What is the normal callback time for a job after an interview?

[southernbelle5672]

DH had a job interview last Thursday and I was sort of expecting to hear something this week. We didn't get a call though. I'm only 21, still in college and I've never had an interview for a "real" job. So how long is normal? Should we be worried after one week with no call?

 

[kk8273]

It all depends on the company. The place I work at waits about 2 weeks. (they take so long!!!) So keep your fingers crossed and good luck!

 

[DISdreamin']

I'll second the "it depends" - where I work, we had a hiring committee and between scheduling conflicts and such, it took nearly a month between the first interviews with us and second interviews with the "head honcho"!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Having been on both sides of the table, when you're the applicant it's all you can think about, but when you're doing the hiring it's just one of many responsibilities - just another item on your to-do list. Doesn't cross your mind otherwise. Maddening for the applicant, but that's how it is. Thinking good thoughts for your husband!

 

[dis75ney]

As PP's have said, it all depends on the company. When I applied for my current position, it took six weeks between the time I applied and when I got the job offer. And I was told later by my HR rep that I was one of the fastest hires they've had since he'd been working there! One of my friends applied and it took her three months before she got her offer. It can be gut-wrenching, I know...

 

[luvmy3jewels]

I think it can range anywhere from one week to six months, depending on the job and how many people are interviewing for it (and if background checks have to be made). I remember when I was just out of college I intereviewed for two state funded jobs and got a call back at 3 months for one job and 6 months later for another. By the time I recieved those calls, I had already accepted another opportunity.

(By the way, in my current position when I have hired new employees the latest I have ever notified an applicant was two weeks after the interview. I usually make the decision very quickly on who I want based on the interviews and resumes that are submitted).

 

[DISdreamin']

I think it can range anywhere from one week to six months, depending on the job and how many people are interviewing for it (and if background checks have to be made).

Oh, yes to this! In point of fact, from the time of the interview to the actual HIRE was 4 or more months for the position we hired for last year. We interviewed, made the initial cut, sent the names up to the big boss, they interviewed, then the finalist(s) had to have their background checks done, THEN the offer was made. We're talking an easy 4 months there, from start to finish. Applications were due in January, the final hire wasn't completed until some time in very late May or early June.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

I hope this isn't the case for anyone else but my dh once got a call offering him a job 1year...almost to the day...after his interview. He works in sort of a specialized field so he sometimes gets job offers on reputation alone. They didn't even ask him to come in for another interview. Thankfully, he had a job during that year and was only looking for an easier commute.

 

[Oldironsides]

I once had an interview for which the only reason I went was to have some leverage to get a raise. Well it went well, but I never heard from them. One year and 2 days later I got a message on my machine from the department manager asking me when I could start and they were excited to have me. I didn't even call them back. Strange?

 

[SarahKate]

I agree that it all depends upon the company - how fast they want to fill the position, how many applicants, etc. I'd say you'd definitely want to give it a few weeks. Also, did DH send a follow-up letter after his interview? He should definitely do that if he didn't already! It's just good "interview etiquette". Best of luck to your DH!!!

 

[richmond282]

I'm a teacher. I've always gotten a call to offer a job within 2 days. Any time I interviewed but wasn't offered a job, I got a letter about a week later.

 

[java]

Did he do the followup thank you?
You should get a feel for how you did with that.
When I was the one hiring I was quick to decide- always called if we were interested even if we were still looking. Just to be kind to let them know they were still in the running. But I know many companies don't work like that.

Best of luck to him!

 

[southernbelle5672]

Thanks to everyone for their responses. Your answers are encouraging. And to the people that mentioned the follow-up letter: thank you so much! I have always heard that but haven't even thought to mention it to DH. I just told him about it and he is planning to write a letter/e-mail/phone call on Monday. Does anyone know which form of communication is preferred?

 

[disneychrista]

In some cases, especially a smaller company, if you aren't hired you aren't going to hear from them. I know I don't have time to send regrets to all that applied and weren't hired/interviewed.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I've always heard back within a week. Now when they've wanted me I've heard back within 2-3 days.

 

[ohlas]

Presently looking for job and yes some companys take forever, some are like no thank you.

It can make you crazy just apply to all and take the first one then quite them if your perfect job picks you.

And companies wonder why there is such i high turn over rate.

 

[apnep]

I just told him about it and he is planning to write a letter/e-mail/phone call on Monday. Does anyone know which form of communication is preferred?

If he can call, do that. Thanks very much for the opportunity to interview, I'm really interested, do you have any idea when you'll be making a decision? Or you can email. Don't do snail mail, that takes too long.

Next time, after the interview wraps up, ask when they'll be making a decision and when you can expect to hear from them either way. And always send a thank you email immediately after. If you want the job go get it!

Good luck!!

Angela

 

[kaytieeldr]

Don't do snail mail, that takes too long.

Snail mail may take longer than e-mail or a phone call, but because SO few interviewees bother, it's more memorable and, frequently, more impressive for a variety of reasons.

 

[ohlas]

I sent my thank you notes the next day I address them to the persons that interviewed me and i snail mail them it really only takes 1-2 business days for them to get it and a nice thank you never hurts anything. Trust me they arent making up their minds for weeks anyways.

My last 2 interviews they had a dead line of 3 wks out to make up their mind.

If your interviewed and someone has a hugh disney collection in their office sent a disney thank you.

The 1st interview i went too was for bank teller, when i made it back to second round of interviews she still had the lighthouse ty note on her shelf with all the other lighthouse things she had and in the pre interview talking she actually said it was the most thought full interview note she had recieved in a long time.

I didnt get the job, but thats ok i was just practiceing my interviewing skills on them.

Sent resume and nice cover letter to everything you are remotly interested in or quailifed for, they say the more interviews you the better you get a selling yourself because that really what it is, im selling my butt to xx company for xx dollars lol . (disney dollars would be nice lol)

 

[southernbelle5672]

Thanks for all of the advice! He actually called yesterday and the guy seemed very appreciative of the follow-up. We wouldn't have thought of it without yall! Then, later yesterday afternoon he called back and would like DH to come for a 3rd interview to meet with the general manager. The interview is on Wednesday!