How long to wait after an interview

IMO you should never ask, just let it happen. In your situation, just tell them now. If they want you they want you, if they don't they don't. You aren't going to ruin anything by asking. Or not asking.

 

That has to be the most confusing advice ever. "I would never" followed by "go ahead you got nothing to lose".

 

Don't ask, if they are interested in giving you an offer they will contact you at some point, if not they won't.

 

I would just be patient and wait for them to contact you unless you have other offers on the table that you are contemplating.

 

You could (and probably should) at least follow up and thank the people(s) for their time. Mention the parts of the interview that impressed you and again express your desire to join the company. I wouldn't ask about the decision though - that will come eventually.

 

This is actually a good way to possibly ask without asking. Just say "thank you" and that you're still interested in the position if it's still available. Point out the positives like what you enjoyed about the people you met, what interested you about what they said, and what you like about the company. With any luck they'll respond with "you're still in the running and we're still interviewing" or "sorry, position filled". If they ignore you, it's probably a crappy company anyway. :grin:

 

depends on what position you're applying for...

 

How long ago was your interview? IMO, you should wait out around 2 weeks before e-mailing and asking when you can expect a decision. Sometimes, a company will never call and not even tell you that they don't want you. It's quite annoying and shows how the company doesn't give a crap about anyone. I'd rather get some closure so I can move on if it's a no. Asking after around two weeks shows that you are still interested in the position, so go for it if it's been that long.

 

I am kind of not liking some of the advice in this thread.

One thing you should or should have done is sent a thank you note, thanking the people for their time and expressing your interest in the position. You should have sent this ASAP after the interview, and if you have not, still send one. Emails are fine, but hand written notes in the mail still make a big impression and can set you apart.

Also, you should certainly follow up. One of the questions you should have asked at the end of the interview would be an actual date for when they expect a decision to be made. Since your only answer is soon, I'd follow up with them after a week or two, make sure to again thank them for their consideration and time, make sure to again express your interest for the position, and politely ask what the date may be for a decision.

The trick is to follow up and show interest without being annoying or desperate. It actually does make an impression if the hiring manager knows that you WANT to work there.

 

You just have to wait it out man. Sometimes it takes awhile for HR to approve a new req, and sometimes they have to interview other candidates as well. If you've sent a personalized follow up email, you're good. Otherwise, don't ask them. It's bush league and makes you look desperate.

 

This. This is one of the biggest complaints from personnel managers these days, the fact that no one ever bothers to send thank you notes anymore. It used to be considered proper etiquette, but just like so many other things, it has fallen by the wayside.

You send a thank you note, it lets them know you are seriously interested, paying close attention, have higher-than-normal character, and keeps you in the front of their minds too.

And it's not too 'in your face' either, which is a turn-off.

 

I would give it about two weeks (and have done this before for a job that I eventually got) before inquiring about the position again, unless they specifically told you it would take a while to make a decision.

It can be just another thank you to them and ask them if the position has been filled and/or if you are still being considered.

From the employer's perspective, they have to know that people often have more than one job opportunity at a time ... so I don't think you can hurt yourself by asking if you are still being considered before moving on.

 

I interviewed for my current job on September 10th of 2007....I started on November 27th. I had to go through 3 interviews and it was 3-4wks in between them. Sometimes it takes a while to get things going..especially in bigger companies.

 

You should call them immediately.

 

I just interviewed a candidate for a contract position for our reporting project and we had to verbally inform her right after that we are going to make an offer because she really sounded knowledgeable and perfect fit for the project. We interviewed 5 candidates last week, they were ok but not as good as this one.

 

Bingo. I work closely with career counselors and this is the advise that they give.