Congratulations.  After submitting numerous online applications and getting a few Skype and/or phone “screening interviews,” you finally scored an in-person interview with an organization.  And perhaps you think it went pretty well.  You dutifully sent out thank-you emails or cards to all your interviewers, and then … (cue the sound of crickets chirping)….   Nothing.  No calls, no emails.

Days and even weeks go by and you haven’t heard back from anyone.  Every time your phone rings or email alert sounds, your heart skips a beat.  Welcome to the world of the job applicant.  Brief periods of exhilaration punctuated by long stretches of anxiety and feelings of helplessness.

So why haven’t you heard back right away?   There are any number of reasons.  But let’s preface this question with one important observation:

Although this job interview was THE most important thing in your life, it most assuredly was NOT the most important thing in the life of the organization with whom you interviewed.  More than likely, it ranks 10th, 50th or 101st in importance in the organization’s world.  After all, the organization has other priorities, like running its daily operations… be that educating students, developing and selling products, debugging coding errors, raising money, training new hires, planning the holiday party, and on and on.

Other reasons for delays include search committee members calling in sick or going on vacation or putting out “corporate fires” or misplacing candidate files (yes, it happens), additional candidates being screened and interviewed, delayed coordination efforts between the hiring manager and HR, bureaucratic snafus, to name but a few.

In the meantime, you’re losing sleep, getting more gray hairs, and having trouble concentrating on your work. So what can you do?

1.  Don’t Take It Personally

Realize that delays are not necessarily a poor reflection on you or how you interviewed.  They are commonplace.

2.  Maintain Momentum

Keep searching and applying for additional jobs.  The worst thing you can do after an interview is miss out on other potentially excellent opportunities because you’ve fallen in love with this one position.

3.  Follow Up

Send an email to the head of the search process inquiring about the status of the search.  Don’t express dismay, concern, or disappointment.  Simply inquire about the status of the search and express your continued interest in the position.  Do this ONCE. Any more will get annoying.  HR and hiring managers will tell you that there’s nothing worse than a “job stalker”  (i.e., a candidate who calls, texts or emails hourly or daily regarding a job for which they have applied or interviewed).

In The End

When delays occur, do some deep breathing exercises, think positive thoughts, congratulate yourself for having been a finalist, and get on with your professional and personal life.   Eventually the call will come, either Yea or Nay.  The earth will keep spinning on its axis, birds will chirp, babies will need to be diapered, managers will inquire about the status of your project, and you’ll either accept an offer or continue your search. Regardless of the outcome of this interview, one thing is certain – you will eventually get a job!

About the author

Guest blogger and friend of Careers in Bloom, Alan Farber is a career author for Woodburn Press and an experienced resume writer. Alan creates resumes and academic CVs for new and seasoned professionals… those seeking their first jobs out of school, and those wanting to advance their careers after decades of professional experience. Alan has his own website, http://www.farberresumes.com you can find out more about his services.