Following up on interview

leah123_2

lol I'm from Scotland and I did notice it's been snowing this week so I'm kind of hoping that's why I,ve not heard back but it doesn't look likei it.

BackOnTrack

Just give them a call and ask what is happening, the only thing that it will show is that you really are interested in the position.

Tiddlywinks

There could be all sorts of reasons for the delayed response - weather, sickness, decision maker has a domestic emergency, the need for decison rubber stampling etc. I would give it another week before following up again as you might appear to be pestering if you email too soon.

If you hear nothing in the next few days then you can write along the lines of "I appreciate that the weather may well have delayed the process and simply want to enquire when a decision might be reached" kind of thing.

KiKi

Sammyantha wrote: »

Now working in recruitment, I see exactly what works and does not. Following up can be the best thing you ever do.

Then as a recruitment professional you will know that it entirely depends on the personalities of the interviewers involved and the circumstances.

'Following up' may work for some people, but not for others. If you are doing a series of interviews entirely by the book, and only assessing candidates against their ability to do the job, a follow up will make no difference as you can only take the interview 'performance' into account. If you have told someone that you will be in touch and they hassle you when it's clearly been a week of difficult travel, closed business etc, that may be seen as not being able to follow an instruction, or not being sensitive to what's been happening this week.

To say "Always, always, always follow up. Not following up shows you can't close a deal/ too timid/ not bothered" is very misleading, and inaccurate. Following up sometimes makes you seem pushy, unable to listen to what was said, and not based on the individual circumstances. I know you qualified this in a later post, but your posts are conflicting and that's unhelpful.

OP - given you live in Scotland, and given the snow this week, it may be that other candidates couldn't all be interviewed last week, and have been put back - only to be overcome with snow this week and people unable to get to work.

I would leave it until Tuesday next week; that's a week past the deadline they gave you, and gives time for the snow chaos to die down.

KiKi

BackOnTrack

KiKi wrote: »

'Following up' may work for some people, but not for others. If you are doing a series of interviews entirely by the book, and only assessing candidates against their ability to do the job, a follow up will make no difference as you can only take the interview 'performance' into account. If you have told someone that you will be in touch and they hassle you when it's clearly been a week of difficult travel, closed business etc, that may be seen as not being able to follow an instruction, or not being sensitive to what's been happening this week.

I wouldn't agree with this at all.

People interviewing know how important the job can be to people and calling to find out what is happening a few days after you were told you would find out really cannot be classed as "hassling" them.

A quick polite phone call to ask what is happening really isn't going to do any harm.

KiKi

BackOnTrack wrote: »

I wouldn't agree with this at all.

People interviewing know how important the job can be to people and calling to find out what is happening a few days after you were told you would find out really cannot be classed as "hassling" them.

A quick polite phone call to ask what is happening really isn't going to do any harm.

I did say that it depends on the people and the circumstances, and *may* be seen as hassling! The feeling of being hassled is down to the interviewer, so although to many reasonable people it may not be, that's how the interviewer may feel!

In addition, Scotland has had atrocious weather this week. It is entirely possible no-one's in the office to call, and has a backlog of work! They *may* feel hassled if pressured. Of course, they may not! But that's why I said it's possible, and it depends on the people. You can't say categorically it will or won't do harm; no-one can.

Some people don't see the job as important to the candidates; they really don't. Some people *do* take the view of "I told you I would let you know, it's only 2 days later than that, and sending me an email when I'm trying to sort out the business in this weather isn't helpful to me." Esp as the OP has already sent a follow up email.

I've interviewed with some great business managers who really 'get' it. They understand the importance of jobs to people, and are great communicators. I've also interviewed with some dreadful business managers who don't want to see 'fluffy' emails (AFATC), who aren't interested in speaking to candidates past the interview (hell, some of them don't even want to be involved in the interview!), and would have no problem keeping them waiting if they have more pressing business issues to deal with! Sad, but true.


KiKi

BackOnTrack

KiKi wrote: »

??! I did say that it depends on the people and the circumstances, and *may* be seen as hassling!

Scotland has had atrocious weather this week. It is entirely possible no-one's in the office to call, and has a backlog of work! They *may* feel hassled if pressured. Of course, they may not! But that's why I said it's possible, and it depends on the people. You can't say categorically it will or won't do harm; no-one can.

Some people don't see the job as important to the candidates; they really don't. Some people *do* take the view of "I told you I would let you know, it's only 2 days later than that, and sending me an email when I'm trying to sort out the business in this weather isn't helpful to me." Esp as the OP has already sent a follow up email.


KiKi

I understand the point you are making but as you said you can't say one way or the other if the person will feel hassled and therefore I would take the default position that they probably won't and get in touch.

Generally speaking I would still advise that following up by phone (not email unless you have tried several times by phone already) 2 or 3 days after you expected to hear back is a good idea.

Depending on the role etc. you can also try lines like:

"I've been offered another job but would much prefer the role with you so was wanting to find out when you expected to make the decision."

This sort of stunt could also backfire on you so be careful.

BackOnTrack

KiKi wrote: »

I've interviewed with some great business managers who really 'get' it. They understand the importance of jobs to people, and are great communicators. I've also interviewed with some dreadful business managers who don't want to see 'fluffy' emails (AFATC), who aren't interested in speaking to candidates past the interview (hell, some of them don't even want to be involved in the interview!), and would have no problem keeping them waiting if they have more pressing business issues to deal with! Sad, but true.

Yep there are plenty of people like that. I've been in the situation myself where I have interviewed a number of candidates been ready to appoint and then been told by the business there is a head count freeze for 2 months and to just keep the candidates dangling and appoint ne the freeze is lifted.

These things happen I just think the candidate should phone as soon as they can once the date they were told they would hear by has passed.

KiKi

BackOnTrack wrote: »

Yep there are plenty of people like that. I've been in the situation myself where I have interviewed a number of candidates been ready to appoint and then been told by the business there is a head count freeze for 2 months and to just keep the candidates dangling and appoint ne the freeze is lifted.

Oh, yes, that's always an awful one. I'm all for letting people know ASAP because it matters, and it's nice to be able to give people nice news, anyway!

I don't disagree with the principle of what you're saying, BTW; my post was in response to the earlier post saying you should "always, always, always" follow up otherwise you're seen as unable to fight your corner -which I completely disagree with, as it depends entirely on the interviewer.

But I hope the OP gets the job!
KiKi

dickydonkin

BackOnTrack wrote: »

Just give them a call and ask what is happening, the only thing that it will show is that you really are interested in the position.

But by virtue of actually applying for the job in the first place and attending an interview should confirm that the candidate is already interested in the position.

The question 'why are you interested in this position' would have very likely been asked at the interview.