute phone call or e-mail is such a burden? I really have issues with the attitude of "If they want me, they'll call me." Again, you have to assume there are several equally qualified candidates for every single job posting out there--why would you not want to go the extra to get yourself remembered? Maybe the don't know they want you until you do something extra to show them you are a go-getter and not afraid to pursue that which you want. Passivity is so yucky in a candidate.
There's nothing to be lost by trying. I've told this story before on the old board but it's worth repeating. My girlfriend got turned down for a job. She kept on following up, offering to do contract projects. Her now current, and the best boss/working environment shes ever had explained that it was a test. He wanted to hire only those who really wanted the job. That is the only time I have ever come across this situation and I doubt I will ever hear of it again. There is absolutely nothing wrong with pursuing your dream. What's utterly self defeating is worrying about it. I have gone through this myself, and realize no matter how good the interview went or how much i want the job, it is best for me to look forward to other interviews. As much as I like certain companies and certain jobs, it is a business transaction. Generally, it makes more sense for me to focus my energy on pursuing other opportunities that are more forthcoming. "He wanted to hire only those who really wanted the job." While this seems very extreme, the basis is the same as what I' ve been preaching here! I always wanted to hire people I knew wanted to be there. I felt the fit would be better if there were a group of people who not only were competent at their jobs, but who enjoyed being in that company, in that working environment. Why wouldn' t you want that, if you' re a hiring manager? I could better teach the technical skills an employee might lack than teach them to like where they were! Of course a job applicant should show enthusiasm and genuine interest, but the critical time for showing that is during the interview. After that, the ball is in the employer's court. Pestering hiring managers with uninvited follow-up e-mails and phone calls runs the risk of coming across as pushy, desperate, or simply running low on self respect. If you don't feel like you got your hire-me message across during the interview, then you need to ramp up your interviewing skills. I' m not talking about pestering, and the example that was given was extreme. I' m talking about one thank-you note and one follow-up call, and perhaps one more call depending on the response you got the first time.... Nobody is suggesting a candidate call every day or make several e-mail or phone contacts. But it is unrealistic in today' s job market to think one can leave the interview room having with certaintly "sold" a company on you, or having made such a wonderful impression that they will focus on you to the exclusion of other candidates. This is especially true if you are the first one interviewed; once they' ve seen several other equally qualified candidates, don' t you think getting your name back out in front of them is a good idea? I think it' s just naive to assume that you have done "all" you can in the interview room. What if you were nervous and did not make it clear you want the job? What if your interviewer was having a bad day and was distracted? Why on earth is there such resistance to common-sense follow up? What job seekers don' t often realize is that you are marketing yourself. And one of the greatest, most proven tenets of marketing is that you do not put your name or message in front of the customer once--and leave it at that. There is a difference, however, between "reminding" customers of your product or service, and hounding them to the point you antagonize them. And I most certainly do not advocate antagonizing an employer by too much follow up.
Twenty-five years ago, I would have agreed with you. But I' ve been working in HR for the past 10 years, and it has caused me to change my tune. A lot of it may depend on the individual employer and type of job. Sales, for example, would carry other set of expectations for a prospective candidate. | |
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