One of the most difficult times in a job search is when you are waiting for some type of response from a prospective employer. Often there’s nothing left for you to do but wait and that can be frustrating and keep you on pins and needles. Are you finding yourself in any of these scenarios?
- You’ve done your research on a position, submitted your materials on time and expect to hear in a timely manner from the prospective employer–but don’t.
- You’ve had an interview that you think went well, only to be kept waiting for any type of follow up communication.
- Worse still…You actually receive a job offer, present a counter-offer and are left wondering for over a week to hear if your conditions have been accepted.
If you can relate to any of these examples, you are not alone! These days, the job search, more than ever, requires patience and positive resolve.
If you are in a situation where you are left waiting for a response, try these four tips that may make the wait more tolerable:
1. Don’t jump to conclusions and make up a negative story about what’s happening. Stay with the facts that you know and resist any assumptions or conclusions that are hypothetical. (Such as “I didn’t get the job.” or “Guess I blew it.” 2. Ask yourself if there is anything else you can do to prompt a reply (short of making a nuisance of yourself).
3. Inquire about the time frame of the search process. While the time frame can change at any point, at least you might get an idea about what to expect.
4. Shift the focus of this job outcome to something that’s in your control, such as: researching another prospective job or organization, attending a job search support group (like the Unemployed Professionals Groups that are organized through many Career Centers throughout the country).
5. Check in with a friend or colleague for support.
From vacations to being understaffed, there are many reasons why you are not hearing from the prospective employer. Wait until you know the real reason before you get too disheartened and give up on that option.
Tags: Job Search
