CoolHandLuc

Hi all,

I recently had a telephone interview for a position in Orlando (I am based in West Palm Beach). The position would be a GIS technician for a utilities company.


I think the phone interview went well, I just wanted to know the general time frame people would expect to get a response (good or negative) my interview was 6 working days ago now. I was thinking about sending an email rather than phone the individual that interviewed me, but is this too soon, how long do people typical wait to hear back?

Thanks
Luke

hobbes79

I’d say an e-mail to follow up is acceptable after 6 days. I’d go with the general tone of “Just like to say how my interest in the position increased after our phone conversation. Should you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me”.

Pulaski

When I've had phone interviews, a week or so is at the low end for receiving feedback, 2-3 weeks is typical, and 5-6 weeks is not unusual.

Guindalf

I actually have a trick I use in these situations. Thinkl of a question you can ask and call! Doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's related, but it could be something like "I was wondering who my immediate superior would be" or "How does the retirement scheme work?".

It's a great way to gauge the situation without seeming too needy. The response will give a good indication of how you stand.

CoolHandLuc

I'll try and wait it out until this friday I think before making contact! The wait is probably worse than the actual outcome... bad or good!! :/

Bob

TBH, most people don't hear anything back....but it can range from anything being straight away or a few months later that you get told.

Worst I've heard from a mate was 18 months later, which was a given it hadn't gone well

But as Hobbes said, follow up question and ask if there's anything you could clarify further helps to get you stuck in their thoughts after a couple days.

Oh and I find making contact on both Monday or Friday tends to be a bad idea...people tend to not give a crap on Friday and well, Mondays tend to be the same and every little helps when trying to catch someone on a good day :/

CoolHandLuc

Guess I'll wait till Monday then, forgot how frustrating job applications/interviews are!

thinbrit

Anecdotally, it seems common for an employer to receive a follow up email immediately after the interview from the interviewee.

In most cases where I have interviewed a potential new hire, I have (typically within 24 hours) received a follow up email from them thanking me for my time, etc.
Personally, I don't mind these emails. For me at least, a follow up email asking if I had made a decision yet would irk me. Granted, a small sample size

CoolHandLuc

I think after 2/3 weeks it might 'look' good to send an email asking how the selection process is going and reiterating that I'm still very much interested in the position.

I'm just not sure how this would come across.


To some it might show interest and eagerness which some hiring managers may appreciate, while it may also annoy another person who might find it pushy....


Its frustrating because I want to show eagerness but not come across as desperate for the position!

Uffgh!

JustinButler

Always be aggressive. In my hiring process I always give the edge to the more aggressive candidate when it's a close call for a position. 2-3 weeks is generally a fair amount of time to expect a response from the interviewer.

CoolHandLuc

Thanks for your suggestion!

If they give you a timeline of 5 weeks, would you wait till then to hear from them (possibly by letter of rejection) or voice your interest still after the 3 weeks?

I think 5 weeks without contact seems along time, I know if I was the hiring manager I would like to see someone trying to touch base after 3 + weeks... but what do I know?!

Noorah101

Did they actually say "give us 5 weeks"? If they said that, I wouldn't contact them sooner than that. Makes it sound like you didn't understand.

Rene

CoolHandLuc

It was more along the lines of 'all candidates will know by the end of June' (roughly 5 weeks).


My predicament was just touching base after 3 or 4 weeks to ask how the process is going and that I'm still interested in the position, it may or may not come across as a good thing...


The more I think about it maybe I should just wait out the 5 weeks, I just really would love to get the position (if you hadn't noticed)

MsElui

the american way is certainly the more aggressive in this area.

I cant imagine they would think you were being pushy.
I think i would send the follow up saying something like- thanks for the opportunity to interview, im still very much interested. i hope i was able to answer your questions but please dont hesitate to ask if there is any other info i can provide.

that way your thanking them, offering more info and expressing continued interest but not out an out saying 'have i got it'.

CoolHandLuc

thanks for the advice MsElui... I already sent a thank you for interviewing me pretty much straight after the interview by email, I just wanted to send something as its been 3 weeks to show im still interested, maybe as you suggested just asking them if I can provide any additional information for them which might help in their selection process :S