Specific question - How to follow up with this potential job offer?

Question

I have had 2 interviews with this company and I don't really know what my next move should be.

In my 2nd interview, I met with both partners and we talked for about 2 hours. It was really great and we all got along so well. They were even making statements about how perfect I was for the position. About 2 weeks after the 2nd interview I called the owner and left a voicemail. A couple days later she wrote me this email:

Hello Brenda,

We are very serious about hiring you. I appologize for not contacting you sooner but we were waiting for a large contract to be executed and it is taking much longer to come on board than I anticipated. We should hear shortly about this. When are you available to start? Can you wait a few weeks? Pleae let me know and we can talk further.

Best Regards,

Jan

I wrote back saying the time frame works for me and to just keep me posted. however, now It has been 3 weeks since I sent sent her that email.

Any suggestions for my next move? Thanks -

Answer 1

It sounds like the funding for the salary paid to the position which you are being considered for is dependant upon the approval and signing of the contract she referred to.  ...  In that case, if the contract falls through, then the position would not be filled.  Additionally if the contract does come through for them, but for a lesser amount than they anticiapted it can change their plan to add to staff and/or change how much they can pay someone if staff is added.  It may be months before said contract comes through or it may not come through at all.  Companies generally wait until contracts are in place before beginning efforts to add staff to meet requirements of the contract.  But some do 'jump the gun', feeling certain the contract will come through.

I would say that it would be fine to follow up with a friendly, professional email saying something like:  This is a follow up to my last communication of <insert date you responded to the email they sent you>.  I do have sincere interest in the position  of <insert title of job you applied for here>, with <insert name of the company here> and wanted to touch base with you to inquire on your status in filling that position.  Please understand that while the position with <insert their company name here> is my first choice, other prospects have arisen, creating a need for me to know your status on this position.  Please let me know if you still plan on filling the position as well as some general time-frame if you have such.  I look forward to hearing back from you.   Best Regards, <your name here>

They may take an 'out' by responding that they have decided not to fill the position at this time- and that is happening more with the economy in a downturn.  But you need to know if they still plan to hire. If not, then you can restart your job search in earnest.    (Side note - you might think twice about taking a postition with a group that strings you along in the interview process.  That can signal their business style - and that business style can be uncomfortable or even unstable.)

Answer 2

I would call her and ask her if she has any further updates as to the pending offer, and follow that up with an email.

In one week, if you don't hear anything call again and send an email as a follow up.

If nothing then, if it was me I would assume that there will be no offer and look elsewhere.

Answer 3

i would call her. just to send a reminder that you are waiting to hear from her. call her and be like, "i just want to touch base with you about the position, it has been a few weeks and i want to make sure we are on track...yada yada yada" see what she says. but maybe your last e-mail got lost in her inbox and she hasnt had a chance or forgotten to e-mail you back. if you speak to her directly, she cant lose your message. good luck!

Answer 4

I would wait until a month had passed since the day you were asked to wait "a few weeks".  Then call the hiring manager and ask how things are shaping up.  In situations like this, I've also said that I have other opportunities, but this job is my first choice, and I'd rather not waste the other people's time if it's pretty certain I'll be working here.

Best of luck.

Answer 5

I would reply to her e-mail stating they are serious about hiring you, and say that you are following up on the e-mail.

Answer 6

Send a handwritten letter thanking them for considering you. They will be impressed and get back to you quickly.

Answer 7

Now is a good time to inquire about the job again.  Keep your networking door open!  I'm sure this woman is very busy and or perhaps the project they were waiting for has not come through yet.

Don't give up and good luck!