How long to hear back after an interview?

[OwlCat]

I went for an interview on the Tuesday before last. At the end of the interview they said that I would hear from them within 10 days but I've heard nothing. I didn't feel that the interview went terribly and one of the interviewers was an ex-boss so knew me already. Is it usual not to hear anything from an employer if you've not been successful/should I give up hope at this point?

[scarlettsmummy2]

Depends what the job is and how quickly they wanted someone in post

[flowery]

Have you followed up with your ex boss? Either within or since the 10 days?

Good news is usually quicker than bad, but if you already have a contact who interviewed you you need to give him/her a ring and ask.

[OwlCat]

Thanks for your replies. It's for a position where the standard notice period is 3 months (which is what I'm on in my current job), so they're unlikely to get someone in post very quickly. Whilst my ex-boss interviewed me, I don't have his specific contact details as I applied for the job through the company's normal channels and he is someone who was very senior to me previously so I wouldn't feel comfortable contacting him personally. Basically, I don't know what to think - whether I'm being stupid to think that I could still in with a chance, and do employers really just not bother contacting interviewees if they haven't been successful?