It's actually not uncommon not to hear back from thank you emails. I was on a tight deadline when I interviewed for my current position (1st to interview but they were making a decision in the next 2 days) so I emailed all of the panel members with a response or further info on something they had asked or mentioned. I only heard back from one (now the teacher next door) and she said that the P had initially said not to respond to any candidates until after the search was officially over. She asked him before she emailed me and he said he'd be calling me the next day with the offer so he'd allow it. Even then, the end of her email said something like, "take care" or "it was nice meeting you" which I basically read as, "have a nice life." Fortunately, that wasn't the case.
Employers do not have time to sit with candidates and explain to them what they did wrong. Interviewees might not have done anything wrong, they just weren't a good fit for the job. I just don't understand the entitlement feeling I'm getting here-it's not the school's fault that you didn't get the job! sheesh!
kcjo13....I hope that is not directed at me, as I do not feel I did anything wrong nor that it is the schools fault. I simply feel that lack of communication is just unprofessional.
No, mommy it wasn't, and I'm sorry if it was taken that way. I should have quoted-in fact, I'll go back and change my post. I wish I could say something to you that would help your situation...just keep believing that somewhere out there, the place you're meant to be waits.
Considering how many times you've heard it here, I'd say you'd be well on your way to at least a latte...
kcjo13....I didn't think so, but wanted to make sure no one misunderstood my feelings in the OP I made. I acutally updated last night that I did email the P and got an instant response (at almost 11pm!) that they had to back up one of the interviews and it will happen Friday. We will know something by Monday as to whether we have been cut or if we have been asked to do second round interviews.
If I had a penny for every comment you make that has nothing helpful to do with the original topic......
I feel your pain mommy. I feel bad saying this, but I have become desensitized to the application process. I went on a job interview in April and didn't get the job. I sent an email asking for feedback so I could improve...no feedback was given. My email was essentially ignored. I was mad for about 5 seconds and then moved on. I agree that those who interview (not everyone who applies as that would be hundreds and possibly thousands of people) should be told a simple yes or no. Even a 'no' because you did XYZ or could have done XYZ if an applicant requests it. The world we live in goes 100 miles an hour and personnel essentially ignore applicant emails...except for the person they hired. The district hires someone and then moves on to 'put out the next fire' if you will. I see many districts take hiring as an afterthought...something to 'get done' if you will. The districts have the upper hand in this economy and will for quite some time. We just have to keep strong and hope for the best.
I just got my second rejection letter in the mail. I have gotten 2 letters and one phone call out of 10 plus interviews. I actually was relieved to see the rejection letter.
While it doesn't help much, there is a difference between the P saying (s)he will know something and saying they will let YOU know something. I've gone through the job hunting process myself and agree with everyone else it would be really nice if we DID hear back from each interview, either way, but I've become accustomed to the fact that simply isn't going to happen. A few schools did send a snail mail letter and one just returned my resume' package (letters of reference, transcripts, etc). I had interviewed at so many schools, I wasn't even sure (at first) which one was sending my stuff back. It would be nice if we could get feedback from the committees explaining why they did NOT want to hire us, but that doesn't happen either. If you want to improve our interview skills, the best approach is to find a job counselor - especially one familiar with education - and practice your skills with them. As a previous poster said, though, it usually has little to do with your interview skills and more to do with whether or not the committee felt you were a good "fit" for their school and their team. Mommy - You did the right thing in contacting the P again to ask for follow-up information. I was in the same situation two summers ago, I had applied for a job and been told I would hear something either way within a specific time frame. When that didn't happen, I called the P to follow-up. I learned that, just like in your case, some of the scheduled interviews had been delayed. One of my very first jobs was working as a bag boy at a local grocery store. When I put my application in, the manager told me he didn't have anything available right then, but I needed to check back with him on a regular basis, in case that changed. My dad told me "Make sure you go by the store at least once per week and ask about the job". I thought that was excessive, but of course, dad was right. The manager DID have jobs available, he just wanted to see how dedicated I was to getting the job. The same thing still applies, but it can be a fine line between "showing you're REALLY interested in the job" and "becoming a nuisance". Still, I would rather err on the side of being TOO interested than not interested enough. To all of those still seeking jobs, I wish you the very best of luck. My own job is not guaranteed for next year and I will have to re-interview for it this summer, so I have some anxiety over that. In the meantime, I'm looking at other schools as a back up in case my situation does not work out.
I even appreciate if they say, "If you haven't heard from us by..." rather than promise a phone call or email.
I thought of this thread today as I received responses from a particular school in my district stating the the jobs I applied for (never even got the interview) had been filled and thanking me for my interest. Probably took about 5 minutes for the principal to come up with the form letter and send it to all the applicants in the online system who applied. I'm thankful he took those few minutes, it shows that he does care to inform those who applied that they should look elsewhere. I heard he was a great guy to work with and now this makes me hope something else comes up at his school soon!
Today is the day the P is supposed to finish the last first round interview. He said I should know something by Monday. I am so nervous...I just want to know if I have a shot at a second round interview or not. Second round interviews are more about how well you mesh with the school's theological foundations and the school's philosophy. I have tons of confidence that I can nail both of those issues since I have worked in a similar school where the P of this school acutally knew a ton of people that I also knew. UGH...waiting is killing me!
I thought of this thread today too. I interviewed for a job last week at a school I sub at frequently. Thought I had a pretty good chance for the job and was told I would hear by the end of this week. Did the principal call? NO. How do I know I didn't get the job? I heard someone else being congratulated for getting it. That really hurt! I do agree that it is very unprofessional. It wouldn't take much time at all to make a quick phone call if you took the time to go to the school for the interview. In my opinion, it is very disrespectful toward the applicant. Oh well.
I don't like it either. It may be the "norm," but that hardly makes it okay. It's still disrespectful and makes me wonder if I would've been happy working in that district. I think it would make a lot more sense for them to say "if you haven't heard from us by [date], then we've decided to go with another candidate." At least the silence would be your answer.
Years ago I interviewed with a principal. He stated that he would make calls that weekend. I didn't get the call, so assumed that I didn't get the job. It took him about 2-3 weeks to call me back to ask me in for a 2nd interview! He hired me at that interview. I went on another interview that said something similiar. I hadn't heard back within their time frame, so I called. Their response was that everyone was getting a letter in the mail. 3, almost 4 years later still no letter. Guess I didn't get that job. It would be nice if you got an email saying that you weren't going to be hired. Maybe they don't do that because they liked you & want to be able to hire you if the 1st choice doesn't work out or to keep you in mind if an unexpected opening occurs.
Actually I updated last week and interviews got pushed back farther than expected. They just finished first rounds and the P said I'd know something hopefully Monday. So, still waiting.....
Me too I have to know something soon since I'd have to make plans to move my kids to the new school too. I want to Know, but I know I will be devastated if they cut me. Monday I will be an absolute wreck waiting. Ugh!!!!
2 things that irritated me 1. was are you interested in an interview? yes, we will contact you next week about a specific time (no contact) 2. After having contact, meaning they have talked to you or interviewed you, and never informing me either way. Especially when they never gave me a time period when I did interview.
Unprofessionalism seems to be the norm My The problem is supply and demand. The colleges are pumping out teacher graduates each fall and spring, and new jobs are not being created because no one leaves due to the lousy economy. So, as everyone said, the schools have the upper hand and it is nearly impossible to secure a job without luck, experience, or contacts (or perhaps a combination of all of the above). It is a buyer's market, and the principals will pick and choose, as they please. I subbed at a school last year, and the P laid off 10 non-tenured teachers. That means that he knew he had to refill those positions. I am thinking of forgetting about teaching.
^^^ IA, but there are many districts with teacher shortages. The problems is, many people don't want to teach for these districts because they are difficult/rough/problematic. Also, a lot of people don't want to relocate even if they are living in an teaching desert. They claim they want it badly, but they don't seem to want it bad enough. The district where I teach has plenty of positions open and school started last week. If a person needs a job that badly, then they will take one regardless of where the district is or the problems it may have. Simple as that.
Everyone who applied to my district got an offer this year. We had more openings than applicants. There are several applicants hired that would have never gotten a job unless a district was desperate. Sadly, it's the kids who will suffer.
