Joe Redshaw is the Corporate Recruiter for Gomez, the Web Performance Division of Compuware. He has been a recruiter for almost 10 years and has experience on the agency and corporate side. Joe has screened thousands of candidates and has agreed to provide his perspective on HR/Recruiter practices.
NEJS encourages you to start a dialogue with Joe by submitting your questions via the comments section at the end of the blog article. Keep an eye out for more Q & A with Joe.
What is an appropriate time to contact HR after an interview or when you have submitted a resume?
I would follow up with the hiring manager when possible. When interviewing always try to get the business cards of the people you interview with, don’t be afraid to ask for it. At least get their name and correct spelling. That way you can determine their e-mail address (to at the very least send a thank you letter).
Depending on what is told to you in the interview about the process and timing (assuming nothing is told) I often feel it is best to write in the thank you letter to the hiring manager that if you have not heard from them in a week you will follow up. At that time, when you do follow up, reiterate your interest, why you still feel like you are a fit, and then ask if there is any other information you can provide (like references). If your only contact is HR, then contact them after about a week and reiterate your interest.
