Here are some thoughts that I have on the subject –
1. Always send some kind of follow up – addressing any concerns you may have picked up or thoughts you had about the problems you heard at the interview. Whether through email or regular mail – just one more chance to put yourself in front of them.
2. Try to find out before you leave the interview what the process schedule is (add at least a week to the date given).
3. Don’t rely on one job – keep looking, no matter what was said in the interview – too many bad examples of those who thought they were a shoe-in, only to get a reject.
4. After you have waited for a reasonable period beyond the date they stated – call and inquire as to the status of the position – and whether you are still in the running.
5. Don’t ever call on Mondays – bad days to market anything.
6. If you are told you are no longer under consideration, try asking for feedback (most of the time they won’t give you any – but, you can always ask) about what you were lacking and what you could do to improve your chances with this company.
7. Don’t take it personally – there are about a thousand reasons that could have affected your chances.
8. If you leave a message inquiring about the status of the job, and no one calls you back – move on – “forget about it” – if they call later – great – but, don’t sit by the phone waiting for it to ring.
9. Accept the fact that not all companies are right for you – just like blind dates – you are out there checking them out – they are checking you out. Sometimes it’s just chemistry – sometimes it just wasn’t right for you – and you may not even know it.
10. Keep those chins up – don’t let the turkeys get you down. It’s not worth it in the long run. This too shall pass.
