What should you do if you don't hear anything after a job interview?
When you have had a job interview, you are naturally very curious to know whether, based on this interview, you will be hired or not. It may be that the outcome of this interview will take some time, what should you do if you do not hear anything after a job interview?
Reasons why you do not hear anything after a job interview
Of course, you should not be impatient, but if you still have not heard anything, for example, 2 weeks after the job interview, there may be the following reasons :
- There are still job interviews going on for this position.
- Interviews have been completed but no decision has been made.
- A decision has been made but you have not been notified of it. This could be because other work has come up that has higher priority.
- It could also be that someone else has been offered this job, but in case it doesn't go through, keeping you as a reserve. In this case, it may also take some time before you are contacted.
What should you do if you don't hear anything after a job interview?
- Approach your network
Do you know someone who already works in this company? Then ask them if they know anything about the application process or if they know if anyone has already been hired for this position. You can also approach this person in your network through social media.
- Take the initiative
Contact the person in question yourself by phone or email. 1 or 2 contacts should be enough, companies like you to take initiative, but you should not bother them by contacting them continuously.
When you contact them
Then make sure you have a good question or comment that shows you would like to know more about the application process or possible outcome. When you actually ask if you have been hired, this may sound a bit cheeky. So keep your question neutral.
Always remain friendly. After all, you don't know yet why the response is taking so long.
Handle this professionally.
Show your enthusiasm for the position.
When the decision has not yet been made, and there is doubt between you and someone else, this can be the decisive reason to hire you for the position.
At all times, thank the person you are speaking to for his or her time.
Rejected or hired
When you contact us and are immediately told that....
- You have been hired
Then thank this person for the opportunity, and let them know that you are looking forward to starting at this company.
- You've been rejected
React sportingly. It's okay to let them know you're sorry, but don't get angry or sad. Show that you can handle adversity well and this can set you apart from the rest. You can use this to your advantage for your next application to this company.
Ask on the basis of what reasons you were rejected, it is logical that you are curious about this and this way you can work on improvement points for possible other applications.
Thank this person for his or her time and effort. Also indicate that you keep yourself recommended for other positions that probably fit your profile better.
When do you get in touch?
If nothing was agreed upon after the job interview about a date when you might be contacted, wait at least a week before contacting them yourself. You do not want to appear pushy and impatient.
If a date has been agreed and you still do not hear anything on this day, you can contact them yourself on the following day, but only in the afternoon. Maybe there was other work with more priority and they will call you the morning after.
Want more application tips & tricks? You can read them in our blogs!
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