Blog Post: Here's my number. Call me.

I was reading through one of my favorite blogs, TheJobBored, and found a post up about the protocol of following up on an interview--stuff like "how long should I wait to hear back?" His advice reminded me of the conversations we have nearly everyday with job seekers. It's a common concern--what is interpreted as disinterest, what creepily looks like stalking?

Back in the day--and I can say that because I was there!--a job seeker would politely wait for the company to contact her in their own good time. You know, the same polite way we would also wait for salary negotiations to be started by the interviewer, usually on the second or third interview...not the second or third question from the applicant! 

I recently had an opportunity to work with a group of college grads who basically said an employer has 5-7 days to follow up with them or they're no longer interested. Syonara. CULater.

But back in the day, from what I can remember, jobs weren't nearly as plentiful as they are today. Businesses weren't working 24/7. There wasn't an enterprise on every corner. And gas cost 89cents a gallon. (not sure that's relevant, but I'm still in shock over paying $3.74 today and thinking I got a DEAL!) I think I actually felt lucky to be selected, to get a job.

Things change--and so has the hiring process. Some companies get it. Some applicants get it. Lots of folks, on both sides of the desk, are wondering what's expected.

If I were looking for a job in today's market here's what I think I would do in order to stay current on my available opportunities:

First of all, I wouldn't leave the interview without an idea of what the next step is supposed to be. It's okay to ask when the guy thinks the decision will be made.  If he can give you a firm date, that's fantastic. If it's the "in one or two weeks" routine, that's okay, too. Just wait about 7-10 days and if you haven't heard, feel confident that it's not wrong to followup.

By followup I mean an email or a phone call. I wouldn't show up on his doorstep at this point. If your email or phone call nets you a response, superb. It might not be more than letting you know there will be another delay in the decision, but at least you know what to expect. Sit still for another 7-10 days and followup again.

As long as you're in the communication loop, this cycle could possibly repeat itself a couple of times. My advice is to hang in there as long as you're comfortable, or possibly financially able.

However, on the flip side, if you hear nothing for 2-4 weeks, safe to say move on. It's pretty much 20th century thinking for a company to be that behind in its communication practices and possibly that slow in its decision making.