Is this normal??? I am so worried!!!!!!!!!

[dreamseeker]

Hi folks,

I had a phone interview half a month ago. I beleive we both felt good about each other and I was assigned to write an essay to report to the interviewer and filled out the formal application for the job online. I sent my essay to the company the same day after the phone interview.

The interviewer told me that they would contact me for the next step. In the meantime, I have written them three emails (Thank-you letters three times), they never responded. I do not have the phone number of the interviewer and I could not call him.

My question is "Do they still have interest in me (they were very interested in my background during the phone interview)" and "What are they trying to do". I like the company very much. If they do not want to bring me in, are they going to tell me in some way. Should I just forget it?

Does anybody have such kind of experience. Could you pls give me some advice and I really appreciate that!!!

[Elisha]

Write an essay? That sounds weird. Never heard of that part before, but I supposed it is possible. I hope this isn't just some confusion about a cover letter.

[DW Simpson]

Half a month ago is 2 weeks. 2 weeks may not be a long time in their procedures. There may be people who are on vacation, but who need to be involved in the process of the next step.

[Will Durant]

Relax, two weeks is not a very long stretch, given the relatively low level of hiring activity currently.

However,
I was assigned to write an essay to report to the interviewer
I think it's REALLY odd that they would make a request like this so early in the process. What kind of employer is it?

[DW Simpson]

Requests for writing samples have increased.

[urysohn]

- An essay is weird.
- Two weeks is not.
- Sending thank-you letters three times might be a problem for you.
- You may or may not hear anything from the company after just a phone interview. But your recruiter could certainly follow up and find out what the time frame is or if you're still in contention.

[NO1UNO]

There is one company that I know of that asks for a writing sample from candidates after the phone interview. And this particular company takes a while to get back to you to set up an on site interview.

Try to relax, if the interviewer seemed interested after the phone interview and you sent the writing sample promtly, they will most likely get back in touch with you soon.

[dreamseeker]

Thank you very much for your replies.

I was given two topics to choose from and I am sure it was not a cover letter.

I do not know if it is fine to release the company's name here, so I decide not to. I am sorry aout that.

Is there anything wrong with writing three thank-you letters? Does it show that I am not confident?

Sorry about so many questions. It is really weird. Thank again

[Guest]

Is there anything wrong with writing three thank-you letters? Does it show that I am not confident?
Honestly, I would think the candidate wasn't paying attention (that they forgot) which isn't good, or I would think they were desperate to get my attention which might make them an annoying employee, or I would think there was a system glitch.

Also, 2 weeks during any time of the year, let alone vacation season, isn't a long time. If it's been 4 weeks you might want to start getting anxious.

Good luck. :wave:

[Wigmeister General]

The waiting is always hard. I'm sure they'll respond to you within the next two or three weeks.

[joeorez]

I had not heard about writing samples for actuarial jobs, but I think this is a good thing.

It's one thing to be able to crunch the numbers. It's another thing to be able to summarize in writing what you think the numbers mean, to someone who is not going to go through your calculations in detail.

I don't claim to have great writing skills, but I have spent far too much time over the years editing the written work of people who have worked for me.

[Wigmeister General]

Writing skills are often listed as a job requirement. I'd think requesting writing samples would be a common practice.

[greenhand]

The waiting is always hard.
Can't be truer. I know for sure I'll get the decision about offer next week and I am still losing some sleep over it :shake:

[Wigmeister General]

Patience, patience. Receiving the offer is infinitely better than working for the pay.