This has happened to me more times than I care to think about. When it comes to interviewing, the emphasis is on the candidates maintaining a professional attitude, image, etc., while some employers fail miserably in that department. I realize employers are swamped, but with technology as it is, there's no excuse for not sending some sort of acknowledgement even when you aren't hired. Thank you for your article. I feel SO much better knowing this happens to others.

Dear Barbara
I really enjoy your writings. It fabulous.
I've forwarded the site address to a graphic artist friend who is in the job search. Thanks for doing this.

Dear Barbara,

I waited three weeks after a second interview before I received a job offer. The salary they offered was ten thousand less than I presented in my cover letter. How should I negotiate for the increase in salary or should I move on to the next opportunity?

Thanks

Leslie, you raised two issues in your comment that I could write about in another blog. But because you need to get back to the prospective employer, I'll respond to you now.

The first issue involves whether or not to indicate a salary requirement in the application process. Clients have told me that some employers insist on it in order to consider their application. If this is the case, it's always advised to find out the current range for that position in the marketplace and factor it in with your skills, experience and the job requirements.

That your job offer came in $10K less than you stated in your cover letter is an indication of lack of information on someone's part.

It is always possible that the employer will up their offer, but that gap is considerable. If you really want this job, you will need to come up with convincing reasons why they should increase their offer (e.g. your level of expertise commands a higher salary in the marketplace, or you'll bring a particular value to the position) . Some people think that the fact they previously earned a particular salary is reason enough--it's not!

Good luck if you decide to negotiate.

It has happened to me, too. And when I try to follow up with the person I interviewed with, they never ever return emails or phone calls. I think it is rude.

On the other hand, it's great insight into the corporate environment. If this is the way they treat prospective employees, this is probably not the type of person or company I want to work for.

I stumbled on this article looking for some guidance. I have recently been to a job interview - first interview was August 5 the second interview with the Chief Marketing Executive was two weeks later. He was impressed and said someone would be calling me. A day later HR contact me for references - one week later I sent a follow up. HR came back apologizing for being swamped but said the VP of HR will be contacting me. Still waiting!

I know my references were checked. I called HR today to find out whether there's any news and he said they passed on all the information to "the powers that be" and is waiting for them. As I had some offers I mentioned I gave notice to my current employer and they are my top choice. Did I mess up my chances?

I'm about to have a heart attack! Any feedback will help immensely.

Thanks.

Dont' panic! I can't see that you did anything to jeopardize your candidacy for the job. The timing of your calls to HR seemed appropriate and they should see your enthusiasm for the new position as a good thing.
I assume you gave adequate thought to your options before you gave notice to your current employer.

Hi Barbara,

Yes, I have give it considerable thought - and they have come back with their own offer as well.

My concern was that I may have yanked the HR Advisors chain a little to hard, which may result in me being passed over.

She mentioned she would pass on the information, about my subsequent offer, to the "powers that be" in hopes they move quicker. I was afraid that that might scare them away and think me arrogant.

Your feedback has put my mind at ease (for now)! Really appreciate it. How much longer should I give them?

Thanks sooooo much.

Thanks.

Clearly, you're skills and experience are in demand! During this waiting stage, be careful not to make up negative scenarios that will only raise your anxiety unnecessarily. You could give them a week to respond then email or call HR again. Keep in mind that you already know they are moving slowly as the HR person admitted. Have patience and stay positive.

Thanks Barbara for your help.

I'll hang tight until I hear something from them or until next week.

The insight has been valuable, I'll let you know what happens!

Thanks.

Hi Barbara,

So, it's been over a week and still I've heard nothing. Should I move on or call them, or wait for next week.

I'm a little confused.

Thanks,
T.

Dear Barbara,

I interviewed with a company back in May of this year. The interview went so well that I could have been hired on the spot. It was the perfect position I've been in search of for quite sometime. Although, I had a major impediment that held me from accepting the position so soon. I was in the middle purchasing a new home and was currently in escrow. Loan officer pointed out a job move would jeopardize closing escrow. Hence, I mentioned to the interviewer if he could hold off a few weeks from hiring me. He verbally agreed and said it shouldn’t be a problem.

Weeks went by and my family and I moved into our new home. I stayed in contact with the potential employer frequently and appeared things were going to materialize. Although, I soon found out the position was filled due to dire needs. A disappointment to hear but he mentioned plans of creating another position specifically for me. Of course, I was greatly appreciative of the opportunity. This conversation took place in mid-July.

Waiting patiently, several weeks have past and I finally receive a phone call from a HR representative. I was very excited that things were finally progressing. An hourly rate or salary requirement was requested of me. I submitted my salary request and it was agreed upon. Supposedly, I was 99.9% in according to the HR rep.

Although, two days later I receive a phone call from the same HR rep. and he says there are some funding issues and we’ll have to request for funding allocated from next years budget. It’s been almost four weeks (late Sept.) now and still waiting on final approval or not. Anyhow, I’ll leave it at that. It seems I'm being lead on. What do you think Barbara?

Don

It's nice to know that this sort of thing doesn't just happen to me. I had four job interviews for a position at a very reputable company. After my last interview (which was with HR) I followed up a week later and several times thereafter and not once did I receive a response. Two months later I'm yet to even receive the "form letter" informing me that another candidate has been chosen for the position. I should add that this company gives candidates quantitative math tests no matter what position they are applying for but they don't have the professionalism to respond to you when you've invested hours of your time applying to their company. It was a very disappointing experience.

M

Dear Barbara,

I had two great interviews for for a position on Friday, September 23. I promptly sent Thank You emails to both interviewers. On Monday, September 26th, I was asked by one of my interviewers for my references which I immediately sent over. On Tuesday, September 27th I was told by all three of my references that they had been contacted and all three gave great references. On Friday, September 30th I sent HR and one of the interviewers a follow-up email. I know both read my emails(return receipts confirmed) but neither responded. Is this a bad sign? And when do I follow-up again with a phone call or email? The waiting is killing me, It's almost worse to know that they contacted my references.

Help!

M

I applied for a job on 9/29. Got an interview, peer, on 10/5 and was asked for three references on the spot. In addition to filling me in on the aspects of the job and being peer-interviewed by the whole team, the hiring director showed me the office space, saying it could be painted, what the benefits were, and when she would be making the definite decision - over the weekend, by 10/10. I called on 10/10 and thanked her and the team for the interview process and then asked about the progress. She said that she was waiting for call backs on references and working on salary negotiations, etc... I begged off..tyring to be patient and positive. By 10/13, she called to tell me to "hang in there". Now on 10/17, I just left a message with the hiring director to check on the situation. Still trying, trying real hard, to be patient and stay positive. Like others in this blog, I am absolutely going nuts with this process- knowing how much others are holding my future in their hands with this maddening hiring process. We all need some stress reduction exercises, a stiff drink, and the end to this madness with a definitive word from our prospective employers. Thanks!

Wow, sad to say, but I feel better knowing that other have experienced the " no call back/no response from employers after interviewing.

I had just started my new job search around the time of most of these post. I have had three "no call backs/no response . No big deal untile i found the the job that was made for me. After a first, second and all expenses paid fly out for a third interviw I was left hanging wih no call back even after the follow-up calls. What went wrong? I will never know. Too bad for that employer and good for me in hind sight

I have read all of these articles and have found relief. I had a job interview with 2 individuals with a reputable company in my area 3 weeks ago. The interviews went great. I sent a thank you letter to those individuals immediately afterwards. A week later I was called for a second interview. I had the second interviews with two VPs of the company a week after that phone call. During the last interview with the second VP, he informed me that I am the best candidate for the job, he is very impressed with my skills and background and that I will hear a yeah or neah within the next week. I immediately sent them a thank you letter as well. One VP replied the other did not, however I received a read receipt. A week from that date, I did not receive a phone call, so I took the initiative and called the HR Recruiter to follow-up. She informed me that the second VP that I interviewed with is the individual that they are waiting on before they make a decision. It has now been 1.5 weeks later and I have not heard anything. I may call again this Friday just to follow-up but don't know if I should. In the meantime, I've still been applying for other positions and keeping things in tact with my current employer. The waiting is killing me although I've tried to move on. I don't know what else to do. I've done my part and I had excellent interviews, have excellent skills, and a superb education. I was very professional, friendly with every contact, smiled, and had a very positive attitude. I'm holding on to some glimmer of hope. Do you think I should call them again this Friday or not? What are your suggestions?

Dear Barbra,
I applied for a post in April this year just after two days I was contacted and called for interview on the 24th April after two days I was called again for a second interview on the 28th with the PA to CEO I was then told that I will be informed but for next one month nothing heard upon my follow-up I was called for a Final interview with the Deputy CEO I was so excited but just after 30 minutes I recieved another call cancelling that interview as Deputy CEO was called for an urgent meeting. I was told to be advised later.Since then almost every other week I follow-up with HR but no response, I am told that HR is still waiting for Deputy CEO response and my interview is on hold. What would you suggest should I still hope or give up?

I applied for a position the first week of September. The following week I was called for a Pre-Screening appointment. Three days later I was summoned to take a two hour assessment test. The same week I had an interview with the Hiring Manager. She then set up an interview with the assistant director of HR. This person was supposed to call for a phone interview on a Tuesday. No call. I called the company to inquire and it turns out she was "hung up". The phone interview was rescheduled for the following Friday. In the meantime I interviewed with the VP and felt very positive about our interaction. She discussed several long term options with the company. I sent a Thank you email the following day. Friday came and the Assistant Dir. called me late just to change our phone interview to an in person meeting the following Monday. I arrived 15 minutes early--then waited almost 45 minutes until we began the actual interview. She was obviously distracted and busy and I felt her mind was not fully into our conversation. At any rate, she said they would make a decision within the week. It is now Friday and I have heard nothing. I realized they are all swamped and have their own goals/agendas to meet. After such an intense month of jumping through hoops I am looking for feedback and haven't received any yet. It is amazing to make oneself so available for interviews, remain upbeat throughout the organizations twists and turns---and then to only................WAIT..... My friend suggested I blog about this and I do feel a little better I am not afloat alone in the sea of uncertainty--Good Luck to us all--(I don't belive in luck--but this situation is quite unsettling to say the least.

I was called for an interview on 26th of Sept.It went well and I was told that I will hear a response in 2wks. Two weeks later no word from the manager so I felt the need to call, after speaking to him he infromed me that I was in the running and needed to organise a 2nd meeting with the director. I did not speak to him again for another week.Its now the 18th of October, he has asked me to read and understand the job spec and also visit a couple of sites while he organises a meeting. He has said he will call and has nt. Its just making me worried and upset cause I would really like this role compared to all the others i have seen

hi ,
i had an interview on the 5thof jan and two days later the HR called and said they would be checking my references and wouldnot delay the processing , they got in touch with two of my referees and now that i emailed them at the end of two weeks they informed me that they will take a decision in the next day or two and now its been a week and I have not heard from them.I am not sure what to think,
please help.
Thanks,
mo

Mo, yours is not an uncommon situation. Wait a few more days then call the person with whom you interviewed to ask about the status of the position. Job candidates are on pins and needles awaiting word on their employment, while the employer is handling other issues which may delay the process. Be patient and good luck!

Everyone, this is the way they do business. They will jerk you around til no end. Keep this in mind when asking for salary...get what you can from a company and NEVER feel guilty, because they would do the same to you.

I've interviewed with at least 13 companies in the last two months and only one has gotten back to me and actually said "no". I thanked them for that.

I had an interview with a very good company. I know they called my references (and they are good). I know that they are also doing a background check and that is ok. I am only concerned with my credit history since it is really not that great. Do you think that can bring me in danger?? And how would they look at that "minus"?

A friend of my told me about this position since he knows the guy personally.

Thank you.

Last month I went on 3 interviews within 2 weeks with a great company. It's a perfect position to give me the appropriate launch into my career. After the third interview I received an email from HR saying that everything went well and they have been asked to start putting together an offer. That was a month ago. I followed up after 2 weeks announcing that they were putting together an offer and was told to continue to hang tight, they are waiting on finance's approval. Just a week ago I followed up for a second time to find out that there was a hold on the position and it may be lifted soon. I'm starting to loose faith. I'm very worried that this may never happen. But I'll continue to follow up with HR every other week for an update. The waiting around is killing me. I am currently employed, however I wasn't even looking. I was recruited. I won't be ready to continue looking until I know this is all said and done. *big sigh*

I know how you feel Cathy. As I mentioned above I am very nervous as well. Today I got in touch with them again and they said they only need to get in touch with my references in order to make the offer.

But the wait is killing me.

Sorry instead of putting my name down I put yours cathy. Sorry for that.

Now my question is. Who actually makes the official offer?

HR Department, the company's recruter or the manager???

Thanks

Waiting can be so frustrating, especially when the company does not keep to their timeframes for hiring. But, keep in mind that their focus is not solely on your hiring and things come up that need to be attended to. Keep the faith!

If you are working through a recruiter, they typcially extend the offer for the employer.

My situation is:

They CAN NOT give an official offer until they check my references. Is that a standard procedure?

Thanks.

That is standard with some institutions, like schools. But, not as common in other industries. An organization or company can se their own practices for hiring.

Can anyone out there offer me some advice? I applied for a position via the company website. I actually went on and found the person who was the HEAD OF THE DEPT. for which I was applying. However, she is based in the UK. Would you believe she never answered my emails. The good news is that an HR person called and said she forwarded my resume to them and they wanted to discuss salary requirements. Well, the converstation ended with the HR person promising to call back and schedule an interview. Well, after a week and a half, she called back and said the woman that I sent my resume to directly would like a phone interview.

I finally had the phone interview with her last Wed. 6/20. I immediately sent a Thank you letter to her after the call. I then sent a brief 1 liner email to the recruiter the next day asking for feedback. I have not heard anything as of yet. My excuse is that the Hiring Manager is in the UK and there is a 5 hour time difference. She said that she had 3 more interviews to conduct and that she would be in touch.

Is this a good sign? PLEASE SOMEONE RESPOND!!!

Hey there - this is a very informative board and I am pleased to know that there are other people in similar situations. here's my situation . . . I interviewed with a company last week of May . . . went well, sent follow up letters and was told by the person who I would be reporting to directly that I was there #1 pick and that they would be sending an offer letter soon. Didn't hear anything for a week. Following week references were called by HR, and was given an update last Friday (from HR) via e-mail that letter was on it's way, (exact words were should have it to you by the end of day). Well, friday came and went and then monday, and, then I followed up with a call on Tuesday to find out status. I didn't want to sound paranoid . . . I was given a time frame and it wasn't met, and I wanted to find out what was going on (i.e. was letter e-mailed and I didn't receive it for some reason. . . technology isn't always reliable). HR guy told me head gal who needs to approve everything was out and would be back following day (Wed). and that I would hopefully have everything by eod Wednesday. HR guy also said they wouldn't reneg (found this odd, since I didn't think I sounded anxious . . . maybe they said it b/c they don't want me going anywhere else)? Anyway, since he said this, I'm now wondering if the call hurt me in any way (again, coming across as anxious). Since then, I have gotten nothing. No e-mail, no follow up call. As much as I wanted to, I didn't call again b/c I didn't want to appear desperate, but, at the same time, I'm being given time frames and they are not being met. IThe bottom line is that I don't like being mislead, although, yes, I understand this is corporate america, people are busy, the holiday is approaching and everything doesn't go as planned. And HR also has only so much control over the situation. As everyone knows, the waiting period is hard and I'm human - I would be lying if I said I wasn't starting to second guess the situtation. So, my question is, if I do not hear anything by Monday a.m. is it advisable for me to follow up again? Or should I wait it out? Only thing that sux is that it's the holiday next week, and most people are off. I'm afraid I'm going to go through another week of this. Thanks. j

John, yours is one of the most drawn out hiring processes I've heard about. The way you've been treated makes me wonder about the company's organization, communication and respect for staff. If you are indeed offered the job, you might want to request an explanation for the way this was mishandled before saying accepting the offer.

Thanks Barbara, and, I agree . . .it is drawn out and I'm a little shocked about it. What's going on here - and what I didn't mention in my previous e-mail - is that I asked for a higher salary than they anticipated, and, I think that's the hold up. They have communicated that they want me, and, according to what I've been told, they're putting together a "bonus" package for me and that's the thing that needs to be signed off on.
This is also a newly created position in the company, so, I suspect they may be getting their ducks in a row in terms of job description, et al. And while this HR guy has good intentions, he's probably speaking prematurely about getting this over to me before the "big guy" signs off (who probably has a stack of papers a mile high on his desk and mine is on the bottom). Needless to say, I don't feel like much of a priority at the moment. Anyway, with this in mind, and, going back to my original question . . .does it makes sense to follow up on Monday, or, should I hold out a little bit? Honestly, if I do touch base, I'm temped to say I have other offers (which I don't) however, I know this could be a turn off and could possibly do more harm than good. So, my second question (if I do decide to follow up) is this: Is there a proper way to close this without sounding too pushy? Believe it or not, after all is said and done, I am still very much interested in the position and I know it would be a good fit for me. Thanks in advance.

John,
It's ok to call on Monday or Tuesday--just as a "check in" on the process, not to put any pressure. I was surprised that you "talked salary" before an offer had been made which is when the negotiations typically begin.

I interviewed and received the news that I had the job but they were making up the job offer sheet.

I was told I would get it by the end of the week or the following week since they are hectic at this time.

It is now going on the third week of waiting since that email, should I contact him?

We have been corresponding through my personal email since I have a job with a company already in the same field.

Dear Barbara,
I have received a call from a senior guy from a bank at the GCC that i have met once when i was offering them an investment opportunity through my current employer, he told me that they are pleased to c my interest in joining their newly established investment arm 4 their organization i welcomed the idea
travelled , interviewed by other 4 senior poeple, the 1st guy kept promising me to prepare the offer shortly cause every other week i follow up with him, after a month and a half he said there is one more senior that has joined recently for their investment arm co. and would like to interview me by phone, conversed the new senior was very impressed as well, i call the 1st guy
he confirmed that the 5 guys has recommend hiring me and its now with HR to prepare the offer. One more month and a half now , i call every other week the guy is telling me the HR will give the offer within two more days which never happened, sent a follow up email to the guys interviewed me, one replied thanking me 4 the email and that they will need some more time as they are busy in curving out their investment to the newly established arm co but they will get back as soon as possible.
What do u think are they honest, shall speak to the HR directly although i dont know the HR
please advice

many thanks,

Mohammed

Barbara:
Hello!! I had an interview last week for the job of my dreams. And I froze, I sounded completely unresearched and stupid in the interview. Needless to say, it didn't go well. The interviewer said they would call in a week, should I wait until they call or call them. I'm desperate for the job!
Thanks,
Allie