How long should I keep calling back?

Question

My mother in-law is friends with a lady who owns 2 upscale daycares (they are actually called "performing arts centers"). She talked with the lady about hiring me, and let her know that I was still working on my BA in Early Childhood Education.

The lady said to come in and fill out an application. I called back 3 days after I put in my application, an was told she was on vacation. So, a week later she calls and tells me she has to check which shifts are available, asked about my schooling, and tells me she'll talk over the pay rate with me as well, and possible tuition being payed by them.

Well, she didn't call back (that was Friday), so I called today (Tues). She is on vacation again, but the other lady in charge of hiring will be in soon and she'll call me. I am going to call in about 10 minutes to check again. Am I overdoing it on calling back, or should I just look for something else?

I was told they are busy opening another daycare, and that is why everyone is so busy.

Also, if they weren't going to hire me, or nothing was available, wouldn't they have told me this instead of giving me the run around?

I just feel liek I am bothering them too much, but the position pays well, and also goes towards the hours I need for college credits, and gives me more experience than I already have at a previous daycare center. Plus, they may offer reimbursement for my tuition. It would be a perfect job until I am done with my degree, but this phone tag has gone on for about 3 weeks now.

Why wouldn't they just tell me "sorry, you don't fit our criteria", or "sorry we have no pistions available." I don't see why they would give me the run around on this.

Answer 1

I don't think you're getting the run-around. Don't call back again today. Call again tomorrow or Thursday.

Sometimes people really are busy, and since no one at the daycare has directly said they're not interested, you don't have anything to worry about. Don't be intimidated, but don't give up either, unless they tell you they don't want to hire you.

Answer 2

Why don't you offer to come in and help pro bono until they decide, maybe if they see you in action and your willingness to jump right in.... just pop in and offer to help out during lunch!

it could help, it would just depend the other employees if they felt threatened they could be nasty...some places are like that, but since you mentioned they are growing...

anyway I go for aggressive...but soft aggressive. Just drop by in person and make a good impression!

don't feel you are over doing it.. I would add one thing. Snail Mail a follow up letter thanking them for the opportunity to apply for the position and you await their final answer anxiously!

if all else fails, and it's been a week or so...you could do a bluff and say you've had an offer from another center, but you prefer them...and would like to know the status of your application...

and always put more lines in the pond as others have mentioned!

Answer 3

I think you should relax a little. You are probably over doing it. RELAX...You might annoy them by calling too much. That's how the recruiter at our company fell. Because of that she never gave out her business card. Wait a while longer. At least a week or 2. If they really like you, they will FOR SURE call you back. You don't want them to think you're desperate for their job.

Another thing, when looking for a job, DON'T EVER JUST APPLY FOR ONE POSITION. You have to look around because you don't know what others will offer. Look for the best deal. Just because you looked at one and it seem reasonable, that doesn't mean it's good. There are plenty of company that will pay your school tuition.