| What is taking the company so long to call me with | | | | depressed. No sense in stewing over it any longer if |
| feedback after my recent job interview? Should I call | | | | the company is keeping you in the dark. Half the |
| them, or just wait until someone calls me? If I call them, | | | | companies out there will give you timely feedback. The |
| do I risk upsetting someone and closing the door on | | | | other half will either leave you hanging foreveror |
| this opportunity? I really want this job! | | | | eventually get back to you whenever they get around |
| The waiting game is the most frustrating part of the | | | | to it. |
| job interview process, especially if you are excited | | | | How rude and inconsiderate! If this is how they treat |
| about the job. | | | | you on your first date, what will they be like when you |
| Here is a sure-fire way to take back control and get | | | | are married? |
| the feedback you deserve...without shooting yourself in | | | | Here is the best way to bring closure to this in a |
| the foot. | | | | professional manner without risking your emotions |
| Your first move to prompt a call from the company is | | | | spilling over: |
| to always mail (don't email) a short thank you letter to | | | | 1. Call the hiring manager 10 days after you mailed your |
| everyone who interviewed you. Mail your letter either | | | | interview thank you letter. It's ok to leave a voice mail. |
| the day of your interview, or the day after if you | | | | 2. If you don't get a call back in 48 hours--Strike One! |
| traveled to your interview. Fewer than 10% of | | | | Call them again. And yes, leave another voice mail. |
| candidates do this. Simply put, it makes you stand out, | | | | 3. Let another 48 hours go by. If no call--Strike Two! |
| and managers like receiving them. | | | | Either email them or leave them this one last message: |
| Ten days after mailing your letter, if no one from the | | | | Hi Joe- |
| company has contacted you, pick up the phone and | | | | This is Suzzi Q calling again. Hope all is well with you. |
| call (don't email) the hiring manager. | | | | I haven't received any feedback from my interview 2 |
| Try and picture what is going on at the other end of | | | | weeks ago. I'm sensing at this point that you've |
| the process. It takes 3 days for your letter to arrive. It | | | | probably hired someone else for the position. |
| may sit in the manager's in-basket for a couple of | | | | No problem--I'm disappointed, but I understand. |
| days before actually being read. So, 5-6 days have | | | | If I don't hear back from you by the end of the day |
| passed since your interview. | | | | tomorrow, I'll just assume you've closed your position |
| This is perfect timing as your letter just reminded them | | | | and I'll move on. |
| it's time to do something. If you did well in your | | | | Thanks again for taking the time to interview me. It |
| interview, they won't want to risk losing you. The | | | | was a pleasure meeting you and I wish you all the |
| manager will pick up the phone and instruct HR to | | | | best. Bye. |
| invite you back, or maybe even start the offer | | | | STRIKE THREE! |
| process. | | | | The beauty of this message is it allows you to take |
| Some managers have good intentions, but put off | | | | back control, close things off in a professional manner, |
| taking action after reading your thank you letter. Your | | | | but still leaves the door open for them to contact you |
| call is a welcome reminder and starts the ball rolling | | | | if they want to move forward with you. |
| again. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and make | | | | Whatever you do, don't keep calling and calling and |
| the call! | | | | calling the manager like a stalker candidate. Stick with |
| FAQ: Should you leave a voice mail if the manager | | | | the 3 strikes and you're out rule. |
| doesn't pick up? | | | | If you're working with an Executive Recruiter, don't call |
| Answer: Absolutely! Let technology work for you. | | | | the company direct. Work through your recruiter. But, if |
| Your mission is to either keep the hiring process | | | | your recruiter is giving you the silent treatment, do the |
| moving, or close things off so you can get on with | | | | the 3 strikes and you're out rule with them. |
| your life. A voice mail will accomplish this. | | | | True Story: As an Executive Recruiter, I was working |
| FAQ: If you interviewed with 3 or 4 people, who should | | | | with an excellent candidate. I was very impressed with |
| you call? | | | | his interpersonal skills, and our conversations were |
| Answer: If you were given specific instructions by | | | | always warm, professional, and friendly. |
| someone, follow those instructions to the T. | | | | Shortly after we started working together he wouldn't |
| Sometimes the HR Manager will tell you to only work | | | | call me back or respond to my emails. Frankly, I not |
| through the HR department. If you decide to go around | | | | only found this out of character for this person, but I |
| them and speak directly with the hiring manager, it | | | | was getting upset about it. |
| could upset some people. | | | | I used my 3 strikes and you're out rule with this |
| Having said that, you are always better off dealing | | | | candidate. Nothing. So, I closed things off in my mind |
| directly with the decision maker. Often times the hiring | | | | and moved on. |
| manager will give you their business card and say, "call | | | | About 2 weeks later I received an email from his wife |
| me if you have any questions". This is perfect | | | | informing me that Jim had been involved in a serious |
| because the manager you will be reporting to usually | | | | motorcycle accident. They expected him to live, but he |
| has the final vote on who gets hired. Always call the | | | | would be facing a very lengthy recovery. She thanked |
| hiring manager first unless directed otherwise. | | | | me for my email and follow up calls. |
| FAQ: How many times should you follow up if no one | | | | What if I had allowed my emotions to get the best of |
| is calling you back? | | | | me and had left Jim an angry voice mail chastising him |
| Answer: I have a 3 strikes and you're out rule. | | | | for not returning his calls? |
| You took the time to interview with them. You sent | | | | Always give people the benefit of the doubt. You're |
| them a thank you letter. You deserve the courtesy of | | | | not a mind reader. You never know what could be |
| timely feedback. If you have to keep chasing them, | | | | going on in someone's life at any given time. |
| then the answer is no. It's important to close things off | | | | Regardless of someone's circumstances, the strike 3 |
| in your mind and move on. | | | | rule works. It is a professional, non-emotional way to |
| If you keep dwelling on it and mulling things over in your | | | | take back control and bring you closure without burning |
| mind, you'll just get frustrated, irritated, and/or | | | | any bridges. |