How long should I wait..(interview question)

[Damien]

I had a interview yesterday but I was not told (and forgot to ask) how long it would them to get back to me. I was told that there were two more people in interview but was not given a timeframe.

How long should I wait, or should I wait at all, to e-mail them and ask when i could expect a response?

[danielf]

I'd say wait a week, and then give them a ring/email.

Originally Posted by Damien

I had a interview yesterday but I was not told (and forgot to ask) how long it would them to get back to me. I was told that there were two more people in interview but was not given a timeframe.

How long should I wait, or should I wait at all, to e-mail them and ask when i could expect a response?

Most companies won't even tell you whether you've got the job or not, they'll just leave you hanging on.

[Scarlett]

Originally Posted by danielf

I'd say wait a week, and then give them a ring/email.

I agree, a week sounds about right if they have 2 others to interview. If the reply comes back negative, ask for feedback on the interview at the same time!

[Halcyon]

Normally a week.

Good luck and no matter what happens, ask for feedback. It will be useful for you in the future.

[Osem]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Normally a week.

Good luck and no matter what happens, ask for feedback. It will be useful for you in the future.

Timescale varies considerably in my experience but there's nothing to stop you contacting the company after a week or 10 days to see what's happening. Interview feedback can be very variable and I'd treat it with caution. It may be given with helpful intentions but it's rarely easy to articluate simply why one person has been chosen over another, so reasons may be offered that are not genuine and if you take those on board you will be doing the wrong thing. Also, interview decisions are based on personal opinions and everyone will have their own so by all means ask but don't just blindly accept whatever feedback you get because your next interviewer may see things very differently. Good interview technique is essential but it boils down largely to common sense - thorough research on the company, a good understanding of the job being offered and the self belief to be able to explain convincingly what you feel you have to offer.

Good luck btw

[Damien]

Cheers, Turns out I didn't get this one (lack of experence, the old catch 22) but am now awaiting the outcome of another interview.

[Caff]

Originally Posted by Damien

Cheers, Turns out I didn't get this one (lack of experence, the old catch 22) but am now awaiting the outcome of another interview.

Sorry to hear that.
You had the experience of the interview though, and the newer one - and therefore you'll be better-prepared for the next one should it be needed. So good good luck in advance on both scores.

[Osem]

Originally Posted by Damien

Cheers, Turns out I didn't get this one (lack of experence, the old catch 22) but am now awaiting the outcome of another interview.

You've just discovered the reason for my first post on this subject - the old cliche 'a lack of experience'. Hmmm.. well if you had such an vital shortcoming why did they interview you in the first place? Unsurprisingly you have been given the usual sort of response and I really wouldn't lose a moment's sleep over it. If you concentrate less on what feedback you get and more on taking the advice I gave above you will do far better. When it comes to job hunting, half a dozen well considered and properly researched applications will yield far better results than a hundred sloppy approaches. Quality as opposed to quantity is what counts if you want to find the right job with the right company and this applies as much to your interview technique as it does to your CV and preparatory work.

[Damien]

Originally Posted by Osem

You've just discovered the reason for my first post on this subject - the old cliche 'a lack of experience'. Hmmm.. well if you had such an vital shortcoming why did they interview you in the first place? Unsurprisingly you have been given the usual sort of response and I really wouldn't lose a moment's sleep over it. If you concentrate less on what feedback you get and more on taking the advice I gave above you will do far better. When it comes to job hunting, half a dozen well considered and properly researched applications will yield far better results than a hundred sloppy approaches. Quality as opposed to quantity is what counts if you want to find the right job with the right company and this applies as much to your interview technique as it does to your CV and preparatory work.

Your advice is useful thanks I do tend to Interview quite well, in this case I think it was that my classic ASP skills were not that great compared to newer technologys such as .Net so I presume someone came along who had that classic ASP skillset.

[cimt]

Sorry to hear you didn't get the job. Did you ask for feedback? If you ask then some places will tell you where you went wrong in the interview.

[Osem]

Originally Posted by Damien

Your advice is useful thanks I do tend to Interview quite well, in this case I think it was that my classic ASP skills were not that great compared to newer technologys such as .Net so I presume someone came along who had that classic ASP skillset.

Of course it's not unlikely to come across a fellow interviewee who's just plain better but good interview technique can often swing a decision in the favour of someone who isn't necessarily the best qualified or most experienced on paper. Interview technique is as much about the questions you raise as it is how you answer those posed. It's about showing how much you know about the employer, the job on offer, all the issues related to them and how your unique blend of skills, knowledge and experience fits the bill. Being able to illustrate relevant/transferrable skills and draw from other experiences/sitautions is key to success when you're faced with a scenario in which it appears your knowledge may be lacking. In short you have to 'sell' yourself in a confident but credible manner

Don't forget in your understandable rush to find a job that you need to be sure the post and the company are right for you too. Those candidates who clearly understand and reflect that message are the ones who tend to do best. No good employer wants to hire a person who doesn't really want the job on offer. HTH.

---------- Post added at 11:16 ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 ----------

Originally Posted by cimt

Sorry to hear you didn't get the job. Did you ask for feedback? If you ask then some places will tell you where you went wrong in the interview.

See post #6

[Damien]

Well seems I got the Wednesday interview. Thanks for the advice people