Do employers normally call successful applicants first?

[Bettyboo12]

So I had a interview yesterday. And they said they would be able let the person know at the end of the day. In between then I've been offered another job which I've accepted earlier. I've just had a missed (they are now in a meeting) asking to ring back. Another candidate also had a call saying the were unsuccessful. I'm now getting nervous about ringing in case they offer me the position although it now seems unlikely. Would it be acceptable to email them that I've missed their call and have assumed I've been unsuccessful? I'm happy with he job I have accepted anyway.

I always call successful and sometimes call unsuccessful. I prefer to email unsuccessful so I can give feedback too. Don't message assuming unsuccessful. Can you use this as leverage to get a higher wage in the job you want?

They would offer it to the successful candidate first and go from there. What if they don’t accept? They would then offer it the 2nd most successful person. Once initial offer is accepted they would inform the others of the outcome.

Usually, yes. In case that person declines and the employer wants to offer to their second choice.
It's possible they might let people know who definitely haven't got the job first, depending on who they can get hold of.

Yes because they might declinr the offer and then I might offer it to the next best

It depends. I may let some unsuccessful candidates know before the successful candidate if they were not a ‘back up’ option.

OK thank you, I did ask when I would hear back and so decided to accept the other job instead when I didn't hear anything. I have tried ringing but they are now in a meeting. I just feel awkward now just in case they do offer it, chances are I haven't got it if they have rang someone else at the same time to say they are unsuccessful. I would much rather they emailed!

If you'd prefer the job you've already accepted, that's fine. You can just tell them that.