Q: I applied for a new job just over two weeks ago and have not heard anything back. I don't want to call in case I appear desperate but I do want to know for sure whether I'm being considered. When is long enough and at what point do I assume I haven't got the job?

We will answer this question in the 24 April issue of Community Care. We want to publish readers' advice too - please send it to natalie.valios@rbi.co.uk by 14 April.

 

Hi I suppose it depends on who you have applied too?. My recollection of applying for posts is that they say if you have not heard back after 6 weeks then you must assume you have not been successful. I believe that they brought this in due to the high amount of applications potential employerwere receiving per post. This cut down on the financial burden and time of having to reply to each applicant seperately and of course the environment al issues of using so much paper to reply.

Employers should have the forethought and courtesy to explain their application process, including any deadlines, in their information for applicants. Check again to see if there is anything there, e.g. an interview date or a date by which you should assume it's a 'no' if you have not heard anything. If there's nothing, ring up: it cannot do any harm and if anything could be postively connoted in that it shows you are keen. Make sure you sound professional and upbeat on the phone.

Apologies for not saying it before, but thanks for your responses.

I wouldn't be where I am today if I'd accepted that "if you haven't heard in X weeks..." stuff and strongly advise against paying any attention to it. I applied for a job and they lost my form. I phoned up to ask about progress and thus prompted they went and found it. It was just in time, I ended up getting the job but if I hadn't chased it they'd never have even considered me. Since then what I do and strongly advise others to do is phone to check they received the application, or if sending by it by email request confirmation of it's receipt, and at the same time ask what the timescale is for short-listing and interview. Then chase up some time between those dates with an apology for asking and some lame excuse about needing to know so you can plan a trip to your ailing parent in the Algarve. I know it could sound pushy but most H.R. depts I've had dealings with are not over sparky and need this kind of "belt and braces" approach. If they want you they won't be put off, and on the contrary I'd expect them to be impressed by your enthusiasm and ability to get a job done. That's if the H.R. people actually convey any such info to the interview panel - which is the body of people who matter.

First of all, where there is the option to complete a separate postcard to have your Application acknowledged then it is wise to complete and return it with your Application Form.

Secondly, after the deadline for applications has passed make a polite enquiry of the HR Department to see if they can advise you when shortlisting will take place (if not covered in the original Job advertisement) - they should be able to give you that information - or at least find it out.

Thirdly, if you have been able to discuss your Application with someone directly, contact them to confirm that you did make the formal Application and ascertain that they have received it.

NEVER assume that HR don't lose Applications or fail to pass them on to the right persons / area. There have been horrendous examples of some awful failures.

Advertising a vacancy and seeking to fill it ought to always be a '2-way street' - I think that showing your active interest in the process ought to be well-regarded by potential employers - if it isn't then maybe you would be better not working for them in any case.