APplication status.

[Lingering Grin]

Ok, to be honest, the only jobs I've gotten were through family or friends. The only one I DIDN'T get this way, was an online application where they actually call you. (for a change).


Well, I just applied for a job, I handed the application in on Wednesday. I wanted to call yesterday to check on it, but my sister told me to wait (She's an Assistant GM at her place of work).

I'm just wondering, how long should I wake? Should I call today, even though it is Saturday? (They're open, I just don't know if they are busy or not). Or would it be better to wait until Monday?


Sorry for the silly question, but I'm new at this, first time I've never had someone on the inside that could pull strings for me lol.

[wagegoth]

Wait until at least Monday. Usually the store manager, and definitely the HR types, aren't in on the weekends, so you're usually only going to get the overworked and/or annoyed assistant manager or shift manager who won't know a thing about your application and will be heartily unhappy about having to stop and take the time to deal with you.

[Ronald]

Depends on whether the job was advertised, or if you are just applying blind. If they are actually looking for someone to fill a position, give them a call to kind of ensure that they actually got your application, and to show that you are really interested in the job... You could ask how soon they would be making a decision.

Many positions that we are in the process of soliciting for or are contemplating a staffing level are in a planning stage or part of a next quarter or fiscal year budgeting cycle and may actually take two to three months before we are ready to hire. If that happens you end up waiting for a response.... interview....offer.....start date.... Sucks I know!

[Gerrinson]

I've put in my many applications and been on quite a few interviews. From experience, I would say give it several days, even close to a week. Then call saying you wanted to make sure they got your application and to schedule an interview if they are currently interviewing for the position. Often, you wind up with voicemail. If you don't hear some response from them after a week, call back again. That's assuming you really, really want (or need) the job. Pretty much, any place that doesn't get back to you within a week or so, is probably not a place you want to work. Either because the job is crap, or because the admin staff are crap. Or both.

Having been on interviews for 50+ jobs at as many companies, these tactics work quite well. Calling them to followup shows you're interest in the position and that you have at least a speck of ambition. Offering to schedule makes it sound as though you're organized and able to plan ahead. Not every business will interview you.

The interview is, however, a key part of getting a job. Every job I've interviewed for, I've been offered. Except for two. Good interviewing is basically being groomed & dressed appropriately, answering questions honestly, and at least appearing to be confident. Also, pay attention to the people interviewing you. The interview is just as much a chance for you to decide whether you like the company as it is a chance for them to decide if they like you. I've turned down about 20 positions that were offered to me, either because I didn't like them as a result of the interview, or because I had already accepted another job elsewhere.

As for the interviews that fell through:

The first, the store manager didn't feel I was a 'good fit' for the job because I didn't have enough industry experience. I was a bagger/cashier/front end supervisor for five years but apparently that's not enough 'industry experience' to qualify me for stocking shelves on second shift in the General Merchandise (i.e. cleaning supplies, few bottle of motor oil, etc.) department. Instead they hired an 18 year old kid off the street with no experience. Again . I was quite happy when he walked out mid-shift after two weeks without even saying he was quitting. I also put in my notice and got out of there because management was either incompetent or didn't want me to get away from the registers.

The other job was also running register/stocking shelves, but the owner didn't think I would 'represent' the business properly. The business: The local porn shop. How do you fail to 'represent' the porn shop properly? I certainly buy/use enough of their products.

[Lingering Grin]

Yeah, I've never had a problem at interviews. I've just never really had to do applications.


I got a job at a movie theater through a text message. My friend was a supervisor there, and sent a text message to the manager.

This is literally what it said:

"Hey, I need you to hire a friend of mine."

The response:

"Have him show up on Monday for orientation."

No application, no details, he didn't even tell the manager my NAME. lol



The one job I did get that I had to do an application for, was the kind of place that calls you. There literally was no way to check on the status. You submitted, and then waited. If you didn't get a phone call within a week, you didn't get the job.


Only interview I ever "failed" at. (For lack of a better word) was one I wasn't really trying for. I was basically just trying to buy time until the job I did want came through, because my dad was pestering me to "get a job".

[Lingering Grin]

oh yeah, duh.

In case anyone is wondering, I called em about and hour and a half ago. The manager got my application, and read it, but hasn't had the chance to schedule any interviews yet.

I'll know tomorrow