Hiring doesn't happen fast during the holidays. Many companies slow down for the holiday season, with some closing or working with a skeleton crew for the last two weeks of the year.
There have been messages posted in the Job Search Discussion Forum about what to do when you haven't heard after an interview. I've received email, as well, from people who interviewed a week or two ago and haven't heard one way or the other. Job seekers are concerned that their applications have been lost in the midst of the holiday season.
How should you follow up to make sure that your candidacy hasn't been forgotten in the transition to the New Year and the pile of work waiting for hiring managers when they get back to the office? First of all, don't worry yet. It will probably take most offices until the first week of January to get caught up. Secondly, remember that some decision makers will be on vacation or otherwise out of the office. If you haven't heard, it doesn't mean you won't be contacted for an interview or given a job offer.
One thing you can do though, is send a follow up note reiterating your interest in the position and offering to provide any further information the hiring manager might need. That way, you can remind the employer that you are interested and available, even though a couple of weeks have passed since the interview.
More: Follow Up Letters | Holiday Season Job Searching
Hi Alison – I think your advice above makes sense. I think one strong and confident follow-up to reinforce interest is important. More than that and you start to look needy. If they want you they will call.