After being interviewed for a job, shouldn't an applicant be told if the company is interested in them or not?

Question

I asked a question about this job interview earlier today. Now I am re-phrasing it. (see above). Is common courtesy not so common anymore? I mean seriously. All I want to know is, am I still in the running or not. Am I still under consideration for the position?

Answer 1

You are not in the running if they fail to tell you in most cases. If they want to hire you, they will usually let you know their interest by saying you are a "strong candidate" or a "leading candidate." I think it's highly appropriate for you to ask after the interview how many candidates are being considered for the job. This will often give you an immediate indication of their interest in you. Please don't take interviewing personally (although it's hard not to)... it's all business to them, and it should be to you, too.

Answer 2

On the employer side of it, they could be doing the interview as a means to separate the "definite no's" vs the "still a candidate" and the hiring staff will be meeting later on once all the interviews are done to make a final decision.

Now, it would be nice for them to say whether you fall into which category or not, but I think a lot of them don't want to "reject" someone face to face. You would think if they have the power to make a decision, they would have the guts to own up to a judgment call in person, but a lot don't. I used to work at a business that the owner felt that he was the smartest person on the planet and that whatever idea or decision he came up with, there was no way he could be wrong, no other way to do things, etc. and loved telling people so... but when it came down to confrontational situations (an employee having a grievance with him, or vice versa) he would never handle it in person. Always over the phone.

I'm in the hunt for a better job now, and I wish more employers would take the time to notify you when the position has been filled (whether you were selected or not). Yes, they might have a lot of applicants, but if we applicants are making the effort to go through the process (applications, resumes, cover letters, interviews, etc) a simple call or email isn't too much to ask. Some do that, but some don't, and when you call and they say the position was already filled, I think to myself "gee, they don't seem too concerned about leaving job seekers hanging".

Answer 3

Unfortunately, nothing requires companies to have common courtesy. I have been applying for jobs for the last few months, and I would say about 75% or so of employers will simply not get back to you. One way you might try making a good impression is by being polite yourself. Always follow up with your potential employers after the interview. Be sure to mention after every interview that YOU will keep in touch. This makes the impression that you are really interested in the job. And don't forget your pleases and thank yous. Remember, especially for entry level jobs, you need the employer's help more than they need you. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Did the interviewer say they had more candidates to interview? Did the interviewer mention if you were the first they had interviewed? It may just be that they are in the process ot interviewing and, once that is complete, will call those who made the grade. I've been on several i-views where I left feeling good but did not hear for a while and, just when I was ready to give up, the company called and offered the job. Good luck!

Answer 5

I think that you should have waited and then after a day call them and thank them for the interview and ask them if you are still being concidered