I haven't heard anything about a job I was offered - how long before I chase them up?

[Lauriefairycake]

I had a job interview on the 8th June where I was told I was the best candidate and that they would chase up my references in the next ten days and then call me with a start date. It's been more than two weeks so I thought I'd email the boss and ask if they required any further information or references.

I had an auto reply stating he wouldn't be back til 2nd July (holiday.

That would mean that unless he's handed on sorting out the recruitment to someone else I wouldn't hear anything for six weeks.

Is this normal now??

Should I think about trying to call their HR department ? If not how long should I leave it?

Personally I would contact HR, they can at least tell you if you need to wait until after he gets back to hear.

either speak to boss's secretary and ask her if she knows wahts going on, or speak to HR

I once was offered a job 2 weeks after I was told at interview that a decision would be made, I nearly turned it down thinking that I must just be their 2nd choice. But no, they were just a bit disorganised and one went on hols then the other was off sick and it took both to make the decision.
I would ring the secretary/HR informally and just say 'I was expecting to hear either way by now, is there any delay with the references, and when can I expect to hear'. At least that way they know you are interested.

Oh god, I've just called them and I got the most frustrated and/or rude woman ever! She said it's just her organising it and that :

1. she had too much to do
2. I had been told the wrong thing about when it would happen - ie. not ten days more like 6 weeks
3. when the boss comes back end of next week he can help her

and the biggest shock of all - even though I was told I had the job in the interview she said "whichever references come back first then they will get the job" !!!!

I asked if there was anything I could do to chase my references and she said "No, and I don't have time to explain this further to you".

I thanked her for her time though feel very now

Actually just generally feel real shit about it all. Bit of a come down from being so pleased about getting the job two weeks ago.

Er, do you want to work for this company if she is typical of the other staff they employ???

I would contact your references yourself if you can, and ask them nicely if they could respond promptly if/when they get the request for references.

Also, if you are keen on the job (and it's difficult without knowing the level/detail of the job), then it is worth writing to the bossman and saying you had enjoyed the interview and you are still keen to take the job and tobe able to make a positive contribution to the company. And finish by hoping he had a nice holiday!

I just assumed that she was offering me the position subject to reference in the interview. That's the way its always worked for every other job I've ever had.

To now be told that whoevers reference comes back first (and there are six jobs) gets it is very different to what I assumed or expected.

I can't really chase my references - they aren't personal references, just confirmations from the police authority and the MOD that I worked there. One phone call would confirm that.

ery furstrating.

But if you are still keen, it is worth continuing to be as nice as pie. 2 July is only a week away - so it is worth dropping a very nice e-mail, perhaps cc-ed in to dragon lady, to say you are still available and interested, that you understadn that it is a busy time for them (to make sure you don't get dragon lady's back up), that you understadn that the porcess takes time and that you are happy to help in whatever way possible.

I know it is a long time since the intrview - but it is not worth blowing it with impatience if it is a job you want.

I had similar with new job I have just started - offered the job in the interview, then nothing at all in writing for several weeks. It was just down to 'disorganisation'. I've been there now for a month, still have no contract and haven't given any details to the payroll!

If you can chase up your references, I would. An email to boss conveying your enthusiasm might also be good. It's very frustrating for you - hope it works out soon.