Having been on the other side of the fence - Interviewing, Recruiting & Hiring. The answer is when they are ready and not a moment before. I want to share with you what really goes on behind the scenes. Note - I am waiting to hear back about an interview myself!

1. They still may be interviewing applicants. This can happen quickly over a few days to a few weeks.

2. Someone critical to the process - makes the final decision may be out sick or out of town.

3. HR may have strict rules for legal reasons about calling or getting back to people until decisions are made for the next step are in place. So it's not their fault for not answering you.

4. Some companies just aren't good at this thing even one with a formal HR Dept.

5. Sometimes the position you applied for gets delayed or rethought due to budget reasons, changes in mgmt, reorganization. ( This is one reason why jobs get re-posted after someone has been rejected or not heard back from an interview).

6. Your email will get eaten by spam. Make sure you check your email inbox/spam box.

7. Things just take longer than anyone on the outside ever imagines

Here's what I've found that doesn't HELP You!

Placing blame on THEM for delays and for your misery. Since you don't know the exact reason and may never will - making yourself miserable over what you can't control doesn't help.

Waiting to hear back from the interview about the job you really want so you don't bother looking for other jobs. Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Keep looking.

Sit and complain about how bad the interview process going over the same frustrations can start to color how you feel about the potential employer. JUST STOP!

The interview process can be frustrating and maddening. Everybody's been there. How unfair it feels. Wanting to be kept informed about every step is normal but this is out of your control, and if you keep thinking about it, it'll drive you nuts.

What I've found DOES help -

Be patient and know that you've done your best. Let go of what you can't control

Patience doesn't mean you can't try to follow up but do it briefly, politely and not too often ( wait 10-14 days)

Keep looking for a job with full determination, it's the smart thing to do, this will keep you sane, and who knows you may find a better fit.

The post-interview process has a life and a time frame of its own. I hope this makes the waiting game less frustrating for you. It really does take longer than you would think. Good luck getting the job you want!!