Is it appropriate...???

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Hello, all! I have a quick question regarding job-search etiquette. Is it appropriate to ask (during a follow-up phone call regarding a position appplied for) when a decision will be made for filling the position? I made such phone call today to ensure that my resume and cover letter were received through the mail and to ask about my application status at this time. After confirming the above, the question "Do you know when a final decision will be made regarding the position?" just spilled out....yikes! I think the manager was not expecting me to ask this question but she thanked me for calling and asking about the opening.... now I'm second guessing whether I screwed up big time by doing so....ugh :banghead:

So, in your opinion, is this appropriate...or not so much?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I don't think it's inappropriate, but also remember that whatever answer you get will likely have little to do with when you will be notified of the decision.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Ditto to the first poster's response.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

One call isn't inappropriate at all. Multiple calls, on the other hand...

All you can do is wait and see. Best of luck.

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If you are applying for a job that you do not know if you are interviewing for or not, then it is appropriate to ask when they are starting the interview process. When at the interview, usually one is asked if you have any questions, make sure one of them is "are their active internal candidates for this postion?" Then you know that perhaps this person may have seniority. Also, it is appropriate to ask for a timeline. "When is your deadline for filling this position?" In this day and age employers are aware that people need to work and need to find a job. There are few potential employees who wait around for a never ending deadline. So, yes, get as much information as you can when you speak to them. However, do NOT then call repeatedly-- it is akin to "are we there yet, are we there yet....." on road trips. Get the answers to help in your process once, and make note of the answers. Good luck with your search, and keep us posted!

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Thank you for your comments everyone! I'm hoping to hear something at the beginning of next week and if not....it just wasn't meant to be.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I always ask a question something like that. For example: "What is your timetable for filling this position?" "When can I expect to hear back from you ...?" etc. And I don't mind it when applicants ask me such a question -- as long as they don't keep calling back and pestering me repeatedly.

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Specializes in NICU.

Part of the interview process for my unit includes discussion of the time table for decision making. "You can expect to hear back from us by the end of next week either way. If you have any questions, please feel free to call at this number." I think the question is entirely appropriate if they didn't bring it up first. Trust me, you're not the first person to ask ;)

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Well, one month later and I stil haven't heard anything yet...she had initially said "after the holiday" and I assumed Thanksgiving holiday but maybe she meant Christmas/New Years holday? The position is still up on the site so I am assuming they are still leaving it open but I don't know. I really,really hope to hear somthing soon. I have recently picked up a part-time night shift position at a local nursing home to try and keep up my skills/experience and meet financial obligations for our family. Night shift is absolutely killing me! Something has got to give :(

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