Waiting after interview

LegacyUser

I am unemployed at the moment and I've been looking really hard for a job. I did an interview last Thursday and I thought it went well. The job would really suit me so I really want to get it. I kind of knew I wouldn't hear back before Christmas but it's really weighing on my mind. I keep replaying the interview in my mind and telling myself "I should have said this, I shouldn't have said that, etc. etc.". I feel I didn't put my case strongly enough but maybe it's all in my head and I actually did well.
I find it impossible to stop thinking about it. I'll just never forgive myself if I don't get it as I may not get an opportunity as good as that again.
I have another interview in early January but the job is in a location I don't really want to live in. I'd probably take it if I was offered it though. I have a feeling that interview will be pretty hard though so I don't fancy my chances anyway.
I have to visit my sister tomorrow and spend Christmas Day with her children and husband and his family (I say "have to" but I don't really mean it like that). I am not really looking forward to it because my mind is elsewhere and I know I won't be able to "get into it" (house full of people, children opening presents etc.). I am doing an online course to upskill myself to get work and I'd rather be studying that to be honest. I feel I'm neglecting my hunt for a job or being lazy if I don't do something to get a job all the time (yes, even on Christmas Day).
I am due to sign on at the dole office on January 7th and I don't want to be there on that day, I want to be in a job, being a respectable member of society again, not some bum scrounging off the state. I've only been out of work for six months but I just want to get out of it. I don't have any massive bills to pay as I live at home and have no dependants or mortgage etc. so I am fortunate in that respect. I know there are others in a much worse situation but it's still very frustrating.

fits

Que sera sera. You can't do anything else now only wait for the decision. Also its no harm to keep looking after Christmas is over. Don't pin all your hopes on this

dudara

First of all, you're not a "bum scrounging off the state". You will pay enough contributions over the course of your working life to more than cover this assistance.

Secondly, I can understand how you feel, but you should treat looking for a job like a job in itself. And that means taking some time off also. You won't be much fun to have around tomorrow if you don't out this to one side, at least for one day.

LegacyUser

dudara wrote: »

First of all, you're not a "bum scrounging off the state". You will pay enough contributions over the course of your working life to more than cover this assistance.

Secondly, I can understand how you feel, but you should treat looking for a job like a job in itself. And that means taking some time off also. You won't be much fun to have around tomorrow if you don't out this to one side, at least for one day.

You are right there; job-hunting can be really time-consuming;searching the internet every day and then when I find a job that suits I have to edit my CV to suit the job spec. Then when I get called for an interview I have to prepare for it by swotting up. A lot of people think that when you are out of work your time is your own but that's not necessarily the case.
I just wish I could do more to influence the outcome once I apply for a job and go for an interview.
The user who advised me not to pin all my hopes on this; you're right I'm not but I have almost all of the skills required for the job as it is a very close fit to a job I did before so that's what makes me think I might not get a better shot. I'll just have to wait now until next week, it's going to be a long four days.

ravima

Why not write to them, saying that you went for the interview and you were expecting to have heard from them by now. Thank the interviewer for the interview, restate the fact that you are interested in the job and if you think you forgot to say something crucial, say it in the letter to reinforce that you are the ideal person! I'd finish the letter by saying that I will phone them on XXXXXX if they have not been in touch by then.

You've NOTHING to lose and ALL to gain!!!

Good kuck!

iusedtoknow

First off...well done on getting the interview, that can be a full time job in itself.

Wait until after the holidays to request feedback

Hiring in most companies comes to a standstill at this time of year, no matter the job. Wait until the week of the 5th and drop them a call - nothing to fear from doing that. Either that or write to them and it'll arrive in time

But choose one, either write to them or phone them. Not both - as someone that is involved in interview panels on a regular basis, i would end up ignoring someone that did both.

LegacyUser

I don't think I'll get in touch with them next week (at least not early in the week anyway) because as iusedtoknow said it's Christmas they have probably got a load of things on and it was only last Thursday I did the interview anyway. Sometimes companies can wait a long time before getting back with a job offer/rejection. I have heard of some places leaving it for up to two weeks.
I suppose I am fearing rejection. The crushing disappointment when that email comes in your inbox with "Thank you for attending for interview on etc. etc... but unfortunately... "
That's the worst feeling in the world, especially when it's a job you really wanted.

Berserker

ravima wrote: »

Why not write to them, saying that you went for the interview and you were expecting to have heard from them by now.

OP, please don't do this. Your interview was just before the Christmas break. The company is probably running with a skeleton staff until Jan 5th, so they probably haven't even had a chance to process your interview yet. I think that you should just do your best to put the interview to the back of your mind until then. Best of luck with the hunt and I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

LegacyUser

I got through Christmas Day OK.As it turned out it was just my sister, her husband, their children and my parents there. I didn't have to make small talk with my in-laws as they didn't come due to unforeseen circumstances. I'd like to see them but only when this job situation is sorted.
Strangely enough a job came online just yesterday that looks a good fit for me so I applied for it (I'd be surprised if I am not called for interview). I thought it would be a waste of time looking for jobs over Christmas but there you go. So I am not wholly dependent on the job I am waiting to hear back on.I still really want to get it of course.

Pawwed Rig

Bear in mind when people are back on the 5th there maybe a couple of days of catch up to do so it realistically could even be the following week. Either way I would give them a call if you have not heard anything by the 12th Jan.

Best of luck with it and you are not scrounging off the State. The reason we pay PRSI is that it is an insurance policy to provide an income for ourselves should we ever be temporarily unemployed as you are now. You are receiving a payment because of you (albeit involuntary) contributions to PRSI. I have had to avail of this twuice in my life but it is never something I felt I needed to feel bad or ashamed about.
Also bear in mind that you need to sign on to ensure you receive your State pension once you hit 65/66/67.

LegacyUser

Just said I would reply to this thread as you were all so nice to give me advice. I sent an email on the 9 January asking the company if I was still in the running for the job and they replied saying yes I was still in the running but they were still interviewing but would not make a decision until the 30th of January because of other factors.
However I was offered another job yesterday and I have decided to accept it as I don't want to gamble by turning it down and waiting until the 30th to see if I am offered the one I posted about (as I may not be offered it).
I just want to get back into work asap.The job I posted about is actually a better job in terms of the work I would be doing but the location is not somewhere I really like (far from home). I prefer the location of the one I was offered (near home) so I think I am doing the right thing. The work itself will not be as interesting but I have the scope to make it more interesting.
I may not actually email the company back saying "I have accepted another offer so don't contact me after the 30th January" as I am curious to know if I will be offered the job. I don't know if that's a not-so-nice thing to do as they may be a little annoyed that I didn't tell them. I am curious to see if I will be offered the job though.
Thank God, no more trips to the dole office every Wednesday and I won't have to sign on next month.