How long is the longest you've had to wait after having a job interview before finding out if you got it or not?

[SatsumaFan]

I went for a job interview on Thurs 28th Feb. First forray back into work after 5yrs off with the dc. It's just a p/t admin job round the corner from where I live, so ideal.

All went well, was there nearly 3hrs and came out feeling positive. We'd discussed hours, salary, holiday etc Friends and family were saying how it sounded like I'd got the job already from what I was telling them (like how I was shown the computer software they use).

The guy who helped interview me is the Director/Owner (small local business) and said as he saw me out that he'd contact my references and be in touch.

I spent all of the next day constantly checking my phone. Then resigned myself to the fact it'd probably be Monday I'd hear. Monday mid-morning I get an email saying that someone (who wasn't at the interview) was off sick so if they didn't get back to me this week that's why.

They haven't contacted my references.

I have been so nervous, excited, hopeful, anxious/worried and on tenterhooks all week that I've had a permanent headache and now a cold. So I sent an email yesterday morning asking if they were any further forward with a decision. No reply.

Is this normal?! I'm sure in other job interviews I've had they have let me know within 48hrs, as they know how torturous it is waiting. I feel pretty deflated and like I haven't got it now, but just want to know as it'll affect my family massively (all year round working so will need to organise childcare, and they said they wanted someone to start asap).

I've now talked myself out of wanting the job as don't think they've treated me particularly thoughtfully...so do I trust my gut and turn it down if they do finally offer me the job, or will I be cutting my nose to spite my face?!

Sorry for the rambling. Am so confused. Any help appreciated.

(I don't actually need to work - I wouldn't be doing it for the money - just feel it's time for me to get back into the work place and contribute to the family finances again).

Yes, seems to be fairly standard these days.

Having been on the other side, there are often a million reasons why you don't hear immediately. A lot of employers are very crap at touching base with candidates to let them know what is happening.

If you have already chased them up then put it to the back of your mind and keep looking. I've interviewed/contracted a lot. I don't hang around. Quite a few times, companies (who have been fannying around) come back and offer me a contract and I've already accepted another one. You snooze you lose.....

@SarahSnowdrop thanks for the advice and reassurance. The last time I had a job interview was 10 years ago and it was for local government so super efficient at getting back to me.

This is a very small (12 employees?) local company so maybe the pace is a lot slower.

Have def put it to the back of my mind now!

I waited a month once. By they time they offered it to me I had another (better) job.

Now I'm involved in interviewing people we try and get back within a couple of days, at most a week. It can be hard when you are waiting on the first choice to make a decision and you have to wait to contact 2nd in line. Often there's not much in it.

Once I tried several times to contact an unsuccessful candidate, left messages to call me and she didn't call back so I gave up in the end. I hope she doesn't think we never called her.