Hearing back after an academic interview in the UK I had an interview for a lecturer position at a UK Russell group University 2 days ago and haven't heard back yet. From previous experience, I am usually given a call within 24 hours of being successful in an interview. I am holding off signing an offer by another University (not a great University) and being pressured to respond. I really want the first job but feel my chances are getting lower by the day?
I'd like to hear about other experiences and whether this timeline is unrealistic? I work in the field of science, not sure this makes a difference?
Depending on the customs and practices in a particular University, it can take from one to several days before the decision is made, approved, and the first candidate is contacted. &quot;Several days&quot; is typically below a week, but in rare cases can be longer.
If you are not contacted within 2-3 days, you may not be the first candidate. However, there is still a slim chance that the first candidate does not accept (for whatever reason), and the offer goes to you.
If you hold another offer, it is usually the best to let both Universities know the date, when you will make the final decision, based on what you have at this date. Everyone understands that candidates are usually applying in several places simultaneously, and HRs/HoDs can be quite efficient when they must (i.e. if they are interested in hiring you), and inefficient otherwise.