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I had an interview with a municipality on 9/25, I believe it went very well. At the end of the interview I was asked what time works best for me for a second interview: morning, mid day or late afternoon. My preference is morning so I let them know that and the HM wrote that down. My question is should I follow up since it has been almost a week and a half and inquire where they are in the process or should I just sit tight and realize that being govt, they are probably slower than standard/private companies.
I appreciate any advice or feedback anyone could provide.
I had an interview with a municipality on 9/25, I believe it went very well. At the end of the interview I was asked what time works best for me for a second interview: morning, mid day or late afternoon. My preference is morning so I let them know that and the HM wrote that down. My question is should I follow up since it has been almost a week and a half and inquire where they are in the process or should I just sit tight and realize that being govt, they are probably slower than standard/private companies.
I appreciate any advice or feedback anyone could provide.
Thanks
Steve
Steve,
There is no exactness to this sort of thing.
You could simply wait until two full weeks have gone by and then call the person with whom you spoke and make an inquiry.
Sometimes how an inquiry like this goes depends on the relationship you had with that person. If you were both drinking out of the same bottle, then there is no damage that can be done by calling.
If you feel it is more prudent to send an email inquiry, send an email.
Two weeks is not long, even if it seems that way.
So wait two full weeks and then send an email instead of calling so you are not jamming the guy up and do not appear to be confrontational.
One of the things about this typical situation is that if they liked you and you are ahead of the other candidates, they will get back to you.
His asking what your schedule preferences are was probably just a check off point for him and was not meant to be a follow up to a close and hire.
From my own experience with municipalities, two weeks is not a long time.
In the meantime, take that extra energy and keep applying elsewhere.
You could simply wait until two full weeks have gone by and then call the person with whom you spoke and make an inquiry.
Sometimes how an inquiry like this goes depends on the relationship you had with that person. If you were both drinking out of the same bottle, then there is no damage that can be done by calling.
If you feel it is more prudent to send an email inquiry, send an email.
Two weeks is not long, even if it seems that way.
So wait two full weeks and then send an email instead of calling so you are not jamming the guy up and do not appear to be confrontational.
One of the things about this typical situation is that if they liked you and you are ahead of the other candidates, they will get back to you.
His asking what your schedule preferences are was probably just a check off point for him and was not meant to be a follow up to a close and hire.
From my own experience with municipalities, two weeks is not a long time.
In the meantime, take that extra energy and keep applying elsewhere.
Paul...........
..
Thank you for your response, I guess it is always better to err on the side of waiting versus following up and looking too eager.
As Paul says, there is no universally correct answer.
In many cases, a followup isn't going to change things one way or the other. Companies with formal processes, like most governments, are going to follow that process no matter what you do as a candidate.
Some managers are going to view it as enthusiastic and a positive thing, others view it negatively.
In general, a low key, non-intrusive approach such as a email is best. Timing should be 1-2 weeks later, but as with all things in recruitment, there is no universally true answer.
Thank you for your response, I guess it is always better to err on the side of waiting versus following up and looking too eager.
I don't think there is any such thing as 'too eager'.
It is how we are perceived that is the issue.
And since this depends on individuals and circumstances, it becomes a tangled puzzle.
Sometimes, common sense is the only viable tool to use in making a determination about these things.
This scenario and all others like it remind me of the time back in 1980 when I had been given a search assignment by a company and when I called back a few days later to present a recruit, I was told the HA had gone on vacation.
Did not call and let me know, did not give me clear instructions about what to do with candidates in the meantime.
Some things just don't change.
Paul..............
....
Last edited by HeadhunterPaul; 10-07-2015 at 08:34 AM..
I don't think there is any such thing as 'too eager'.
It is how we are perceived that is the issue.
And since this depends on individuals and circumstances, it becomes a tangled puzzle.
Sometimes, common sense is the only viable tool to use in making a determination about these things.
This scenario and all others like it remind me of the time back in 1980 when I had been given a search assignment by a company and when I called back a few days later to present a recruit, I was told the HA had gone on vacation.
Did not call and let me know, did not give me clear instructions about what to do with candidates in the meantime.
Some things just don't change.
Paul..............
....
Sent an email yesterday at 8:30am, no response. As much as I can say I am a bit disappointed, I can't say I am surprised. Thanks again for your responses.
Sent an email yesterday at 8:30am, no response. As much as I can say I am a bit disappointed, I can't say I am surprised. Thanks again for your responses.
You said it was a municipality.
Don't be in such a rush.
That you did not get a reply in one day is not something to sweat. It being Friday, he may not even be in the office. Some municipalities run their office four days/week.
You had the interview. You have done all you can do.
Now you sent an email message to inquire and so at this point, there is nothing more to do.
Keep applying elsewhere and if you get a reply, you go from there.
So after following up and not hearing anything, one of my past managers told me that the municipality had called them this afternoon. We'll see where this goes.
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I can only tell you how we do it. If we interview 20 people, only 2-3 get a second interview. After that we will make a decision, make a contingent offer, and do the reference/background check. If all goes well the person selected has the start date, those not selected are only then notified. If that person fails the checks, or doesn't accept the offer, we don't want to go back and make an offer to someone after we turned them down. This is the 2nd public agency I have worked for as a manager and both did the same. Normally I would expect the applicant to ask about the process and timing before leaving the interview, if it's not given to them. You should have an idea of when a decision will be made. to help you be prepared to follow up when appropriate.
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Follow Up or Wait
Follow Up or Wait
