Received mixed signals from last week's interview.

Anonymous

August 5,2022 at 5:18PM UTC

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Received mixed signals from last week's interview. I always second-guess myself after interviews and relive each questions wishing in hindsight that I could have answered some of them differently or more fully. That being said, overall, I felt that I articulated my points and hoped I would progress to the next round.

I received a lot of nods and positive affirmations in regard to my answers. They ended it with saying they want to fill the role by September 1st and would select the next stage applicants shortly. Should I assume that I'm out of the running by now as I interviewed last Monday?

I sent a thank you email afterwards but haven't heard back. I'm continuing to job search but I really wanted that role. Would it hurt to follow up to express my interest and inquire about a timeline? Thank you!

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AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 6:04PM UTC
Allow them to take a breath. They are obviously not in a hurry and have plenty of time.
Keep looking and if this one was a fit you'll hear back.
Going back and rehashing your answers will only build your anxiety and stress. Give everyone a chance to consider your interview. It will all work out.
AnonymousAugust 6,2022 at 1:25AM UTC
Thank you Anonymous and 'Looking for a Change.' I'm trying to relax and hold back but it's hard. I'll continue to tell myself to chill and hope for the best while continuing to job search. Have a great weekend!
Looking for a changeAugust 5,2022 at 6:32PM UTC
For me once I send a thank you email I’m done following up unless the company says otherwise. Or if I haven’t sent a thank you I follow up after a week expressing interest and ask if they are still interviewing or if position filled
Julie BatesAugust 5,2022 at 9:13PM UTC
I can tell you as a hiring manager that things always take longer than I would like when I'm hiring. Getting approvals, getting a structured offer together, and then being able to reach out to a candidate takes longer than you would think. I'd say if you have not heard after 2-3 weeks, a follow up is appropriate.
AnonymousAugust 6,2022 at 1:19AM UTC
Thank you, Julie. I'm hoping that's the case as I really want this role. I did my research, provided ideas when asked and how I feel that I could help move the company forward. I'm still sending out resumes and making contacts but I have my fingers crossed that this might be the right role.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 6,2022 at 12:10AM UTC
So to your first issue, one thing I recommend to candidates is to tape themselves asking themselves questions and then answering them. I promise you, that answer will sound a whole lot better the 20th time you say it than the first.
This will allow you to edit your answers to precisely get across what you want. I used to practice in the car, in the shower. Doing this can help improve your confidence if you get nervous or help you stay on point if you sometimes ramble.
If you're doing a phone or video interview, you can also have notes or index cards with points you want to make sure you hit on or examples you want to use.
And please make sure you listen and answer the question you were asked. I've had candidates talk for 5 minutes and not answer the question I asked them.
Do not assume you're out of the running because you haven't heard. Stuff happens - people out on vacation, family emergencies, etc.
I would shoot the recruiter a message to follow up and say something along the lines of "checking in to see if you have an update on next steps - I'm very interested in this opportunity.
And yes - please continue your search. Never take your foot off the peddle until you have a written offer letter in your hand.
Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!
AnonymousAugust 6,2022 at 1:18AM UTC
Joan, I appreciate your advice as I ramble when I'm nervous. I was prepared but it was such an important interview and the highest level of my career that I added pressure on myself to succeed. Hence the reason I've been doubting myself since last week as well as the fact I need a job. I was laid off last month so interviews are now more pressing than if I was casually looking.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 6,2022 at 3:17AM UTC
You've got this!
You're talking about you and you're already the Subject Matter Expert on that. I'd reach out to the recruiter on Monday.
Please let me know if I can help. GOOD LUCK!
AnonymousAugust 6,2022 at 1:22AM UTC
Thank you, Anonymous. Good ideas and I'll wait until Wednesday to follow up with the recruiter. It's hard not to hear either way as it makes it difficult to move forward. I'm not a game player but I'm learning the rules. I appreciated your advice and best wishes!
Crystal HowellAugust 6,2022 at 1:02PM UTC
Unfortunately, it's a waiting game. I think they are put off if you call and follow up. recruiting now is so different. Good Luck
AnonymousAugust 6,2022 at 1:55PM UTC
Disagree - following up helps.
Tina AsherAugust 6,2022 at 1:22PM UTC
It's difficult when you don't hear back on your expected timeline. I suggest to my clients that they always leave the interview with an agreement for the next follow-up. Usually, an employer will say, "thank you, we have several other candidates to consider in the next two weeks and we will let you know when we've made our decision" (or some version of that), your response could be, "great I look forward to hearing back, if you don't mind, I'll circle back with you two weeks from today to touch base if I haven't heard from you before then, would that be ok?" Then be sure and do it! This eliminates self-doubt and the feeling of "they must have chosen someone else." In your case, maybe the hiring manager went on vacation, got COVID, or had a family emergency, prolonging their response time. Don't assume, and yes, always circle back and reach out to show your excitement and persistence in finding a career you love. Good luck!