Company Promised a Second Interview – Ask #HR Bartender
This reader question happens more often than it should.
I have a query. I interviewed recently with an investment bank. The interviewer gave me some positive feedback and said he was happy with our conversation. He emailed me later that “I will get another call (from HR) for a second interview with his manager.” I’m trying to call HR – she’s not responding to my calls or emails. I asked my interviewer and he said to let him follow it up with HR.
Now I’m waiting! How do you see this situation? Should I expect a call for a second interview? Thanks in advance. I appreciate your response on this.
One of the biggest complaints I hear from candidates is not knowing the status of their application. Every interview should end with a conversation about next steps – when to follow-up, how to follow up, and who to follow up with. Whether you’re the recruiter, hiring manager or candidate, if it doesn’t come up…bring it up.
Okay, now that I’m off my soapbox about following up, let me offer some things to think about when it comes to this situation about a second interview.
Timing – In this situation, we don’t know when the email was sent, when the candidate tried to call HR, and how long the candidate has been waiting. I know it’s frustrating for the candidate. They are excited and want to get hired. And the company wants to hire someone too. Please remember that the company isn’t trying to deliberately avoid you or any other candidate. Sometimes the daily business gets in the way. It’s not always an acceptable excuse, but it does happen.
Responding – The candidate has called, emailed and followed up with the interviewer about the promised second interview. The ball is in the company’s court (so to speak). More calls and emails will not make the company move any faster. Remember, the way you follow-up during the hiring process is an indicator of what the company can expect working with you. There’s a fine line between persistence and pest. Consider the impression you’re sending.
Reputation – I know it’s easier said than done but candidates need to start asking themselves if they want to work for companies that don’t answer their calls and emails. If a company doesn’t answer during the interview process, do you honestly believe they will answer when you’re an employee? Candidates need to remember they are interviewing the company as much as the company is interviewing them.
Candidates today have a lot of options. This is a good thing because your goal as a candidate is to get multiple job offers. Many organizations are putting focused energy and resources toward delivering an award-winning candidate experience. Part of that means following up when they said they would. That being said, candidates need to respond appropriately as well.
Image courtesy of Sharlyn Lauby
3