Dear Lifehacker, Last week I received a phone call about a job I applied for and the recruiter wanted to talk about my work experience. I was driving on a freeway and couldn’t talk hands-free, so I asked if I could call them back. They said they would call me back the next day. It’s been a week and they have yet to call me; should I call them instead? Thanks, Need A Job
Phone picture from Shutterstock
Dear NAJ,
You should absolutely call them — the sooner the better. Under these circumstances, I’d have called the person the day after they said they were going to call you. It’s sensible not to do so immediately, since that gives the person calling you the chance to make good on their promise. But when that didn’t happen, it’s both OK and sensible to make another call yourself.
Realistically, there’s a chance that the job has now in fact gone to someone else, and that the person involved is just trying to avoid the awkwardness of that conversation. But you won’t know that until you call. It could also be that the person is question is swamped and hasn’t had a chance to revisit the issue all week. In that case, calling up is a clear demonstration of your own enthusiasm for the position. So make the call. You have nothing to lose at this point, and a potential job to gain. Good luck!
Cheers
Lifehacker
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Comments
One response to “Ask LH: Is It OK To Call A Recruiter Back?”
You waited a week? That’s too long, they may think you aren’t that keen to work.
I work freelance/contract for agencies & if you want to stay one of their favourites you have to be the one to pick up the phone first thing in the morning & the one to return their calls ASAP..
If you don’t do this; they’ll just find someone who will.
recruiters have an attention span of about 30 seconds (I know, I’ve been in the industry 19 years). Never rely on the recruiter to call you even through the good ones do. Always call them and chase the shit out of the opportunity.