Your interview is almost over and your exhausted. Your mind is either completely blank because it took all of your energy to get through this interview and regurgitate the best responses or it’s filled with random information that you received from the panel and you’re trying your best to retain.
Who should you expect to hear from?
How are they going to contact you?
When should you expect to hear from them?
It’s always a good idea to bring a note pad to a job interview. You’re meeting so many people and trying to remember everyone’s name, title and information about the role. You’re not expected to remember everything, unless your Superman or Superwoman, which would be awesome!
Have these questions written down before hand so you don’t forget to ask them.
Most (good) recruiters will inform candidates of the follow-up procedure for an interview either at the end of the interview or while they’re walking you out and directing you to the elevator. Sometimes the last person you interact with is not the recruiter and therefore they will forget to provide you with these answers without you asking for them first.
You shouldn’t assume that the same person who interviewed you will be the same person who will notify you whether you got the job or not. Also, you want to make sure that the right person has your correct contact information. I can’t tell you how many people accidentally provide wrong telephone numbers or incorrect email addresses. It’s also good to know how they are going to get back you because if it’s by phone then make sure your pay-as-you-go phone plan is topped up and that you actually answer your phone. When you’re expecting a phone call try to actually answer the call before it goes to voice mail. Some recruiters won’t wait long for you to return their call before they decide to offer the role to someone else.
This information is VERY important. Not only will it help you not feel helpless and fear the worst after just 24 hours of your interview but if/when you don’t hear from anyone you will have the right persons name to follow-up with.
I had an interview with an IT consultancy company for a Head of Business Development position. I was inteviewd by a co-founder, the company is small. It went just great. At the end he asked me to think it all over again and let me know the next day whether I was still interested. It was on a Wednesday and the second interview would happen the following Monday as he mentioned. On Thursday I wrote hm a thank you note and confirmed my interest. He did not reply on Thursday and there was no response on Friday. On Monday morning though he email me asking for some more time. What do you think it all means? Am I getting this second interview or not?
Why does he need more time? I personally think either this role was not approved or the company might be changing their mind on hiring anyone at the moment. Unfortunately you’re just going to have to wait and see. Be patient and good luck!
Wasn’t it strange to ask me to think it all over again and let him know the next day if I was still interested? Maybe he decided not to proceed with me right there during the interview?
I don’t think it’s that strange that a recruiter asks you to think the job over. I’ve done that. Sometimes I know that the job description was updated and I want to make sure that the candidate after hearing and learning more about the job is still interested. I personally think that you were asked this question because they are not ready to hire and just posted the job to see what kind of candidates applied. Asking if you’re still interested and your reply of yes meant that you were taking the job seriously and now the company needs to take recruiting for the role seriously if they think you’re a good candidate. They might have just been doing some market research. I really hope they contact you but I think it is completely appropriate for you to ask them what the hold up is.
They do not have a recruiter, the company is small. It was the co-founder and Hiring Manager himself and teh second interview would be with him. It was mentioned actually that there is a person doing this job but he is supposed to leave because he is moving to another country to study. But you may be right, I have no idea when this guy is actually leaving or of he is leaving at all. I will ask them about the time frame of the hold-up tomorrow. I was not asked for references though.
Thank you for your answers, Dorothy. They help. I will let you know what happens and may ask for more advice.
“He is supposed to leave….” Sounds like the company was very honest with you about the role. It’s still occupied. This hiring process may take longer than most so sit back and get ready to wait. I do hope it works out for you.
Ok, I’ll wait and see. I’ll write again. Thank you!
after three emails asking the company how long I should wait for the second interview I finally got a note today saying that they would like to see me next Friday. So, it looks like the first interview was not a fake one.
I think it was your persistence that got you the second interview. Congrats and good luck!!!
At the second interview I was offered the job. Unfortunately the CEO said the salary would be extremely low, way below the standard, it would be just practically symbolic. He added that the salary cannot be negotiated any further because they have no budget. What the hell is all that suppsed to mean?
That means that they hope that you take the job primarily for the experience and job title rather than salary. This is a small organization with no budget. The CEO is just getting you ready for a very low job offer where there is no room to negotiate. I wonder if they have any incentives for you to not only take the job but to stay with the organization. Just wait and see what the job offer looks like I guess.
ZERO incentives! That’s what they offer. They want enthusiasm but I have a family to provide for.
I wrote them that I would take the job if I had to work less hours or if they offered a little more money. So far it’s been three days and they are still thinking.
Oh, and I was told by the CEO that they have someone younger and with no experience for the role. And the person of course agrees for the symbolic salary. Although the model would be different, the CEO would have to guide this person all the time. What do you think they would opt for?
Well I guess this role is not for you then. It’s ideal for someone right out of school with no experience. Too bad they weren’t honest with you and wasted your time.
Well, they still haven’t responded to my last email. I’ll just wait and see how long it will take them. I’m ready to turn it down though.