How soon should I call back after an interview? And other professional questions.

Question

After handing my paralegal resume out to every law firm in my small town, I finally got an e-mail back from a firm setting up an interview. I was impressed because I am a young college student with one year left before I finish my degree. I, of course, dressed professionals and arrived early with an extra binded copy of my resume. The interview went well in my opinion, but at the end of the interview I was told they had already interviewed one other person and had a couple more people to interview. I was told that I could keep in contact to hear something. How long should I wait before I call back? The interview was at 10 a.m. on August 5th. I was told two weeks by my best friend's mother otherwise she should I would look desperate. She also said I ruined my chances by stating in the interview that I am willing to file papers, do legal research, clean the bathrooms, whatever needed to be done. I thought I was sounding humble, but she says it was embarassing and unprofessional. Was it grossly unprofessional and how long should I wait before calling back?

Answer 1

Most companies will not want applicants to call them regarding the result of the interview.

Are you sure it's ok for them that you call back? If yes, then make one single call and be sure you will get all the information you need. But I dont think you need to call them at all. If the company wants you, they will contact you.

Answer 2

You need to call back asap!

Call the person you interviewed with and speak with nobody else. If they are not available keep calling back till they are.

You also need to send a letter telling them thank you for the interview.

It may seem desperate but that tells the people you interviewed for that you want the job and that you are willing to do anything for it.

You should go to 48days.com

The guy Dan Miller on that site is wonderful interview and resume coach. He has free pod casts that you can download and listen to and great interview tips and ideas.

And whatever you do NO EMAIL!!

That is so impersonal. Even in the world of tech people who are hiring you do NOT want to see emails and text messages. Be formal use mail and telephone. They will be impressed I promise!!

Good luck

Answer 3

As stated, I would send a thank you card ASAP.

As far as a callback, one week is what I would wait. Generally, you are going to talk to the secretary anyhow and just ask if they have made any decisions. Usually, unless otherwise told, you won't be speaking to the person who will be hiring you so no need to worry about sounding desperate. Also, this is the professional world, not a morning phone call after a good date. Desperation is not really at issue. You will usually just look motivated to get the job.

Still, one week is usually enough so that they do not feel like they are wasting time by taking your phone call. If you call back the next day, they will usually think you're bonkers or you don't listen (they said they have a couple others to interview...that means "we won't have an answer right away).

Oh and as far as ruining your shot by saying you can clean bathrooms...depends on the context. I can't imagine that you put that kind of thing in bold face on your resume or cover letter...as long as they cracked a smile when you said that, you're fine. Even if they didn't, I wouldn't write it off on that alone.

Answer 4

Wait some 3-4 days and shoot then an e-mail... E-mails are not so upfront, so the interviewer doesn't have the pressure to answer you back quick like when you call him.

Answer 5

You should write a letter or even an email thanking them for the opportunity to interview and that you look forward to hearing from them. This will keep you fresh in their minds and show that you are a courteous and conscientious person. After the two weeks is up I would give them a day or two and then maybe just phone to ask them if they have made a decision.