Ask the expert: Contact after an interview

By MARIE WILSON

Q. How soon after an interview should you make contact to see if your application will progress to second-round interviews? Should you be pushy or just relax?

A. Your first interview should end with your questions about what to expect from the process, and when to expect to hear from them again.

Often the response will be a bit vague - seven to 10 days or three days after the last interview in this round. It is fair to call them about two days after the last day they had indicated a reply would be forthcoming (allowing time for the post to reach you).

You shouldn't be pushy, but a professional inquiry by phone or e-mail, that introduces you, reminds them of your last meeting and when you thought you'd hear back, and then a request for an update, seems appropriate. If a decision hasn't been made, inquire about when you might expect to know an outcome.

* * *

Q. I have just started studying for a diploma in business and was wondering about pursuing internships in businesses in Auckland during my study breaks. I have a growing passion for human resources and would like to be able to gain as much experience as I can before I finish in two years. What kind of attributes should I look for in corporations, as I want to learn from the best and (eventually) be a leader in my field.

A. Combining study and work experience makes sense from many perspectives.

It builds work experience and will also increase your learning as it provides an opportunity to test new ideas in the field.

Gaining temporary work during study breaks is difficult, however, and few organisations have established programmes to take on interns.

One way to build such opportunities is to undertake project work with companies as part of your diploma work requirements.

You are unlikely to get paid, but it may establish relationships that help to build towards project work in the future.

You could also approach HR consultancies to see if they would consider you for project work with their established teams, again as a way of working yourself into additional assignments in the future.

Temping agencies that provide entry-level HR staffing may also be an option for you, particularly as a way of getting an inside view on different companies' operations.

In terms of finding best-practice companies, there are New Zealand lists of the best companies to work for and various awards for good employment practices.

You might supplement this information by networking with HR professionals.

In New Zealand, you can join the HR Institute and attend its professional meetings and events. It provides a discount rate for student members.

*

Email us a question for Dr Marie Wilson to answer