Is it OK To Check Back On A Decision To Find Out If You Got the Gig or Not?
By Les Vogt
Author's site: http://www.members.shaw.ca/lesvogt
Les Vogt is an independent producer, promoter and entertainment consultant.
I have recently received a lot of e-mails from performers in the middle of the waiting game, sitting in that no man's land between a good audition and follow-up interview without any indication as to whether or not they were accepted by that big-time agent, or got that really great gig they applied for.
The most common question... should I take another job offer while waiting for the gig I really want? The answer is yes. Don't take yourself out of the running for other opportunities until you've actually landed the job... and that means receiving an acceptable memorandum of understanding or a signed contract.
Some other frequently asked questions are...
Q. How soon after the interview is OK to follow up?
A. Send a thank you letter (e-mail is generally fine) within two days. Be sure and have the correct names and titles (and spelling) of the interviewer... thank them for their time and state clearly that you want the job and are excited about the opportunity. Simply showing interest and enthusiasm is a step nervous applicants often overlook. If you haven't heard back within a week, follow-up with a "just checking in" phone call.
Q. I have called back twice and was told that things look good but we are still in the decision process. That was two weeks ago and I still haven't heard back. Can I call again without seeming desperate?
A. Absolutely... it's appropriate to follow up every 10 days or so. Don't seem impatient. Simply say
you are checking in, wondering what the status is and again, confirm your interest in the gig.
Q. The person who interviewed me was very casual, using slang and being very familiar. Should I be just as casual in return?
A. Let the interviewer set the tone for your conversations, stopping short of swearing or anything that makes you uncomfortable. Be more formal in letters and e-mails, which may be forwarded to
other people, and since you want to be seen as professional and appropriate.
The tone of these initial conversations provides an insight into an organization's method of operation. Is their level of professionalism (or lack thereof) comfortable? Can you imagine living with a steady diet of it down the road? Use the experience of this preliminary process to form your ultimate decision as to whether or not you want to accept their opportunity.
Q. I didn't get the gig and I want to know why. Can I call and ask why I didn't get the job?
A. Yes, but proceed with caution. Perhaps the more appropriate approach would be "How can I
improve my presentation and become a better candidate in the future?" In the best case scenario,
you will receive tips to strengthen your chances for future opportunities.
If you're lucky enough to get some honest feedback, accept it graciously, even if you don't agree with all of it. Be careful not to burn any bridges by pushing too hard, seeming indignant and arrogant or arguing the points of disagreement. Even when you don't get the gig, the process is not only a learning experience but a networking opportunity. Don't blow it!
Covering San Antonio's music scene since 2005