Not getting a follow-up call, as promised, happens more than you think. Candidates are sure they are a shoo-in for the position; they're expecting an offer. Then they hear nothing. This is not only frustrating for the candidate, but also reflects poorly on the company.
Expecting a Call That Doesn't Come
Cheryl feels confident she aced the interview and has followed up with a dynamite thank-you letter. She was told a decision would be made before the end of the week, and is almost sure she will receive an offer. That was Tuesday, and by Friday, she is having doubts. There has been no call from the company.
Does this mean she isn't going to get an offer? Should she call and ask, "What's up?" Or should she just wait over the weekend?
Cheryl consults her cousin, Gloria, who is a human resources manager at another company. Gloria tells her she should call the interviewer and find out where she stands. She advises her to wait until Tuesday to call, because Mondays are never good days to call.
The Follow-Up Phone Call
On Tuesday morning, Cheryl is equipped with a script so she will be focused and confident when she makes her call. She gets voicemail and leaves a message:
"Miss French, this is Cheryl Jones. We met last Tuesday when I interviewed for the position of customer service rep. I'd like to inquire about the status of the position and whether I am still under consideration for the job. I would appreciate it if you would get back to me today. My number is 333-999-8888. Thank you for your time."
Be Persistent, Not a Pest
If you don't get a return call as promised, call them and leave a message. Be prepared, professional and courteous. Try to reach the person at least once, explaining you want the information before you consider other positions because this company is your first choice. If you don't get an answer, consider it a "no." There is a fine line between being persistent and being a pest.
You may get lucky and actually reach the person when you call. If you have such luck, use this opportunity to ask for feedback on your interview. Sometimes, not often, a person will give you advice. If this happens, be grateful and learn from the experience.
Most employers are aware that candidates are anxious about the status of their acceptance and will let them know in a timely manner. But there are employers who keep candidates waiting and wondering what happened, even though they said they would call by a certain date. Take this into consideration as insider information about the company's practices and whether you would want to work for this company.
In the meantime, rather than sitting and waiting for a phone call that may never come, continue to work on your job search. It is never wise to "put all your eggs in one basket."
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