How Long Have you Waited for a Job Offer?

[vhoffman]

**********************8

 

[stacy6552]

Its hard to say. However, its been my experience that when a company wants to hire you but can't for some reason, like waiting for a contract to be awarded, they tell you that. They give you some kind opening for keeping in touch.

 

[cindrela]

I feel your pain. We're going through the same thing right now. It's very fustrating just waiting, but that's exactly what we're doing. My DH has been in the interview process with a company, for at least a month. He's had several phone interviews, they even flew him to meet people, and then he was calling "just to check in" for about 2-3 weeks. Finally the process has started up again, but they said their process was long, and he's been told, if they weren't interested, they wouldn't be doing all this. I just want unemployment nightmare to be over!!!

 

[NotUrsula]

It is legitimate to ask when the decision will be made, as long as you only ask once.

In my current job, it took 4 months. It was actually due to a mix-up; two people on the committee each thought the other had offered me the job. I didn't know until HR called me and asked me to set a start date. If not for the mix-up, I would have heard 8 weeks after the initial interview.

It is not unusual for the hiring process in academic and/or government jobs to take months, especially if getting a security clearance is involved.

 

[Kellyscrapbooks]

I don't think it's unreasonable for him to call and ask when a decision may be being made.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I used to work in HR. The length of time for making job offers really varied. It depended on the department we were hiring for. Some department managers were really gung-ho about new hires and others would drag their feet.

I think it's fine to check back with a company where you've completed the interview process. You can say something like, "I was just wondering if a decision has been made about the position?" If they say no, you can say, "Would you be able to give me a timeframe for the decision? I'm speaking with several other companies but I'm most interested in yours." If they want you but are just taking their time about making an offer, this will light a fire under them to get moving. Many times we went to the hiring manager and told them their leading candidate might have other offers. That gets them to complete the offer ASAP. Good luck to you and your husband!