Need advice- had an awesome interview last Wednesday- met with three different people and was just floored by how well everything went.

26 Comments

1. Sandy NagelFebruary 16,2023 at 2:00PM UTC

   Short answer. Yes .

   reach out. Thank them for their time and that you are interested in the position and what skills and experience you bring Good luck

2. AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

   Send a handwritten thank you if you have not already sent them an email thank you. Also, let them know you "want this job". and if you have an opportunity to speak with them again leave with these final words..."I want this job".

3. Jen FrischenFebruary 21,2023 at 3:19PM UTC

   It's interesting how many people still do appreciate a handwritten thank you note. I always send one. I have only had one person tell me later than my handwritten thank you note took me OUT of the running because they viewed me as too "old school" and thought a handwritten thank you note was crossing a line to being too "familiar."

   Now, I am so glad I did not get that job.

4. AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

   I'm in the midst of recruiting for a position. I had to make an emergency out-of-town trip (so unplanned days off work) to see my dad, I was back to work (distracted) for one day before he passed and now I'm off work for a few more days. You literally have no clue what's going on with them. I know this is urgent in your life right now and I 100% get that, but there are many reasons less grievous than my own that could be taking priority for the hiring manager.

   Definitely reach out to touch base. But don't get too worked up over it until you know for sure you're out of the running. Best of luck.

5. PebblesFebruary 18,2023 at 4:18PM UTC

   I’m so very sorry for your loss.

6. AnonymousFebruary 18,2023 at 8:05PM UTC

   Thank you. He tried to convince me to wait until this weekend to fly across the country to see him. I'm glad I didn't listen.

7. AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

   Why would you think this has gone so terribly wrong? It's only been a week.

   Please understand that these things take time. Sometimes we are so anxious that we assume everyone is on our time table. It's just fine to touch base after a week. That might provide a time table and status.

   It sounds like things went great so relax abd allow everyone time to process your interview.

8. Stephanie Malcom, MBAFebruary 16,2023 at 4:27PM UTC

   If you havent reached out to say thank you and how much you enjoyed your time with them, then yes, do so. If you have then I would just wait it out.

9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 16,2023 at 11:54PM UTC

   What makes you think you've gotten this wrong?
   They could be finishing up interviews with the rest of their slate of candidates. One of the decision makers could be out of the office sick or travelling.

   You were told a decision has not been made. If you feel you need to reach out again, I would reach out to the recruiter - not the hiring manager. It's my experience that hiring managers do not particularly like to be put on the spot.

10. AnonymousFebruary 17,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

    having been in recruiting, it’s highly unlikely that the hiring manager would respond to you, especially if they’re leaning in a different direction. things happen I’ve had candidates tell me they were shown where they be sitting and they were never offered the job.

    behind the scenes a number of things take place. Someone is referred that is a better fit or knows the business better an employee comes forward and wants the position so an internal hire is being processed, all kinds of things happen that that recruiter isn’t always aware of and they find out after the fact. I would be patient and just wait and in these days and times ghosting seems to be the norm versus the exception.

    keep looking, keep applying keep networking it’s hard finding a job. It’s a tremendous effort but if you would like to work or change careers for whatever reason you’re seeking employment, you need to keep going.

11. AnonymousFebruary 17,2023 at 4:32PM UTC

    It hasn't even been a full workweek since your interview, you have been told by the recruiter this week that a decision has not yet been made. Do not reach out to the hiring manager, who likely didn't agree to direct contact, and do not contact the recruiter again this week.

    Some things to consider:

    (1) Your interview was last week, but what if they still had other candidates to interview this week? This happens frequently because interviews require the availability of both the candidate and everyone who has to sit on the panel.

    (2) What if the recruiter was out for a couple of days, or the hiring manager?

    (3) Making a hiring decision isn't just about offering a role to someone. It takes time to create a hiring package, get it approved, write the offer letter, and reach out to a candidate. If this company is hiring for multiple positions right now, the recruiter may be sitting in multiple interviews and creating and approving many hiring packages. I realize it's difficult to be empathetic when you're waiting for a response, but they're only human. Work piles up and gets the better of everyone.

    I know that most people will say that reaching out shows initiative, but there is a point at which reaching out too much can backfire. You can reach out to the recruiter again on Tuesday for a quick check-in. At that time, you can ask, "Can you provide me with a timeline or expected notification date?" If this timeline has already been communicated to you, then you should cease all communication until the date has passed. The only exception is if they reach out sooner or you get another offer.

12. Mary PoolFebruary 18,2023 at 1:20PM UTC

    I am going to disagree here with the other posters. Always, always, always follow up with a thank you for the interview and a short (short) statement on how you believe your skill set will benefit the company (NOT how the company can benefit you). When I was on the hiring committee for a position, we had two candidates who were perfect, but only one job. I asked the committee chair how we were going to decide, and they said, "We will hire the one who reaches out first; they want the job the most." That is who we hired.

13. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netFebruary 18,2023 at 1:51PM UTC

    i totally agree with this. Over the last few years I have read how some candidates post that it is old fashioned, not necessary and I just shake my head and chalk it up to laziness, lack of training, lack of judgement etc. It is a must do and this certainly proves it. Kudos to the one who wrote the thank you note and understands the value of appropriately following up.

14. Dcre1977February 18,2023 at 1:42PM UTC

    They have to interview all the candidates before they make a final decision. I would have sent them a thank you note, other than that its a little soon to expect an answer

15. Maggie StoneFebruary 18,2023 at 1:53PM UTC

    The waiting game is brutal. I have been there many times before and I sympathize. I understand the frustration because there’s not much you can do to be proactive. If you haven’t done so already, send a thank you. Otherwise, keep looking and interviewing and take care of yourself.

16. Ayla AnjelFebruary 18,2023 at 2:22PM UTC

    Send a thank you note. Any thing more will make u look desperate.

17. Anne Marie HFebruary 18,2023 at 2:57PM UTC

    Agree Ayla! If that's the person with whom you spoke about coffee, I'd send a card with a coffee theme to "subliminally" remind them of the instant rapour you shared! Write something like:

    "Dear Mary,
    I can't thank you enough for.the opportunity to meet and interview for the x position; I enjoyed hearing all the details you shared; I especially enjoyed meeting your team, Joe, Sally and Drew, and would be delighted to meet any other associates to learn how I might serve in that role. I believe it would be mutually beneficial!
    Regards,
    (Sign your name)"

18. Claire McCabeFebruary 18,2023 at 2:47PM UTC

    Here's a strategy that I fully, 100% believe it because it's worked for me!

    I have a great interview. I send an email thank you. An amount of time goes by. I don't hear from them right away. I send ONE MORE email to the hiring manager reiterating how keen I am for the role, and then completely move on interviewing at other places.

    Why is this effective? Showing them you're excited about the role (only once, not overkill) gives you an extra boost. If it is between you and one other person, this gives you some kudos. Wouldn't you rather sound excited than bored?

    The other scenario that occurs often is that whoever is managing the hiring process is managing many many things at once; this is not their priority. So if I have a great candidate who is also excited about the role and I am going through a sludge of resumes, maybe I will remember that person, bring her resume to the top of the pile, offer her the role and now I don't have to weed through resumes any more!

    Honestly, you have absolutely nothing to lose by reiterating your interest one more time, and then moving on. This has worked for me at least once or twice. It was between me and one other person and I just was the squeaky wheel - it made their job easier!

19. AnneFebruary 20,2023 at 2:13AM UTC

    Great advice! Thank you for the perspective!

20. AnonymousFebruary 18,2023 at 3:05PM UTC

    As many others have said you definitely should send a thank you. I’ve been part of an interview panel that has interviewed at least 15 candidates this year. Only 2 sent a thank you. Does it matter, yes and no. If I am on the fence, the person who took the initiative would be my choice because if I’m in a bind in the future that’s the person I want on my team.

    I also suggest following up with the hiring manager if you haven’t heard anything in 10-14 days. Also as others have stated, it takes time to go through the process of hiring someone and it is good to bring your name to the front of mind of the hiring manager. It should just be a short email stating you are still interested and ask if there are any additional questions that you can answer.

    Although it seems as if all went great, keep interviewing at other companies. First of all an even better opportunity could be coming with a company you haven’t spoken to yet. Second, as a hiring manager I can tell you many things can happen. In the past, I’ve had HR working on an offer package when my boss has come and said no, you are hiring this person. I have also been down to selecting from two candidates when the position was canceled on me. You just never know.

21. AnonymousFebruary 18,2023 at 7:41PM UTC

    Send a thank you note then wait it out. Patience.

    don't fret too much. Sounds like you are very much in the running.

    if you don’t hear for few weeks I would reach out to recruiter and ask for status.

    these things take time, people go on vacations, have other jobs they need to do so I would not worry too much and think too much.

22. AnonymousFebruary 18,2023 at 9:32PM UTC

    Everything takes time

23. AnonymousFebruary 18,2023 at 10:40PM UTC

    Send a thank you letter, this should be done within 24 to 24 hours after interview so you can standout amongst the others. Don't call it's too early, they will reach out

24. DeBorah WalkerFebruary 19,2023 at 1:39PM UTC

    Excellent that you had a great connection; however, they could be ironing out other things. And, I've learned from interviewing sometimes when you get too friendly in the it's not always a good sign. Did you follow up with a thank you email to each interviewer? If you did; then continue to be confident and know you did your best.

25. AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 3:29PM UTC

    I'm a recruiter. I don't think you look desparate by sending more than one follow-up. I think you should let your intuition guide you. I like follow ups because I can tell the hiring manager, hey- you are going to lose this great candidate if you keep looking for a unicorn or dragging your feet. Applications and resumes- at least at my job- are coming in record numbers. Candidates need to do extra to set themselves apart so I'm a fan of communicating interest. My advice? Keep applying for jobs. Recruiters are the first line of exposure for many companies- it's their job to be super nice to candidates. Good luck to you!

26. AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 7:47PM UTC

    You didn't get it wrong. Perhaps the only thing you got wrong is finding out the steps to their decision and asking tough questions along the way. Am I what you hoped to hire for this role? Are there any areas I lack to fill that position? You're now in the final stretch so its a bit late for that but if you have not sent thank you notes to the hiring manager and everyone in the loop do it now. Reinforce the interest and how much you look forward to working with them. Keep it professional and reference some of what you spoke about in your meeting with each one. Then see if you get replies. You may or may not. At the end of that week then email the recruiter asking for a timeline for the decision and offer up your references as a way to tilt the decision. There's surely a few folks they are considering and so keep applying.