I (verbally) accepted an official offer for a position last Friday. That afternoon, the principal forwarded me an email that had come from HR that read that I had been cleared to hire and that I should contact HR to schedule a time to sign my contract. The principal told me to call a specific person in HR on Monday to set up a time. I called this person on Monday, and they didn't pick up. I tried back a couple of hours later, and again they didn't pick up. This time, I left a message on her voicemail. Tuesday rolled around, and I had still not heard back. I decided to try again, and again the woman did not pick up her extension. I tried a different extension (the receptionist), and they told me that the person was in the office but in a meeting. I explained that I was having a difficult time getting a hold of this person, and the receptionist told me that this is just a very busy time for the department. I ended up leaving a second message on Tuesday. The district is very large and employs several thousand people, so I don't doubt that they're busy. Still, I heard nothing from them today. I'm really not sure if this is normal or not and how long I should wait. I've gotten two very different pieces of advice from two people, and I don't know who to listen to. A dear friend told me that I should definitely try back and that I should even consider showing up there without an appointment. My sister told me I should just wait and not attempt contacting them again because that would seem annoying. She thinks my messages have probably been received and that it's likely my name has just been added to a to-do list and that I'll probably be contacted soon. I think it's kind of weird that this lady never picks up her phone. What do you guys think I should do? Am I just being impatient, or is this unusual? I've canceled interviews because of this offer, and I'm about to go out of town, so I'd like to get everything settled.
At my large district, they had big groups of us come in together to go through the hiring paperwork. I remember having better luck with email in trying to contact my HR person, as opposed to calling. Any chance you can figure out the HR person's email address from the info you have so far? For my current job, I received a verbal offer in mid-July, but wasn't "onboarded" until early August. I was turning down interviews, so I was definitely worried, but it all worked out.
That makes me feel a little better. And, yes, I think I can probably track down her email address. I suppose I'll give it a try. I just don't really know what's normal, ya know?
You could also have the P intervene. He may have more luck contacting the HR person.It is in his best interests to get you on board as soon as possible.
I just got hired in a big district and I got a call to come sign. It was in a large group with many other people and then said and heard the benefits speech as well. BUT you want to get that SIGNED.. it will make you feel better. Or possibly ask the receptionist and see if she schedules those kinds of appointments. Congrats on the job!
I would find the email. You can easily do that by looking at the website or asking someone else in the district. The person might be on vacation so stay patient. If you don't hear from them by next Monday, I'd say contact the principal and let them know you are having trouble getting in contact with them and to see where else you can leave your information. Good luck!! and Congrats on the job!!
Thanks so much for the feedback and congratulations! I am having difficulty finding the email. The district does not have a handy page where they list staff member's email addresses, unfortunately. The number I've been calling is the extension for the entire secondary division of HR, so they handle all of the middle & high schools. I find it so strange that this line is just not being answered. I was thinking of calling the general HR number and speaking with the receptionist again about whether or not this is typical and if people sign in large groups. What do you think?
I just called them. I spoke with the main receptionist again and told her I'm still having a hard time reaching Mystery Lady and that I'm new to this, so I'm unsure of how to proceed. She explained that they are very busy working on exits right now and that she was sure I'd receive a phone call if I had left a message. I thanked her and told her that it made me feel better to hear because I had been nervous about turning down interviews and leaving town next week without getting this finalized. At that point, she abruptly asked me to hold for a moment. A bit later she got back on the line and told me she had spoken with Mystery Lady. She said, if the principal offered you the position and you accepted, you have the job. Don't worry, she will definitely call you. I hope I didn't come off as too pushy with all of these phone calls, but I sure do feel better now.
I went through the same thing the past couple weeks ozzy1011. Except mine was just to find out if they have scheduled second interviews for a screening interview I went on- so not as serious! The HR lady in my particular district NEVER answers the phone and didn't return my call after I left a message. I kept trying and she finally picked up the phone and gave me good news- she was very nice and didn't seem at all frustrated that I called again. I think you made the right move and it doesn't seem like you were pushy- the receptionist seemed like she understood your frustration. It shows too that you are dedicated and excited about your new job! CONGRATS!
Thank you, msmac! I guess the squeaky wheel does get the grease; not an hour after my phone call with the receptionist did they call back to set up a signing time. They had an appointment this afternoon, and I took it. Now, it's officially official!
