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Interview today...not heard anything [sad]

15 replies

girlwithamoonandstaronherhead · 19/10/2016 21:04

I had an interview for a uni job today (research fellow). It was suggested that I apply, and I had worked with the people interviewing me before. Interview was at 9am, and I thought it went OK.
They said I would hear today or tomorrow, am I right in thinking that if I haven't heard from them then I didn't get it?
I always think that you hear on the day if you're successful. I know they were only interviewing today. I really wanted the job, so I'm trying to steel myself!

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forkhandles4candles · 19/10/2016 21:29

Well it can take longer to make a decision or to get in touch with candidate.,..still worth hoping.

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girlwithamoonandstaronherhead · 19/10/2016 21:50

Thanks, a bit scared to keep hoping!

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EmeraldSittingRoom · 19/10/2016 22:50

It can take a lot longer than 24 hours. Hang in there.

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anonymice · 19/10/2016 23:06

Yes it can take longer. Just hang on.

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girlwithamoonandstaronherhead · 20/10/2016 07:32

What sort of thing would cause a delay?

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FlyAwayFar · 20/10/2016 08:52

Just think about it.

When we do interviews, it's the Dean who then communicates with HR about our ranking order. She then either lets them do the ringing round, or does it herself. But last big lot of interviews I worked with her on, we took quite a bot of time to make our decision - to be careful, considered, and fair - and then she had other meetings for the rest of the day stacked back to back.

So the phone call to the successful candidate was not made until about 30 hours after the interview ie afternoon of the next day.

You've probably observed just how busy most senior academics are. Your interview is the most important thing to you but your interviewers will have students, postgrads, other meetings etc etc. It doesn't mean they're not diligent about the appointment, just that there are only so many hours in a day.

And often HR need to check stuff - visa requirements, salary, line management etc etc.

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girlwithamoonandstaronherhead · 20/10/2016 08:58

Thanks for the reality check FlyAway!

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lljkk · 20/10/2016 14:20

how many other people were interviewed for same post?

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LRDtheFeministDragon · 20/10/2016 14:26

fly, that's a bit unnecessary.

The OP isn't asking 'OMG, how dare they not have got back to me?!'

She's doubting she's got it and wondering if she should give up hope. And it's a rotten position to be in.

I'm always amazed how quickly interview panels make these decisions, and I do recognise how much hard work it is, but I think it's understandable to wonder if that 'today or tomorrow' will actually mean, in practice 'today if we offer it and tomorrow for everyone else,' because often, that is what it means.