Candidate - no follow up, what do I do?

Russ asks: Having been for an interview three weeks ago, and heard nothing, I am getting a bit worried. Do I assume I have not been hired, or is there anything I can do?

In answer:
It's not unusual Russ, but it is rare for companies not to follow up - and its often a legal need. Most often, if you hear within the first few days, you haven't got the job - but not hearing can be equally as distressing. At the end of the interview, you were probably reminded that should you have any follow up question, that you should contact someone from HR. In corporates, there is a good reason for that, as legally they want to protect the corporation. If you feel in any doubt, then do pick up the phone and ask. But, if you really want the job, or have had no answer from the HR people - pick up the phone and speak to the hiring manager, who you met during the interview. This is a risky strategy (except for sales posts), but one which - if you accept the likely hood that you didn't get the job - can work to you advantage. Don't write a letter, call the main switchboard and ask to speak to the hiring manager by name. When they answer, explain who you are and when you were interviewed, and that you have asked HR for an update and have heard nothing. As you had other interviews at the same time and wanted to know what your options were, you thought you would give them a call. Now, pin back your ears, go silent, prepare to be wholly sympathetic to their plight - and just listen! Be fully prepared for the "sorry, but..." and also be prepared for a few additional questions. Good Luck!