“How long should I wait to hear from an employer about a pending job offer?”
Published on December 23rd, 2010 by Alan L Sklover
Question: Hi, Alan. I received a job offer from a company in a middle eastern country which is very interesting. As you explained in your video, I have asked for more clarifications about the offer. It’s been 24 hours since I responded to the job offer, and have not yet heard back.
Can you tell me what I should do next?
George
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Answer: Dear George: It’s good to know that people in your country are visiting our blog. I hope you find it helpful.
I suggest you get in touch with the person at the company who you are communicating with, and in your email or letter:
(a) ask them to confirm that they received your last communication, as sometimes letters and emails get lost;
(b) again tell them that you are most interested in the position and the offer;
(c) tell them you would like to move forward with the process of joining their team; and
(d) note that you would like to know when you can expect to hear from them in response.
And don’t fret: the person who you are waiting to hear from may be on holiday, or out sick, or simply behind in his or her work, just like the rest of us at this time of the year.
Keep “the conversation” going, and keep your communications positive. There’s nothing better to do at this time.
Thanks for writing in. Hope this helps. Please let us know how you do. And do tell your friends in Sri Lanka about our blog.
Best, Al Sklover
© 2010 Alan L. Sklover, All Rights Reserved.
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Al, you cordially responded to the interesting question posed.
May I offer some words to go with your ‘musical score’?
1. Did the institution offer any hint in the interview when the decision was to be made? If they indicated two weeks, wait two weeks.
2. Do you have a competing offer whose deadline is approaching?
If there is a deadline and you did not or have not communicated it, it might be advisable, especially if this position ranks highest.
3. Let us suppose neither of the above cases apply.
Presuming that the candidate and the institution are a phone call away and the candidate has the number to call of the contact or decision maker, a friendly new years wish can be offered indicating sincere interest in the position would not be out of the question.
4. Perhaps the candidate knew someone at the company. Then the candidate could contact the colleague and thank them for any help they offered. Update them on the interview and wonder out loud how long of a process might happen in the company at this time of year.
When in doubt, civility in a phone call keeping the “conversation going” can be helpful Be conscious of trying to call too frequently, as it may sound like begging or desperate.
5. Emails might take a back seat at this point. It is not easy to frame tone and intent neatly in an email for many different audiences. Regarding emails, the candidate might not know the recipients or people to whom the recipient sends the email.
6. My sense is that this one “incomplete interview process,” should not stop the candidate from interviewing at other places or continuing the job search.
I have had several proteges this year who have continued on and identified even more attractive positions.