When you hear the interviewer say "we'll contact you within 7-10 days", what is your gut feeling?

Question

I had an interview for an internship and I was told this. I've been hired on the spot for 95% of my jobs. Is it just standard procedure to say 7-10 days?

Answer 1

For many jobs this is standard. Sometimes they can't commit right away because they have to interview several people. Unless you are the last one, they won't be able to tell you right away. Even if they like you, they may need to have you come back later to meet the department head, etc.

The last job I was offered came a week after the interview. At the same time, I got a call to come back for a second interview five weeks after my first one. My previous job took two weeks to get the offer.

7-10 days is nothing unusual. Since this is an internship, I suspect that your previous jobs didn't require many special skills. The more skills required for a job, the more complex the hiring procedure.

I've had a lot of different jobs. I have a pretty high hit rate for getting jobs -- but haven't been offered a job on the spot since I was looking for a summer job in 1972.

Answer 2

Well, there isn't really much you can do but take their word for it. That actually isn't too bizarre. It may be because you were the first of a batch of interviews, or the decision maker is on vacation -- who knows. It's also true that some companies can't get it together well enough to make a timely decision -- in which case that's probably not the best company to work for anyway. If your instinct tells you they are hedging then that's probably right. While you are waiting to hear back, keep looking for jobs -- if you get another offer that might light a fire under them to do the same.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you feel the interview went well, chances are you have a good chance of getting the position. At least they gave you a timeline. I know some employers won't do that, instead they just say "we'll give you a call". At least you can expect to hear something in about a week. I wouldn't sweat it too much, but just in case, keep your options open so that you don't get your hopes up too high only to be dissapointed.

Answer 4

They may not be finished with interviews yet. I, too, used to get hired on the spot, but as you apply for more responsible and selective jobs, companies want to consider all the possibilities before making a choice. There is no "standard" timeline, but I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 5

It's so hard to tell anymore. If you are interning for a teaching position, I've found that to be a common response. I'm sure you did your best on the interview. Good luck and be patient.

Answer 6

More often than not, it means you did not get the job. But if they call you back for another interview, they are interested in you. It does not matter now what it means, start looking for another job. If you got this all the better.