How many times should you call a potential employer that called you but you were not at home?

Question

Ok, I applied for a job, and the employer called me, and left me a message on my answering machine since I was not at home when she called. I called back and got her voice mail, so I left a message. She has not called again. Should I call again? If so, how long should I wait before trying to call again? I don't want to seem like a pest, or like I am desperate for the job.

Answer 1

Depending on the content of the message she left you, you should give her two days before calling a second time.  

If it was for a job offer, then give her a couple days.  Your best times to call are usually first thing in the am, or just before quitting time.  The phones tend to be less busy then (well, they are for me) and a call in the morning tells her that you are up early and out of bed...which is a good sign for most employers.  It shows ambition.

Calling every day looks desperate, leaving it any longer than that means you don't care.

Oh - is it possible you haven't heard back because she's on vacation right now?  Or maybe off sick?  Is there a receptionist you go through to get to her voice mail?  Maybe if you call back, you can ask if she's away from the office before they connect you to her messaging.

HTH

Answer 2

I know how you feel.

Give it a few days.  I worry about being a pest too, but don't worry about it.

Sometimes they expect you to pester them.  It shows you really want the job.

Answer 3

I would call until I got in touch with her. The worst that can happen is that the position has already been filled, but at least you would know, and not have to wonder. What you call desperation, I call drive/ambition. Employers like to see determination. Just go for it!

Answer 4

You don't say how long ago they called, but I would call back if I hadn't gotten a reply in 3 or 4 hours.  If this is a position that you really want I would not wait more than 24 hours of no response to a phone message before I would go to the employer's office and indicate that you have tried to return their call and that you are interested in the position.  

Answer 5

give it 24  to 48 hours

Answer 6

If you won't be a pest, you won't get the job.  Calling once daily shows interest without being stalker-scary.