TheJobBored

109 responses so far ↓

• 1 Kevin // Feb 28, 2008 at 9:36 pm

  There have been LOTS of time where there has never been closure. I think that is rude and unprofessional on the part of companies after I have been interviewed. All they have to do is send a “Thanks but No Thanks” email so I can have closure.

  I know I am not alone in feeling this way!

• 2 Iris // Feb 29, 2008 at 6:14 am

  First of all thanks for the insight Brian. I will follow up some time next week.

  And Kevin you are completely right. Everyone says that companies should follow up, but most of the time they never do!

  I went in for three interviews for a position in a big, famous company and every time I followed up they kept saying that the decision should be made next week! 4 months down the line and still no official response from them! I find that very rude and so unprofessional!

• 3 Richard Rinyai // Feb 29, 2008 at 3:32 pm

  I have been in situations like this as well. The company would say that they would contact me and I would follow up a few times. I would never get an answer.

  Personally, I wouldn’t bother with them. Imagine how they treat their employees and clients if they treat you this way. It’s just unprofessional.

  Thanks,

  Richard Rinyai
  http://www.theprofessionalassistant.net

• 4 Jodith // Mar 3, 2008 at 2:59 pm

  Just one thought on the company’s possible motive. Some hirers (is that a word?) don’t want to send out the No Thank You letters until their preferred candidate actually begins the job. It’s not unusual for someone who is job hunting to give a yes to the first person that asks and then change their mind when another offer comes through (or a counter from their existing employer). So, employers will keep all applicants on a string until the new employee is actually in the office.

  Is it fair? No. Is it polite? No. Does it happen? You betcha.

  I’ve also noticed, though, in my last few rounds of job hunting, how many employers never acknowledge your existence again, even after the interview. Once upon a time, a letter or postcard was sent out to everyone who applied, and a phone call was made to anyone who interviewed. Then it was only a letter to those that were interviewed. I’ve been on a number of interviews in the last 5 years where I never received any response at all unless I called them. And that is, I agree, quite rude.

• 5 Gary Johnson // Mar 4, 2008 at 9:44 am

  Just like a cover letter send them a follow up letter asking them if they need any more in formation from you about your qualifications. At this time ask them at this time if they have made a decision on filling the job. After that every two weeks is good because if they have not filled the job they may need to pull your file to put your correspondence
  in and this keeps your name on there mind.

• 6 Ask Brian Followup - Still Waiting; Now Confused. | TheJobBored // Mar 6, 2008 at 3:06 pm

  [...] week, a question from reader Iris prompted me to give some rules of thumb about how and how long to wait/follow up after an interview. She sent another email this morning: [...]

• 7 Michael // Mar 27, 2008 at 11:49 am

  Thanks for the list.
  In my recent search I have gone through three levels of interviews with two companies, and both just stopped answering inquiries. When I employed a more “intrusive” method, I was told that they had decided to go with a consultant instead of direct hire. Both of these companies asked me to solve detailed issues as part of the interview process. I now think they were just mining the top candidates for information and had no intention to hire. “Common decency and professional manners” certainly seem to have been diminished of late.

• 8 Sarah // Apr 3, 2008 at 11:33 pm

  I agree – it’s such an unprofessional way to run a business. I went on 2 interviews with a well-known company for a news research position (no HR – just the potential bosses). Inbetween 1st & 2nd interviews I did some research of my own, and email it to the interviewer (it was pertinent and timely, and was discussed in my 1st interview).
  During my second interview, the woman said I found information that their team hadn’t even located, and now they are reconsidering the structure and people on the team. She asked for references and I sent them, along with “thank yous”. Waited…waited…waited. No response. No check of references. So I emailed. No response. So I called. No response. Today I saw the job reposted. I don’t know why I didn’t get the job. Although I would love to know why, I think it’s even more important that they have the common decency to say “no”. I did invest time, money (gas prices!) & energy into the process.
  It should be a golden rule that once someone comes in for an interview, a response/closure should be given, out of common human respect, if nothing else.

• 9 Tiffany // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:48 pm

  I applied for a graduate assistantship at the University where I plan on attending graduate school. They said they would call Saturday and let me know which two people got the position. They did and said that they had to leave town earlier than expected so they were not able to make a decision and they would call Monday. That was yesterday, I am wondering if I should call them and if so what I should say when I call.
  Any advice will help!!!

• 10 Minnie // Apr 22, 2008 at 3:01 pm

  I had the same issue! I went for an interview and it went well. They informed me the exact date they would make a decision. Then, I emailed them on that day. They said the decision was postponed to another exact date, which was already passed few days ago. I still didn’t get any response from them. Should I contact them again? I totally agree that the company should give candidates a response althought it’s a ‘no’. It’s a professional way.

• 11 Carla // Apr 23, 2008 at 12:23 pm

  I had an interview with a company about a week ago, and they didn’t even really make it clear when they would decide.

• 12 Val // May 8, 2008 at 3:13 pm

  It’s amazing how often this seems to occur. Currently, I’m playing the waiting game after being asked for references a 2nd time. My initial interview was offered less than a week after I applied, and my 2nd interview (which required a 4 hour car drive and overnight stay) was only 2 weeks after that. I waited 3 weeks to follow up, only to be told that a decision would be made the next week. A week later, they requested my references, which have not been contacted to my knowledge. Next week will be two weeks, and I plan to follow-up for what I hope will be a definitive answer either way.

• 13 dionne // May 29, 2008 at 9:56 am

  Very discouraging news here! I am also playing the waiting game. I am a recent graduate who’s student loans have run out. Am I supposed to get a crap job in the interim so i can pay my mortgage (maybe) and stay alive until i find a “real” job? but then i wouldn’t have time to do a good job search. ??? Waiting to hear back from a co. i interviewed with last wednesday. interviewer said they would be making a decision by that friday. we emailed a couple times with info we forgot to share in the interview( he initiated that correspondence) and the last i heard was “sounds good…” still waiting…and going broke in the mean time…

• 14 redsoxfan // May 31, 2008 at 4:32 pm

  I recently had what I thought was a great phone interview. The woman ended by saying I would certainly be called for a personal interview with the man who would be my supervisor. She said to expect a call in the week and a half. Well, no call came so I called her again. She said she was still interested in me but they were now interviewing internal candidates and that she would get back to me in a week or so. Well that time has gone by. I have called her a couple of times and left messages with no reply. I do not have her email address as that would be my preference. How much do I pester the poor woman? My plan is to call again on Monday and inquire about the position. She was so excited about me during our phone interview but now I worry that it has been so long that she has forgotten how qualified I am.

• 15 Apanthesilia // Jun 2, 2008 at 5:51 am

  It is frustrating to hear that so many others are going through this, too! Right now I’m waiting to hear on an interview that I thought went really well and I really want the job. They said they would let me know by the end of last week but it is Monday and nothing… It has been this way through the entire process though- I had to take a written test and they gave me the results a week after they said they would, they didn’t give me an interview time until almost two weeks after the written test results (and a full week after they said they would give me a time). So I know they have a track record of being a bit behind schedule and I know they had a particularly busy week last week. But knowing all that doesn’t stop how hard it is when I’m constantly checking the post/phone/ email and have nothing.

  It’s harder for all of us, I think, because it is not necessarily standard practice to send a ‘thanks but no thanks’ letter or call. So we don’t know if we just didn’t get it or if they are being slower than we would like! Whatever the case, I just really wish that employers would keep us potential employees informed of developments. That way we would at least know where we stand and it maybe wouldn’t be so hard!

  My mother does a lot of hiring in her position so she keeps telling me that from the other side it never feels like it is taking so long and they can sometimes forget how hard it is for the person waiting. Sigh.

• 16 Pamela // Jun 10, 2008 at 8:06 pm

  I don’t feel so bad anymore. I actually went on the interview that went well. The lady told me she would tell the big boss about me and call me the next day. I didn’t hear from her, so I called the following day to follow up. I didn’t hear from her until a week later when she called me and unofficially offered me the job. She told me that someone would be calling me soon to go over the fine details. She also told me to call back on Monday to get the slip for drug screeing. I call on Monday and she sounded as if she forgot why I was calling. She also sounded shocked that I didn’t hear from the person she told me was supposed to call. She finally told me that she was going to e-mail the big boss to find out what’s going on. I’m losing my mind. Do I have the job or not??

• 17 Harry Potter // Jun 17, 2008 at 4:23 pm

  Apanthesilia — lol, your description of that company sounds exactly the same as what I am going through. But yes, I am in a similar state and the recruiter has already misled me by hinting at an offer before the final round interview. Had the final interview two weeks ago, it went fantastically. I got a follow up call from recruiter just days later that the interview did indeed go great, and that an update would be coming the following week. (last week) Cut to the end of last week, still no response. I follow up and recruiter says they were very occupied last week so no new news yet! So now, it’s into the fifth week since I first began the interview process- phoning, skills testing, first and second round interviews, and still, no offer made or feedback given, not even negative feedback. I mean, seriously?! lol. I can’t take it anymore! I can take “no” for an answer, but it’d be great if they’d just give me an answer! Any answer! The lack of any response really does drive you nuts. Employers out there – I hope you are reading this, and if so, get your act together please.

• 18 Kate // Jun 23, 2008 at 4:18 pm

  I had an interview and was told that they would like to take me on board. I waited a week and half to hear anything and did not. I called and they postponed me and said they would be calling within the next week. They didn’t. It has now been a week and a half again. I am so bummed. And with no clue what to do!!!

• 19 Papa Blanco // Jul 7, 2008 at 5:35 pm

  they hafta just call the ‘wrong’ people and tell’em right on the phone/leave a message ‘excuse me, but you r not the right candidate, so…go and read some more books and have a nice asshole))!’, just plain and simple.
  A big company’s policy is usually not to inform the guys who didn’t make the cut.

• 20 dee // Jul 14, 2008 at 4:08 pm

  Thought i was alone. It’s surely pandemic! I aced the company’s interviews, no doubt. Explaining different technologies to them and all that. now they said they’ll get in touch….so the waiting begun..checked after 2 weeks..and oh the Dev Mgr is on vacation. yep! checked back after another 2 weeks..and this time no reply to my email…following week i call- voicemail. Is saying yes or no that difficult and costly to companies balance sheets. Grrrrr!

• 21 vicki // Jul 14, 2008 at 4:50 pm

  yep, the hardest part of job hunting is the waiting and waiting and waiting .just when you are ready to forget about it they call with an offer then you wonder if you still even want the job!in the meantime you do not pursue anything else,just in case they call. if they do not call then it is back to square one! frustrating to say the least.

• 22 sally // Jul 14, 2008 at 5:07 pm

  Just had an interview on Saturday morning.Really want the job.Thought the interview went especially well,completely qualified for the position,good rapport with the interviewer,it all felt positive. He was honest,needed to conduct more interviews,follow up on references,blahblah, the usual.Completly understand the formalities but he has until Wednesday to call and offer me the position, then well,their loss!Gotta move on,rent is due soon and cardboard boxes on the street are difficult to decorate-no studs in the walls!Good luck everyone!!!

• 23 Suzan // Jul 15, 2008 at 6:36 pm

  Yeah same with me, but i think i need to wait more lol. I mean i have waited for about 2 days? I had an interview on saturday too, and they said there is not reason to reject me and i would be perfect for the job and that they will get back to me in a few days or next week (e.g. this week). Just hoping they accept me… really do but i’m going to wait til sunday and then ring them up.. maybe next tuesday? if they haven’t contacted me yet.

• 24 Laura // Jul 16, 2008 at 11:11 pm

  This is happening to me right now!
  I went through three inscrutiating intervies, took time off from my current job and even went in really early on my birthday! I was told the decision was being made last night and the candidates called this morning. Yet I have heard nothing! I emailed the HR manager and she did not reply and that was HOURS ago! It is so RUDE! They made me feel like I had the job and now nothing! I would just like an email back stating that I was unsusccessful so that I can stop wondering. Its just WRONG!

• 25 Nellie // Jul 18, 2008 at 1:17 pm

  I am so pissed off. I too have found myself on the end of a line ..waiting..I went in for a two day trial and was told I would be given the verdict on Friday- today ( God it sounds like a sentence) anyway.. and now I have heard nothing not a peep..no email..no phone call ..or even a voice message to let me know the result. It says more about the company and the people than it does about me! So their loss! and not professional decorum to begin with so put that in your pipe and smoke it or eat it whateva!!

• 26 An aspirant // Jul 28, 2008 at 3:56 pm

  I have had numerous such experiences… the most common one of them being with big companies that would schedule a phone interview, and would never call on the actual time/day! One such time, I called the HR after waiting for 1 hour, and she apologised saying the interviewer must have gotton busy. Go!! This other time, they interviewed me on-site, then said they are very impressed and all, and then never got back. I wrote back a thank you note right after the interview, and also wrote back a follow up mail about a month later, no response. Then about 6 months later, teh same HR sends me an email asking if I were interested in that position.. I said I had already been interviewed, but had not heard back yet.. then she said she was sorry she didnt know that. How weird is that!!

• 27 Sean // Jul 30, 2008 at 1:19 pm

  It really is a horrible feeling when they don’t reply.

  I think the delay is because there is some kind of change of mind or they are not interested. Their HR reps don’t have the balls to put the dog out of their misery and so you play an anticipation game.

  I went for a second interview with a large multi national. The dates for decisions they gave me in the past were accurate and they gave me positive responses on time. Now, their decision date has passed for the result on the 2nd interview and no word back. If they were so interested in me they wouldn’t play a waiting game. It sucks – but its a going to be a no.

• 28 Jamee // Aug 4, 2008 at 5:31 pm

  I am actually employed through a company and interviewed for same company different department. And I can’t even get the courtesy of an inner office email to let me know what is going on. GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE!!

• 29 Staci J. // Aug 7, 2008 at 1:04 pm

  I am so happy I am not alone in these type of situations. I had a long interview with 3 different people for one postion all in one day 2 days ago. I feel as if i did really well. Even through my interview the mgrs was telling me that I did good. It made me feel really good. Well I think since it’s been 2 days that I should write a thank you letter so that they can kow that i really appreciated them and then I can be on their mind much more for the position. I was told I would know something sometime this week. Maybe I am just being to anxious. I’m just praying that I got this job. And yes….. I agree with the the above statement that it is Totally rude for a company to let you know through an email that you didn’t get the job. That had happened to me numerous of times and it is so umprofessional. It is especially rude when it is sent and the had told you that you will get a call. They NEVER said that you will get an email. Just straight liars. I can’t stand them. GET IT TOGETHER COROPATE AMERICA!

• 30 Ask Brian - Don't Call Us, We'll Call You | TheJobBored // Aug 11, 2008 at 7:32 am

  [...] seems that this issue of how-long-to-wait-to-hear-back from an employer is a major issue. One of my previous posts on this topic has proven to be one of the more popular posts on this [...]

• 31 Theresa // Aug 17, 2008 at 10:17 pm

  Once I interviewed in April, and in August I found out I had been hired and no one told me! I found my name on their staff list on their website!

• 32 Big6ft6 // Aug 25, 2008 at 4:04 pm

  I have to admit I’m one of those “companies” on the other endof the line. Hiring is a very very difficult process and nobody likes being the bearer of bad news.

  I believe that most of the time that a company fails to respond in a timely manner it is becuase the company themselves sin’t sure about one of many possible things.

  1) they havn’t quite defined the job well enough and now they are second guessing what skills are really most important.
  2) they aren’t sure they really need the position filled after all, but the jury is still out
  3) filling job is so far down on the priority list that they only remember they are hiring somone after an applicant reminds them.

  None of these things are good excuses, but I belive they are usually the culprit of no/slow response after an interview.

  My best advice to an applicant would be to move on. If they were really impressed with you, that would’ve inspired them to move on the issue inspite of the obstacles listed above.

  Remember no matter how “big and famous” a company is, it is still run by humans, and there are many factors that go into hiring and choosing an applicant is one of the few qualitative decisions many people have to make in their careers.

  Everybodies resumes look good usually, it comes down to hiring someone who is going to fit in in the office, doesn’t seem “wierd” or “akward”, and creates a good “gut feel” for the person responsible for the hire.

  If they havn’t called you back, they don’t have the “gut-feel” for you…move on with the attitude that it is their loss!

• 33 Marilyn // Sep 15, 2008 at 8:32 pm

  Oh geez, now I don’t feel so alone!!!!! I am sitting here debating what to do. I had my 2nd round of on site interviews 2 wks ago and no word- just a vague “I hope to make a decision this month” I suppose if they were really impressed by me they would have followed up right away?

  I had bought a book that said never call to follow up (supposed to make you look pathetic) but most of what I read online says that you should because it shows you are really interested. I guess I just go with my gut feeling and send a polite inquiring email to HR.

  They were so gung ho about seeing me and scheduling this mtgs right away and then nothing.

  I know companies are busy, etc but it’s just common decency to let people know. I’d rather know even if it is a no just so I can close that door.

  Btw, one huge company told me to come in on a certain day to meet more people and then when the day came it never happened. Nobody answered my calls or emails. I had no idea what happened but wow, that was an eye opener.

  Soooo…I feel for everyone who wrote in. All you have to do is put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

• 34 Stuart // Sep 16, 2008 at 9:59 am

  I recently applied for the vacant post of manager in my current workplace. Before the most recent manager there had been a 6 month lull where I was forced to do the managers work without any kind of thanks. Half the office expecting me to get the job and I was quite excited at the prospect.

  I knew from past experience that the “big people” took a very long time to sort these things out so waited for over a month for when the interview was going to be.

  A month and a half later I discover that a completly unrelated person is moving into the former managers office, I send an e-mail to the big chief enquiring if there has been any kind of change in the position to then be told that if they got anyone “tomorrow” they’d be sharing an office with someone else. I was just abruptly told that HR should have informed me.

  Not only was I not given the chance to stake my claim for the job, they couldn’t even be bothered to tell me they weren’t going to give me a chance! It’s not even a big department!

  Since then I’ve started applying for jobs (I need to move unwards and upwards anyway, the whole incident was just the final push). I had an interview last friday and they gave the impression of a quick decision although probably not the same day. Haven’t heard anything since though

• 35 Marilyn // Sep 16, 2008 at 7:28 pm

  Stuart, that’s awful and in your own company too.

  Quick decision? For your sake I hope so. Hmmm….it’s been my experience (and that of friends and colleagues) that the hiring process is sooooooo long. Many times they either rush to set up interviews with you and then nothing. You get all excited thinking they are going to make a decision right away to than hear nothing. I have had friends who waited 2, 4 and even 6 months to finally get a job offer. I don’t get it. You get all fired up about a prospective job only to be deflated by no communication at all.

  I know the general wisdom is to have several things going at once but sometimes that’s not possible (lack of jobs in your field, etc) or there’s one company/job that you really really want.

• 36 Stuart // Sep 18, 2008 at 11:53 am

  I did hear back today… didn’t get the job but at least they took that little bit of time to let me know. It was just a simple short e-mail but it really does make the world of difference to get the closure on it so I can move on without nagging thoughts of what if…

• 37 fu Big6ft6 // Sep 28, 2008 at 9:52 pm

  This is for Big6ft6 fu we’re humans to. Send a letter or do something to tell people no.

• 38 Christian // Sep 29, 2008 at 4:20 pm

  I am in the same situation. Glad I found this website when searching for some answers on “what do I do now…”
  Interviewer told me decision would be made in 1 to 2 weeks. It will be 2 weeks Thursday. I really want (ed) this job and feeI I could have done a fine job for them.
  It seems to me that these companies all want the best person with manners and skills and experience, and yet – I see the same job reposted time after time after time. Seems they hire drips and they don’t work out, so they advertise again. No, I’m not 25 years old, but I have 20 years management experience and a great education. I’ve been working in the loan industry for 5 years, so you know that job has gone down the toilet. Why don’t people want “people like us” who have a proven track record, present outselves well, and take the time to research the job and be prepared.
  Pi$$es me off royally.
  I feel for everyone who has posted here. We all seem to be in the same boat, and there doesn’t seem to be a stupid or insincere one among us!

• 39 N-C // Oct 9, 2008 at 7:34 pm

  What I hate the most is when they act like you have it. They’re smiling, joking, asking when can you start, winking, waving, damn near dancing with you, telling you all about the company, giving you the tour… 2 weeks go by and you never hear from them again. My thing is keep the mean face with me. Don’t smile at me and then turn around and don’t give me the job. Keep the smiles, giggles, and jokes to your damn self cuz I’m tired!!!!!!!! Oh yes… and I’m on playing the waiting game as we speak. Its Thursday I had my interview last Friday… so tomorrow will be a week. God help me… cuz I’m tired!!!

• 40 AngryChef // Oct 10, 2008 at 4:57 pm

  N-C is right. I was flown out for an interview one month ago. Set up in a hotel, rental car, tour of the area, meals, all happy-happy from Regional Director of the company, CEO of the facility, and unit level managers!! Two weeks later, had to follow-up with the Regional Director and received an email stating I will definately get an offer…many accounts interested in my talents and creativity that they need! HR recruiter calls me and sets up another interview at another account and reassures me that there are numerous possiblities within the company and I will receive an offer…still waiting for a response on that one…is another follow up email in the works?!?!?!?!?!?

• 41 IfOnlyIWadHired // Oct 16, 2008 at 9:43 pm

  I am definitely in this situation right now. I had my interview and it went well (not perfect but pretty close considering there were 7 people grilling me with questions!) After the interview the hiring manager told me they expected to make a decision Oct. 15. I wait around making sure to have my phone with me at all times and she never called. So I emailed her that night and she responded that they “hope to make a decision soon”. What does that mean? Am I still in contention for this job?

• 42 Moving On // Oct 17, 2008 at 2:03 pm

  You guys and gals are absolutely right about these companies. They have the nerve to want job seekers to be on point, but what about them? I went to a group interview which I find a little impersonable. Anyway, I did not get the job but a few weeks later I saw the position posted again. It gets me how these companies run their business because they want everything for a small wage. For those of you you are waiting for a company to call them back continue to look for something because they don’t know what they are missing. If you truly want to work for the company and can wait to start working then go ahead and do so, but don’t wait too long. You may miss out on something better. If you are a little frustrated and unsure of whether you want to work for the company after waiting for so long then move forward, there is something else out there. Even if it is something part-time until something better comes along. I know that I am a hard working who goes above and beyond my job and as a matter of fact will help others with their work. For those of you who are not sure about contacting the company (follow-up) after an interview I think that you should go with your gut instinct. Everyone and every piece of material gives different advice, but I say don’t be like these airhead companies. Be considerated of others and do what you feel is right in a polite and respectful manner. Well, good luck to everyone who is either looking to plant their feet with some company or to those of you who have lucked up and are just getting settled.

• 43 SMS // Oct 20, 2008 at 10:10 pm

  Great advice, everyone! It sounds like I’m in the same boat as everyone else. I’ve been to two multiple-round interviews with the same company. All went very well, or seemed well, during the interviews. I was asked when I could begin; yada, yada, yada. Then, I received absolutely no response. It has now been over a month since the last time I’ve heard from them.

  Just a few weeks ago, I got called to interview for an analyst position for a major investment bank. The interview seemed to go even better than my past interviews with other companies. The two interviewers really enjoyed speaking with me– each interview went over the scheduled time by 30 mins. Both interviewers also told me that I should definitely hear back in one week. It’s now been a week and half. I’ve since sent emails out to the two interviewers and HR. It’s been 4 days, and I still haven’t heard anything. What should I do!?!

• 44 FRANK // Oct 29, 2008 at 12:07 pm

  Does anyone have any insight as to how long one should wait to follow up after the initial phone interview??

• 45 Diane // Nov 17, 2008 at 1:49 pm

  I don’t feel so bad having read all the comments. This has happened to me on several occasions and I agree with NC, keep the smiles, giggles to yourself if you are not sincere. I was actually brought to an office and told “this is your office” not “this would be your office” and after two months waiting (after many, many interviews) and sending emails and calling I got an email saying that the job was cut from the budget. I used to work at a company that would pull this stuff, have people come in for interviews and then decide maybe that wasn’t the exact position they should be trying to fill or simply deciding they were busy and would get back to people a month or two later. Don’t HR people have seminars/conferences that tell them they should follow-up with candidates? They make their company look bad.

• 46 Pieman // Dec 4, 2008 at 1:57 pm

  Good to know that other people are feeling just as despondant with big companies. Waited 2 weeks so rang up today and the lady said all communication will be posted tomorrow. I thought the interview went really well, being informed by post ois this a good or bad thing any advice will be great??? Good luck everyone!!!

• 47 Lane Zane // Dec 6, 2008 at 6:18 pm

  I went on an interview which I thought went well. The manager told me a decision would be made on Dec 1 or Dec 5. I called HR and was told they were “still interviewing”. I have not heard from the company since. I think it is very unprofessional and frankly, I don’t think I’d want to work for somebody if they don’t give you the courtesy of a call back to let you know –there are so many people right now, employers are overwhelmed and manners has gone out the window, I guess.

• 48 sabi // Dec 19, 2008 at 5:22 pm

  I’m in the same situation. Had an interview last Friday and was told that they would let me know by next week. I did the whole thank-you not etc. on monday and… well… today this “next” week is over and I haven’t heard from them. And now? Now I wait… and since Christmas is coming up, if I don’t hear from the soon, I probably won’t hear until January… What kills me about this waiting is that I don’t know if the decision just takes longer or they offered the job to somebody else….

• 49 Corrie Tempest // Dec 31, 2008 at 8:08 pm

  Clearly your prospective employer should honor the date given as a time to get back with interviewees, but of course, sometimes there are unavoidable delays, and sometimes there are simply questions as to who is the best candidate.

  That aside, it is unprofessional not to followup with people who took the time to meet with you.

  Waiting for a response is such a difficult thing, especially if it is a position that you really want or need. I think that Brian is correct, though, although it is possible to get a call back many months later, four weeks should be your time limit. If they want you, they are going to make sure that you do not slip away to another employer, so they are going to do all that they can to keep you posted.

  Looking for other jobs and getting other interviews is a spirit lifter, keep moving toward your goal and you will ultimately be successful in your job search.

• 50 Carol // Jan 7, 2009 at 3:16 pm

  N-C,

  I couldn’t agree with you more! With two recent companies I was given a tour, salary with the one place was mentioned by them – I thought I was in, they both said the same line, “We’ll call you by this day or the next by the latest.” Well, today is “the latest” and my phone still isn’t ringing.

  I read many articles today about the “Why don’t THEY call back when they said they would?” issue, and they make it seem like its our fault!

  Stop dangling the carrots! There is still time for me to do a follow-up with the second company*, so I’ll give it a try. And like another poster here, my savings are slowly depleting.

  *The inexperienced interviewer (her sister owns the place) actually asked me two illegal questions my age and if I was single! How is that even allowed? I’m too nice to say anything about that. I know I’m qualified for the job, and I hate this waiting cat and mouse game these companies make you play.

  I can do better with the follow-up calls, but that doesn’t excuse interviewers with lying about “calling you back” when they don’t plan on doing so. There really should be a law about that since most of these companies like to keep people waiting.

• 51 So Disappointed // Jan 9, 2009 at 6:22 pm

  I had two interviews last week. They both went well, I even have an old soccer buddy who works with the company tell me that the interviewers really liked me and weren’t interviewing anyone else.

  I’ve sent them emails and called as well. My emails go unanswered and my phone calls are never returned. The person’s secretary even told me that the guy was in the office and would return my call later that day.

  Still no call…

  My money is running low and I don’t have time to play these games…

• 52 I totally understand // Jan 15, 2009 at 1:25 am

  I can really relate to everyone’s concerns. I too interviewed for a great position out of town. Thinking about relocating to another state in March. Anyway, I wrote the hiring panel three individual thank you letters and followed up with a phone call to their HR dept. I was told due to the recent holidays and the hiring managers vacation a decision has not been made. Well that was a week ago. I have been applying for other jobs in the meantime. I guess if I don’t hear from them in another week, I will take the interview as a learning experience and move on. Good luck to everyone who posted. Keep looking .

• 53 When Eager Becomes Desperate In A Job Search | TheJobBored // Jan 26, 2009 at 3:12 pm

  [...] I’ve tackled this question from different angles in the past… especially with this post. [...]

• 54 DC United // Feb 6, 2009 at 1:20 pm

  I’ve applied to about 30 jobs and I can’t even get a phone interview! A lot of help 21 years of school and 3 degrees will do ya!

• 55 Greg // Feb 18, 2009 at 12:49 am

  A common thread among most of these posts is that thought the interview SEEMS TO BE successful, nobody calls. Well, I think the bane of most recruiters and HR people is hiding being a facade of politeness and foolishly trying not to offend the candidate! Believe me, the smiles are painted, the “oohs” and “aahs” are as fake as they get, and the handshakes are all contrived. They probably close the door behind you, grimace, and chuck your resume in the trashcan! All I can say is “Looks and mannerisms are deceiving”. Do not be fooled! Treat each employer as disposable. Don’t sell your soul to a bunch of losers who power trip and look down on you contemptuously just because they are wielding power! Go for the interview, try getting an answer in 2 weeks. Then, move on to the next one. They are just not worth it!

• 56 Anna // Feb 25, 2009 at 5:01 pm

  Hi Everyone,
  I can sympathize with your situation, and was wondering if anyone had ever encountered my particular dilemma. I went on a great second interview and received a note in the mail from the interviewer thanking me for meeting with him and saying he would love to work with me in the future. He closed it by saying “good luck in your job search.” Does that mean I didn’t get the job, or that they’re still deciding and he was just thanking me for coming in? He wrote it the same day of the interview and put it in the mail that day. I don’t have a lot of experience with the interviewing process (this would only be my second job in the ‘real world’), so any advice you have would be appreciated. Thanks!

• 57 Dan // Mar 23, 2009 at 10:27 am

  Hello Everyone,

  I too am in the same position and am sad to hear that there are so many of us in situation. Especially with economy and lack of real opportunity. I recently had three interviews over a three week period with a rather large local health care system in my area. I have met and interviewed with about ten different people. I got all the winks and nods and a the love they could offer me. I was assured an offer and would be called with in 5 days. They went as far as showing me my office and explaining my company car. It has now been well over a week and nothing, not even an email. Is there a proper way to contact this person and inquire about the decision with out hurting my chances?
  I understand this company is rather large and they are very busy. What is the time line? thank you for any advice and wish all of you the best of luck.

  Dan.

• 58 msrita // Mar 28, 2009 at 2:48 am

  WOW!!! Reading all of these responses really gives me insight. I am, of course, going through the same thing. I am currently in a job that I ABSOLUTELY hate and hating more and more each passing day. So it goes without saying that I am on pins and needles waiting to hear back from a company that has seemed so interested. It’s been a week since they sent an email requested clarification concerning my undergraduate date of graduation. I guess that means I am in the “background check” stage. But I hope they let me know either way and let me know something soon. It is beginning to get hard to wake up each morning and go to a job that constantly chips away at my spirit.

• 59 gibson42003 // Apr 7, 2009 at 12:04 pm

  I went on an interview back in February 7Th, I was told if I got the position to expect an email asking for information so the could perform a background check in 5 business days. The time had come and gone and nothing, so I decided to call on a Friday. I was told at that time that they hadn’t made a decision. I called on Tuesday for any updates, the interviewer didn’t answer but the assistant. I was told by her that the position was filled last Monday. I was a bit upset that I didn’t get anything informing me of there decision. They could have told the truth the Tuesday that I called. People need to grow a back bone and tell us the truth. Yes we might be upset with not getting the job but it makes us angry to be lied to and strung along. They think if enough time goes by that we will just forget , what they don’t realize is we are sitting at home by our phones and computer pulling are hair out just waiting… don’t they realize, they are making are lives more difficult than it has to be.

• 60 what is going on // Apr 7, 2009 at 12:30 pm

  I went in for a interview a month ago for a my dream job. I called back two weeks later and found out the job was filled. So I continued looking for a job. I finally get someone interested in me and was told the job is mine if I want it. I went home to discuss it with my husband, He was behind me hundred percent. Fast forward to later that day. I get an email for a background check from the dream job. I replied last week, no answer, I called yesterday to see what was going on. I was told they would call me soon. How long is soon? If I’m going to call some one soon I would call back that day? If I wasn’t going to call back the same day I would have said I will call you tomorrow, or Wednesday, etc. Now I have sure thing but the job sucks or my dream job. How do I decided? I don’t want to except the crap job and have to turn around and quite the same day, but money is tight. How long should I wait before giving up. I don’t want to loose a sure thing waiting for my dream.

• 61 J // Apr 11, 2009 at 7:23 pm

  I found my dream job, emailed a resume-nothing, waited a week, nothing. Went to the company and dropped off a resume, waited a week, nothing. I finally got a message from HR to call for a phone interview, which I did, waited 2 days and got the phone interview. Came in for a face-to-face interview and was offered a working interview, scheduled for 5 days later. Went in for working interview, lasted 5 hours, thought it went very well. That was 4 days ago. Nothing. I am trying not to freak, I mean, they have been slow this whole time but I think if I don’t hear from them Monday, I will call them.

• 62 Torture // Apr 13, 2009 at 5:34 pm

  I wanted to comment that I am in the same boat as all of you people. I interviewed with an amazing company that told me they would get back to me in 2 weeks. Within a week I received an email politely telling me that I did not get the job.

  Fast forward to a few weeks later, I got a call from the same company again asking me to come in for an interview again for a different department which I gladly did. I knew someone who worked there who gave my resume over to HR. Again I was told 2 weeks. Only this time, I did not receive an email…so I called back 2 weeks later hoping I am still in the running if I hadnt been rejected. No return call from HR. It will be 3 weeks today and I placed another polite call to the HR rep inquiring about the status of the position. Again, no return call today. And this was even with a referral from someone who worked there! I’m anxious, angry, and upset over this. I am chalking it up to not getting the job, but a part of me is still hopeful that since I wasn’t rejected like last time through email, I might still have a chance.

• 63 Torture // Apr 13, 2009 at 5:36 pm

  Has anyone who posted here ever gotten a phone call back after an extended period of time and actually got the job they thought they were surely out of the running for?

• 64 Amy // Apr 14, 2009 at 4:34 pm

  I had an interview on Friday and honestly could not tell if it went well or not as the guy had no signs of emotion on his face. He ended with you will hear from me or the recruiters but there was no date specified. Could this be a good sign or what all of you are looking for?

• 65 Amy // Apr 14, 2009 at 4:35 pm

  Oh and one more thing, I noticed that the job was resubmitted/refreshed today on CareerBuilder, is that automatic or once again, a bad sign?

• 66 Amy // Apr 20, 2009 at 2:18 pm

  Good news everyone! I got a call a week after the interview and have an offer

• 67 Sabina // Apr 24, 2009 at 1:52 pm

  I know it seems very rude and discouraging that a company had no decency but a positive attitude is a good way. If you have not heard from the company in two weeks. They have filled the position.

  After any interview, I dont put all my eggs in one bascket. I keep looking for a job and posting my resume.

• 68 lala // Apr 27, 2009 at 5:09 pm

  I completely agree–I had an interview last week and felt very positive about the whole process and it is now one week later and I have not heard back from them. The job searching process is extremely anxiety ridden and would probably responsible for a heart attack when I am 50.

• 69 Deborah // May 1, 2009 at 1:13 pm

  This happens to everyone at some point in your life and I think it’s important not to initially feel like its your fault. It may or it may not be. I know that most professioal people are highly unprofessional even in top management jobs. If they want you then you WILL hear from them and if they don’t they won’t give you the time of day. Follow up enough to know if this is whats happening but don’t follow up so much that you lose some of your self-respect. Move on and feel fortunate that you know now that this company is not the right fit for you. Next do something positive with your time until you happen to run into the right employer.

• 70 Mark // May 15, 2009 at 2:26 pm

  In the same boat. I had a 6 hour interview almost three weeks ago, which is a grueling process in-and-of-itself. As I was being walked out I asked when a decision would be made and was told “next week.” The following day I sent a thank you letter, and the following week an email to HR. Got a reply! They said that they really liked me and would be in touch about next steps. That was two effing weeks ago! Since then I’ve gotten another offer, so I’ve emailed the HR woman a couple times asking about the status of my candidacy (if a decision has been made, if I’m still being considered), explaining that I’m being pressed for a decision on this other offer, but nothing. No reply. This is a huge multi-national company, and the hiring manager was less than timely when we were setting up the initial phone screen, and then the formal interview (and the scheduling was screwed up so I actually ended up staying much longer than anticipated), so maybe it’s to be expected. I’m SOOO reluctant to start the whole interview process with new companies because it’s SUCH a pain in the ass, but Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, how long am I supposed to wait?

• 71 SoTiredOfTheGame // May 29, 2009 at 7:53 pm

  So happy to have found this article. My husband has been waiting around for FOUR MONTHS for his own company to decide if he’ll get this new job! Not only does it effect his life, what about his family? This job requires a move and we are prepared to move our lives around to the new location. Every week it’s the same old song and dance…next week, next week, next week. Everyone around him gave a positive reference for this job and he’s earned the job. My heart is breaking watching this unfold. Thank you for making me feel we are not alone…

• 72 Devlynn // Jun 1, 2009 at 4:39 pm

  I, too, am in the same boat and am completely frustrated. I’ve had three interviews now, the last being one that they paid for in order to get me there as I live in another state. It was an entire day of interviewing, from 8-4:30 and felt like boot camp, however I believe it went great. I sent a thank you letter the following day and heard from them saying they’d be in contact with me as the search progresses. The problem is in the first interview I told them that I was already planning on moving to a different state (one about 1000 miles from theirs) but I would be completely ok with moving there instead for this position. I stated my move date (which can’t be changed because of all the logistics of such) and during the interview even asked when a decision would be made. I was told “by week’s end.” Well, that time has now passed, I have a mover coming this Sunday and I have don’t know which destination to give him unless they call me like NOW! What in the world am I supposed to do? I can’t wait another week, heck, I can’t even afford to wait another day really, as my mover is understandably demanding to know what destination city he should be moving my things. UGH! Anyone have advice on what I should say in the followup email or phone call????

• 73 SoTiredOfTheGame // Jun 4, 2009 at 10:42 am

  Hi Devlynn,
  Sorry to hear your in the same boat. We are still hanging as well. I think you have no choice but demand an answer due to your situation. If they don’t give you one then walk away. Should they come back to you after your move, they’ll have to pay moving expenses. Hope this helps and good luck to you! You are not alone in this nightmare.

• 74 sat next to a recruiter // Jun 13, 2009 at 11:04 pm

  Hi. I hear all of you. I sat next to a few recruiters. Some are good. Some are a little full of themselves. There is no real skill level they need to possess to do their job. We all have used that skill in a bar at one time or another. The best ones are more than recruiters. They do get mad if you blow them off. Play the game. What gets their attention is if someone is sniffing on their turf. Imply another company is on your trail and (hopefully they are) although your preference is their company, you need to make a decision soon. Do it gently. Don’t say you have another offer unless you do. Don’t be arrogant such as company B is offering me 10,000 more.
  Don’t say you are dirt poor and need an offer although I did hear someone use that tactic.

• 75 TwoWeeksOf Silence // Jun 22, 2009 at 11:33 am

  I’m dealing with a well-known company in my industry *who called me* and asked me to apply for a management position that recently became vacant. The company is, to put it nicely, in need of new direction. The managers doing the hiring feel they made a mistake with the previous person who held the position–and have said as much in interviews. So, after calling me and *asking me to apply* (I have several friends who work at the company.) I had three interviews with successively higher level managers within a two week period. Everything was “rush, rush, rush…” Two of the hiring managers asked me to write detailed analyses of the company, wherein I offered some solutions to existing problems, as well as some indication as to how I’d run the operation. In all, I wrote about 6,000 words of detailed analysis for them. Each person I interviewed with told me they like me for this position. Now, it’s been 2.5 weeks since I’ve heard a peep from them. The interviews all went went well. But, my assumption is this: no matter how well interviews go, there are millions of job applicants out there. Someone with better qualifications (or connections) may have jumped into the mix. That’s very likely. Still, it’d be nice to hear something, since my wife and child are now in limbo waiting to hear whether we’ll be living in another state come September (when school starts). That’s what I find most objectionable about how companies handle these situations now: They seem to forget they’re dealing with entire families who need some indication as to what’s happening–even if it’s bad news.

• 76 Henry // Jul 18, 2009 at 2:21 pm

  I have been sending my CV and cover letter to several nonprofits and no one has yet to respond back to me. I did this on July 1 and July 9. When should I email them and ask how the application/hiring process is going? It’s been 18 days for one application and almost 10 days since the second. Please advise.

• 77 Joan // Aug 27, 2009 at 2:36 pm

  My husband went on an interview about 6 weeks ago. We live in a very small town and there is not a lot of professional talent in it nor are there a lot of places for a professional to work. He has called the company every week since the interview and they keep telling him he is a candidate but they don’t know when the position will be filled. Does anybody have any insight as to what may be going on?

• 78 Tink // Aug 28, 2009 at 7:49 am

  Nice to hear other people are in the same boat as me! I am a recent graduate and was interviewed for one of two posts over two weeks ago along with many other graduates from my class. I was told I would be contacted with an answer (yes or no) on the Monday, that was nearly two weeks ago. On the Wednesday I heard through the grapevine someone I know had been offered a post and everyone else I know of who were interviewed recieved an email that day to inform them they did not get the job. So I contacted the company on the Friday asking if I shouldve recieved an email, only to be told they were still making a final decision on the last remaining post and they would send me a letter (nobody else recieved a letter, only emails). That was a week ago and Im STILL WAITING!! Don’t know if I should call them again?

• 79 Carl T. // Sep 3, 2009 at 2:07 am

  Well, After going for my first interview after my previous contract expired, I simply decided that I am not going to put up with any more of those contrived smiles, fake oohs and aahs, cheery-voiced assurances and empty, shameless promises not worth a damn from power-tripping interviewers who think they are God (not)! After reading here how many employers treat people like dirt, I feel for them.

  I am starting my own company and leaving them behind in the dust. I am so busy laughing at those hypocrites that I have no longer any time for any of their phone calls or emails! I will never need to work for anyone else in this fake world!

• 80 CorporateAmericaSucks // Sep 3, 2009 at 7:02 pm

  Yeah. I am feeling better now after reading all these posts. Went for an interviews two weeks ago and recruiter told me it is very promising and will probably getting offer two or three days afterwards and nothing! Not sure if I will even take that job even if they offer me eventually since I am not in a hurry anyway!

• 81 Greg Chisholm // Sep 3, 2009 at 10:20 pm

  To the question, “How Long Should I Wait To Hear Back?”, I say “Till hell freezes over”? The arrogance of these uppity HR people and managers is appalling! It is outrageous that human beings treat fellow human beings in this way, exploiting their emotions just because the job-seeker happens to have the lower hand and is in a vulnerable position? Unacceptable!

  I believe that people should start jamming these losers’ email with fake resumes tailored to the job description (with mega “experience”) and make them sweat it out following non-existent leads! It is easy to send these from anonymous email accounts. BITE BACK, folks! Get your revenge! Start a movement!

• 82 BW // Sep 11, 2009 at 11:18 pm

  In the same position as a lot of other people here. Companies should know that especially when you’re dealing with certain fields where talented people know one another that if you leave me hanging I’m definitely going to recommend to my friends that they avoid the company completely. In the tech field where websites are at risk and smart people are needed to solve problems quickly, this can be pretty risky.

• 83 Robert Smith // Oct 30, 2009 at 7:37 pm

  There was a time not so long ago when I remember getting rejection letters. I don’t know how many of your recall the 1980s-1990s? Back in the day when few people knew word-processing, let alone the internet..well in those days there were more jobs than people!!!! It’s true. And if you could type and knew a few different wordprocessing software you could name your price. I worked as a “temp” because I could command phenomenal rates and go with whomever answered the highest call. Heck, I wouldn’t take a job if there weren’t a good office space or decent coffee. But times have changed. The rule is one of supply and demand. When there are tons of jobs and no people in a rocking good economy, then you get the sugary sweet letters..and they aren’t rejection they are – if you reconsider taking the position…and they give you free lunches and yes CAR SERVICE and offices with space and good light. But let’s face it folks…this is the worst our economy has ever been in my lifetime. It’s terrible. There aren’t that many jobs and for every job they have at least 100 resumes. So you ask, “How can I get around this?” Well…you need to have skills that no one else has. Warren Buffet says that there’s always room at the top for the best. And this is true. Maybe you already have the skills, maybe they need someone who does everything you do, but also has Hungarian as a second language…this could be you. And don’t forget that also decisions can be made based on where you went to college or if you play golf or if your mother and their mother went to the same garden club! Nepotism is worse than ever. It used to be that you could get a job if you were a guy because they didn’t want to discriminate – as in Law…I worked as a Wordprocessor..and they’d hire me because I was a guy..but now they just want big mammies..and they get away with it because they say, “she was the most qualified…” yeah as in Gone With The Wind. What I’m saying here is that..you can belabor the issue by bugging the heck out of your prospective employer..but imagine if they interview 50 candidates and you are that one annoying mosquito carrying the H1N1 for all they know…they’ll probably tell you to “bug off” just to get you to stop making incessant phonecalls or filling up their email space with you hundreds of emails…”Why didn’t you hire me? Or Why wasn’t I good enough?” I will tell you a truth that no one else on this site has hit on yet..the days of the polite and ettiquette interviewer are over. Yes, we all want those nicely typed and scented rejection letters that say, “Unfortunately it wasn’t a good fit, and you do have impressive skills..so if something become available in this world of ours for you, we will certainly call you..because we like you..we really like you!!!!” But let’s face it folks, there isn’t enough time on this green earth. The unemployment rate is so high that they could ask for whatever they want – and probably get it…plus they’ve probably combined two or six jobs so that you need to be part creative, part financier and part circus sideshow! Because even if they wanted to..they couldn’t get back to you and the five hundred other applicants they ran through their drive through interviewing process. I’m going through the same thing. Three interviews in the last 2 weeks. They all loved me…yeah right! That and 2.25 will get me a ride on the subway. Forget the empty sentiment they all hand you. You don’t have the job until you are there on your first day filling out paperwork, and even then they can lose you in the 90 day trial period. There is no job security. Take my advice and treat your prospective jobs – and the interviews that follow like a lottery ticket. Now when you buy a lottery ticket you do not call the ticket agent every day to see if you won? And if you don’t win..do you wallow in self-pity and examine and re-examine why you picked the numbers you did, or why you didnt’ use a crisp dollar bill, or maybe it should’ve come from the Philly mint and not Washington? You don’t do this, because it’s the lottery and sure, maybe you’re gonna be a millionaire and the lottery commission really likes selling you that ticket and thinks you’d be the best millionaire ever!!! It shouldn’t matter. Keep going. Keep breathing and keep doing and never never look back. If they don’t call you, you didn’t get it. No matter how wonderful you are or think you are there are 500 others…you need to be interviewing for your job the way they are interviewing to fill the job. Keep interviewing and don’t waste your energy on trying to figure out if you got the job..because you waste time and money and you may actually miss an opportunity because you spent too much time waiting for Mr. Right Job. I lost a job the other night…just a weekend gig mind you..but I turned off my cell phone and now I regret it. I got tired of waiting to hear..so I said, I don’t want to hear and I missed a free lance gig. So like many of you..I am out of work and the wolves are getting closer and I desperately need a job…but I won’t waste another second worrying about who I didn’t marry, cars I’ll never drive, houses I’ll never live in, time I spent with ex-lovers, jobs, bosses, and I will not waste any more time on interviews that don’t pan out. You can bug them all you want..but know this…if they want you..they will contact you. AS they say in show biz..if you didn’t get the part..YOu didn’t. Leave the stage. Go on your next audition. Do the next interview. Always be thinking about the next one. And don’t stop until you land the job. And even then…keep a few in interviews in your back pocket because one day your up and the next you are out. Save your feelings for something other than the job search. In this market we’re all the homely girls that never get asked to the dance. Hopefully when the recession IS actually over the tables will turn..and we’ll be far more gracious with our responses to the people who do not get us than they’ve been with us. Keep your skills up. Keep your training high. Learn and hone what you need to be the best and then..keep going..back up on the horse. I say this to you, because I need to say this to myself daily. Good luck and God speed my fellow travelers!!!!

• 84 desperate or impatiant // Nov 20, 2009 at 4:22 pm

  I recently had an interview which went very well.
  As promised, I received a call inviting me to lunch.
  Unfortunately the lunch was canceled due to understandable circumstances, in which I was told that I would receive a follow up call this week for a re-scheduled lunch next week. It is now an hour and a half prior to end of Friday business for this company, should I call them. I have another offer pending, yet do not want to go with that company. Watching the clock?

• 85 Chrissy // Dec 1, 2009 at 1:17 am

  It’s hard to stay confident when you keep getting rejected.

  I’ve had a few rejections in a row now. I don’t always get feedback but when I do, it’s usually the ‘another candidate was a better fit’.

  The worrying thing is that they rarely cite a lack of experience or qualifications (I could do something about that). It mostly seems to be because they simply prefer someone else. Every time.

  I’m beginning to feel totally lacking in charisma and confidence which makes it a vicious circle. I don’t know how to break out of this.

• 86 Shannon // Dec 1, 2009 at 9:03 pm

  Chrissy, I totally hear you! Yesterday I sat down and made a list of all the companies I’ve interviewed at since being laid off 10 whole months ago! 11 or 12 interviews. And I only heard back one way or another from maybe 4 of them. I did end up getting one PT position, which doesn’t even require a college degree, I plan on quitting as soon as something better comes along! I’m starting to lack confidence about all this but it helps me to know that my resume and portfolio were at least enough to get the attention of a hiring recruiter in the first place. A lot of people never even get the interview, so that says something.

• 87 hope // Dec 1, 2009 at 10:03 pm

  I have experienced lots of ups and downs. Suddenly I got a phone interview and things look positive, but then I was left in a hole and no response from the company at all! So tired, really tired, it made me look like I am not valued and i felt depressed. I am lucky I got a supportive husband to stand by me. He is self-employed so I agree that being your own boss will be more satisfying. I hate this game. I don’t know how long I am going to wait to get a firm job offer. But I have faith in God and maybe not long to go I can work on my dream job!

  Think positive guys! And hope the economy will get better!

• 88 omilk // Dec 8, 2009 at 2:11 pm

  I had a terrific phone interview, was asked to come in for testing and had a very good three hour in person interview. The following Monday I was asked to come to a lunch meeting on Thursday – that morning they called to say it was cancelled and they would get back to me. I called a week and a 1/2 later and spoke to the person I interviewed with – he seemed to not even recognize the name and abruptly advised that they were looking at other options – I assume this to mean I’m out of the running – but I would sure like to know why – why set up basically a third interview and then just suddenly shut it all down – if something caused them to reconsider it would have been both polite and professional to at least express that to me – at least I would know what to be proactive about in the future. I’m going to send a follow up interest letter and then let it drop if I don’t hear anything.

  I also find it frustrating that many companies want you to apply on-line, however, all you ever get is a thank you for your submission if something comes up for which you are qualified we’ll let you know. If I wasn’t qualifed I wouldn’t have applied.

  It’s very nice to know I’m not alone – so good luck to all of you – as hard as it is – keep the faith – there is something out there for you!

• 89 MaggiesMom // Dec 10, 2009 at 7:37 pm

  This list of comments is so amazing — I am in the same boat as so many of these commenters — trying to figure out how to get the company to respond after almost 3 weeks (and they have 2 positions open, not just 1). Reading all these comments made me feel so much better, I’m not alone!

• 90 bb // Dec 16, 2009 at 8:16 pm

  It’s good to know that I’m not alone. I’m in the same boat. But what would be better is that everyone can get a response from the company…I went to interview last Friday, it’s been 5 days since and it feels like a month…I can’t tell if it went well or not because some of the interviewer are so busy or simply don’t express emotion in their face. I really want this job and it’s referred by my friend, but I’m telling myself not to keep the expectation too high because there are so many factors for them in making this decision. It can be that they don’t want to hire you no matter what so they just chat with you the whole time and make you feel comfortable and confident the whole time. It can be that when they are having the meeting to discuss to hire you or not and the interviewer that likes you more doesn’t attend the meeting because of other duties and the interviewer that doesn’t like you are all there…I’m a new grad student, this is my first time to compete in the job market and I never experience a better economy time so I really don’t know if this is my problem or the whole world’s problem? Probably mine because I’m not experienced enough…/_\ really sad…

• 91 SO SO // Dec 18, 2009 at 2:45 am

  God help us all I went for interview last week they called to ask for references, but no job offer I dont understand why, ive actually done the job and used the computer system. Im actually at university at the moment and im so down. I dont want to carry on with university, this is due to the fact I got bullied at work for nearly 2 years. God help me its making me sucidal

• 92 Caitlyn // Dec 18, 2009 at 3:17 pm

  I interviewed for 3 different positions with the same company over the course of four months. Their hiring process is so long that it left me with doubts. Each time I was told I would have to wait 2-3 weeks to hear back. Each time I waited the length of time, followed up, then learned they had already given the job away. I’m going on four weeks of waiting to hear back from the last job I interviewed for with this company. I’ve followed up and got the response they were still in progress. I think it’s just cruel to string people along like this. My interviews all went well, so why can’t they give me a yes or no so I can move on.

• 93 Memphis // Dec 26, 2009 at 10:06 pm

  So So don’t get suicidal. Look at how many posts there are here. It can’t be you. I’ve always known that most company HR departments should probably be reinvented or eliminated. I had to completely circumnavigate HR to get a sorely needed teaching position in a large school system. According to the HR department, they had no positions. The subject coordinator said they, in fact, needed 8 teachers in that subject. Start going directly to the hiring manager or aim for either government positions or those with small companies with no HR departments. Also don’t wait for an advertised position. Send hard copy resumes in search of the kind of position you want. If they have a need for what you can do for them let them create a job. Most of these companies are actually just forming pools of qualified candidates for possible future openings. A lot of them are just HR departments making themselves useful. Truly. Scout the companies with the best reputation for employee treatment and forget the others. Let them be left with no applicants.

• 94 omilk // Jan 7, 2010 at 11:13 am

  So, here’s a question – how do we get these companies to understand that a response – one way or the other – is a professional thing to do? If we, as candidates, are expected to follow up with thank you’s then how hard would it be to respond. I’d be happy with a “thanks but no thanks” letter if it meant that I was at least advised where I stand. Memphis has a great suggestion and one I’ve used myself in the past – job hunting is NO fun – especially in this economy but we all have to eat so keep at it and know that we are all in the same boat!

• 95 Dave // Jan 14, 2010 at 11:55 pm

  I understand what everyone is going through. I was fortunate to have three interviews within the last week. I felt that all the interviews went well. I was relaxed, answered all of their questions, was conversational, passed the tests and on two of the interviews was asked to wait so I can speak to one of the people who run the dept — IT in my case. At the end of the interview, I asked when I could expect to hear back from them. By the end of the following week. OK.

  That said, from my experience, the longer you don’t hear from them, the chances ate you’re never going to hear from them again. Time is the enemy in this case. Sure, there could be internal company circumstances playing a role, but that still doesn’t work in your favor.

  My only follow-up is a thank you note. I don’t become a pest or annoyance. But that’s just me. I feel that if I did not make that good an impression in the first place, becoming a manic isn’t going to help. I just move on. In a perfect world it would be nice to know the reason, but…

  Waiting to hear after an interview is worst than sending a resume and not hearing anything. At least they were never interested in the first place.

  Unless the interview went really lousy –and you usually can tell — what went wrong. You tend to blame yourself.

  Anyway, good luck to everyone and just keep looking.

• 96 OddsStackedForMe // Jan 19, 2010 at 7:19 pm

  I just read through everyone’s comments. I simply could not resist. Count me in as one of those waiting for the call. I totally feel your pain.

  In my case, I am in search for a Software Engineer position in a field where there are very few people that have the skills I possess. For this one position I am hoping to get an offer for, I have gone through two rigorous technical phone interviews. Within 18 minutes on the second phone interview, I was asked to come in for a face-to-face cultural interview in which I would be meeting the entire team, taking some “real world – what would you do?” tests, etc. For over 6 hours I was interviewed by 7 of the most brilliant and talented engineers in the industry as well as getting a chance to meet the fonder/CEO. I am talking about MIT graduates; folks that have worked for IBM and Oracle for years. Just BRILLIANT minds no matter which direction I was facing. In any case, it went extremely well and it was mutually agreed that I would fit perfectly within the corporate culture.

  Less than one week later, last Monday, my references were called and they immediately told me how well it went! I teared up at one point. Hey, dudes can cry, too!

  The next day, last Tuesday, my “head hunter” told me that I was their strongest candidate yet, my references were extremely positive, and the company just wanted to do their due diligence by interviewing the remainder of their candidates just to see what happens. I’m totally down with their decision but, as you can tell by my mere presence at this site, I am anxious to find out where I truly stand and what it all means.

  Does anyone feel like trying to decrypt my situation?

  Cheers to all and good luck with your career adventure! Soon you will all be laughing at how painful it all was but it was worth it because you know deep down inside that you earned your new position. Each interview you go on just gives you more and more practice for the next one. And always remember to be yourself because that is who you will ultimately be once you start working there.

• 97 Rachel // Jan 20, 2010 at 7:54 pm

  These hiring authorities have begining to think themselves as gods. I think making candidates wait is some kinda trend going on these days. Even though they like the candidate they might wait for 3-4 weeks to show that they are working on your case!! what a fake world.

  what they don’t realize they too were once hired by someone. They seem to have forgotten their time

• 98 Luke // Jan 26, 2010 at 12:59 pm

  As a recent graduate, I been in a hurry looking for internships since the summer of ‘09. I figured the economy was suffering, at least I’ll get an intern position. Several companies tell me, “Yeah, send a resume, we’ll look it over, we can sure use an intern”. I wait for two weeks call back, no definitive answer. I call the second time and they don’t even bother to answer, so I leave a voice message; to never get a response. It’s really irritating, sometimes I feel like telling them to “cut the crap and tell me if there is an opportunity or not” I waste my time waiting for companies that lack certainty.

• 99 Julie // Jan 27, 2010 at 4:32 pm

  WOW – I’m so glad I found everyone’s posts. I am losing sleep over a job I interviewed for and it’s only been 2 days! I was told I was one of the top two candidates, they asked me to fill out an employment application and they’d get back with me about a 2nd interview/drug test.

  Two days later I’m sweating bullets. My interview was on Monday and I sent back the paperwork on Monday evening. Today is Weds. and I’ve heard nothing. My mind is going in all directions! No references have been contacted yet – I don’t know what the deal is. I’ll give it to Friday and if I hear nothing I’ll just assume they hired the other candidate. Sheez, this is torture!

• 100 Anonymous // Jan 31, 2010 at 1:25 pm

  I agree with most of the rules up to #6. If it comes to a point where you have to follow up regularly (or everyday), this job is NOT worth the worry. It also looks desperate to be contacting them everyday – most likely annoying too. Also, depending on the type of job, I do not think it’s appropriate to show up in person under any circumstances. A phone call is as far as it should go. Looking like a stalker is not going to get you a job. You should continue applying for jobs even after your interview no matter how badly you want this job, because there is a chance you might not get this job. And as others mentioned, why would you want to work somewhere that won’t even give you the respect and courtesy you deserve after a simple interview? Move on.

• 101 la la // Feb 1, 2010 at 10:42 am

  Wow, I guess it happens everywhere! England too! If you made the cut for an interview, a second one at that! Then the compnay should at least get back to you!!

• 102 Stacey // Feb 4, 2010 at 12:36 pm

  Holy (*&&*^*($#@%$) I can’t even get an interview!! How depressing is this?? I am a recent graduate with solid working experience, and I have officially applied for 52….(yes you read right)… 52 different positions since last November. Aside from from prostitution, I really am starting to lose hope! I’m totally kidding about selling myself, but it really does suck.. (no pun intended). Brian is right, if these companies treat you unprofessionally, imagine how dirty and unethical they can be to you when their signing your paycheck….Makes a girl wonder!

• 103 Rick // Feb 4, 2010 at 4:10 pm

  Yeah, great to be not alone, but still sucks!! Stacy, no pun intended either, we do not want to see you sell yourself. But these are tough times.

  I drove 11 hours for an interview several months ago, and was told I had the job, that HR should be sending me an offer in a week or so, but I never got a call or letter or anything, so I guess they changed their mind because I didn’t have enough experience. I did get to visit Memphis while on the trip, though, that was fun.

  Then today, I had a phone interview, and he asked me if I had particular experience in an area, and I told him only the experience I had while learning it in school. Then he told me he would pass my information onto HR and see what decision they make. Obviously this is BS and HR is not the ones that make the decision whether a candidate is experienced enough or not, I don’t think. And then he hung up so quick, I didn’t have time to thank him. I just think he should have had the balls to tell me if he didn’t think I was qualified instead of the crap about HR making a decision. He called me from an unknow number, which means I can’t call him back to find out what’s going on. I don’t expect to hear from them again. But you never know.

• 104 marilisa // Feb 15, 2010 at 3:09 pm

  I had applied for a job that I know that I would be good at I am a worker and very reponsible. I went to an interview and thought it went well then they called me back for a 2nd interview I thought it went well too, at that interview they asked me for a list of references which I was able to provide them. then I asked when they were expected date for a start date if I were chosen and all they came up was that they did not know…after taking the time to go through these interviews you would think that you would get a call back or something it has been almost 3 weeks since the 2nd interview, I am very frustrated.

• 105 James // Feb 18, 2010 at 6:57 pm

  I had 2nd and 3rd interview both with boss and VP of the department and it went great and they said they will get back to me by the end of the week. It has just been over 7 days since the last interview. Is it better to contact them via phone, email or maybe LinkedIn? I am really not sure which method is better. Please any advice?

• 106 Carla // Feb 21, 2010 at 9:01 pm

  I am filling in for a position that was posted, working two jobs currently. Applied for the position, got an interview…it has been two weeks. I have not heard anything, and the job has been re-posted on the company website… very disapointed…hurt as well. I have been working very hard and have actually fell in love with position I am filling in for. I am still expected to fill in until they find the new candidate. I would at least like a No, you didn’t make the cut.

• 107 Kristen // Feb 23, 2010 at 8:05 pm

  I just graduated from school 2 months ago and have been actively looking for a job. One job I interviewed for seemed perfect and the hr woman basically told me I had the job because I did so great on the math and grammar tests and the interview. I was supposed to meet with the VP only to find out that although the VP wants to meet me, she is just too busy now and has put the position on hold, but I will definitely hear back from them when the position becomes available again. That was over a month ago and still nothing. I also went on 2 interviews recently for another company. I came in to meet with the director of the department and he actually told me that he is always iffy about hiring smart people for the position since it’s not always mentally stimulating and he’s not sure about having such a smart person in that role. I graduated magna cum laude with a GPA of 3.8 thinking that would impress employers, not turn them off. Honestly, I’ve realized that when some employers see my high GPA they make a comment about how smart I am and then they seem sort of intimidated or something like they don’t feel comfortable with me anymore because I’m too smart. I don’t get it.

• 108 XXXX // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:08 pm

  Three interviews over three months for two positions. Offered the first one, but told to interview for another one (higher position, more money). Get email from hiring manager of second position that I would hear from HR in next day or two with offer details…. That was A WEEK ago. HR does not return calls. What to do? This has dragged on for four months! Still no written offer….

• 109 Daisy // Mar 9, 2010 at 2:36 pm

  Three weeks waiting for a company I so badly want to be a part of. 4 interviewers very positive feedback to my recruiter and I and a promise of an answer in 24-48 hrs. I check in with my recruiter week to week, she is still waiting for their answer. It still torture when I allow myself to think about it; I’ve forced myself to let it go. I share in everyone’s pain

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