How Long Should I Wait?

Nafe92014

Good Morning fellow TE users,

I am wondering how long I should wait before following up via email regarding a job offer for a 10 week college student IT term? Basically, I heard from the employer on Monday and he stated that I would just have to provide my college instructors as references, because he is hoping I could start this week. Any thoughts?

TomkoTech

Did you provide the list of instructors?

NetworkNewb

Sounds like you already got the job right? Gratz if so! Did they respond after you sent in your references? If not, could follow up and say something like:

"Hello, I just wanted to check in and if there was still plans on me starting this week? And wanted to verify if you received my references."

blatini

Treat it like someone you're interested in - just ask. You won't be offending anyone and it'll save you the anxiety of not knowing.

Nafe92014

Yes I did provide the list of instructors. Here is what the email was they sent me prior to the instructors reference:

Hi,
We want to proceed with hiring as soon as possible. To make the process run quickly, I would like to be able to talk to your instructors as references.

Please let me know if that works for you.

If you were to sit at the computer help desk as part of your work term, would you be able to work a later shift, like 11:00 am to 7:00 PM?

Have you imaged computers as part of your course work?

Are you able to carry a desktop PC up a flight of stairs and lift it onto a desk?

Could you start this week?

TomkoTech

Did you respond favorably to all of those questions?

Has it been 2 days, or has it been 9 days since you had this interaction?

If it was 9 days ago I would send a follow up something along the lines of "I am anxious to start, just want to ensure that you received the list of instructors and their contact numbers. Is there anything else I need to do prior to receiving a start date? If it's only been 2 days I would wait until Friday for the follow up email.

Tyb

Just call and ask, won't hurt and shows you interest.

NetworkNewb

ahhh, I would probably wait. Could be still trying to reach your instructors. Sounds like he might even been working on exactly where he wants to place you by those questions. I would agree with blatini though, really no harm in following up.

Nafe92014

Thank you all for your responses. I think what I will do is send a follow up email later this afternoon.

Nafe92014

Update: I got a reply, they said that the questions were sent to all shortlisted candidates. So now I will not hear from them until they make a decision. Let the anxiety kick in!