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When to call for a followup to an interview?

Posted By: Interviewtips on 2008-08-05
In Reply to:

I had a telephone interview last week and was told I would hear from another department in my state soon to interview.  I was told that my information would be sent to the office in my location.  A week has gone by and I have not heard anything.  I do not want to appear pushy, but should I call and inquire why I have not heard from anyone or is this too soon.  This is for an outside position I really want. 


 


 




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after your interview did YOU ever place a followup

Any current info on JLG? I took the test and am currently waiting interview call. nm
nm
DSG followup
DSG1 and 2 are code for US and overseas with most of the work going overseas.  DSG has new management and they are lacking to say the least.  If you have other options, I would encourage you to follow that path instead.  DSG is not the company it used to be.
Followup to your question.

Since I am unsure at this moment who this individual is.  But it won't take much to find out.  Anyway, I am very sorry that someone had this perceived bad experience but posting things about our company or any other company that are not true is just plain wrong.  I direct your attention to the part about dinging somebody for a report.  NOT TRUE! It is unfortunate that things like this happen but to date, the individual has not called or emailed me so I can't even begin to fix the problem or discuss it with this individual.  Thanks for asking.


Bonnie J. Monico, CMT, FAAMT  1-800-881-3131 x371


Manager of MT Recruitment


 


There's nothing wrong with a followup
They really are a great company and they'll probably appreciate your interest in working for them.

I've been with them a couple of months. I heard back from them really quickly after testing and got started up right away, but judging from all the ads, they must be adding a lot of new accounts and new people.

Good luck. :)
Followup to your post
I worked for them for 2 days. I quit because they would not send the work when they said and would send more than the number of minutes that I told them I could do in a day. They said they would have the minutes uploaded to your FTP site by 9, it would usually be around noon and if you asked for 10 or 15 minutes of dictation, you could probably bet on closer to 23 or 30. The people were very nice, though.
Resumes, followup, etc.
The posts keep getting removed because of names being used, even though just informational, so PLEASE email the above email.  Maybe your resume was not received.  Our recruiter is on top of calls and emails (been with us since August and has turned that around since taking it over) and if she did not respond, she did not get it or followed up and you did not get it.  If you were referred by someone please say so and please also say that you had sent it in previously.  I will make sure that she gets it.  However, I know that she does not respond to resumes without the experience necessary, offshore or students, as it says in the ads.  She gets several hundred resumes a week and although we are growing, we are very particular about who is being hired, so she automatically does not consider those who do not meet the requirements and resumes/cover letters with typographical errors.  Not trying to be rude, just stating facts.  If you meet the requirements and did not get a response, send me an email.
EMTS followup
Well, I took your advice and went to EMTS. I will never look back. They restored my faith in working in transcription. You are correct. They are everything you say and more. Not only are they who they say they are, and do what they say but they treat you with RESPECT. Amazing isn't it? How being true to your word and treating a person with respect means so much these days. I highly recommend every qualified Transcriptionist and potential client check EMTS out. I am there to stay!
Escription followup
I realize I am replying to myself but I did want to make the point that if this big client thinks the files are NOT stored in a database on the internet and I can tell them that they are mistaken, perhaps we can make some headway in our cause to get rid of these people who change everything around so that we make less money.
Followup on comments

I would like to comment on your posts, as it is my help-wanted ad you are discussing.  I have attempted to put as many details into my ad as possible, in order to answer all possible questions anyone might have before applying.  My ad is not meant to be overbearing, rude, or pushy, but I realize it might appear that way to others because of all of the fine details I have written into it.  I have amended the ad many times over the years due to certain situations that have occured.  The part about if you love animals is due to the fact that I had a Transcriptionist working with me, who later told me that she did not like animals.  Since she did not like animals, it reflected in her work, which is probably because the work did not hold her interest.  I have read a lot of really vicious posts about myself and my company, none of which I feel is justified.  I am sure I have hurt some feelings when returning test results and when informing others that they do not appear to be compatible with the current position, but I have always been diplomatic in my emails and polite when conducting phone interviews.  I would like to set the record straight and let everyone know that I do NOT send out real work, hoping someone will do my job for me.  When I test someone, they are typing actual dictation files, but the reports have already been typed and returned to the clinic.  When testing potential applicants, I only send out two small dictation files at the most (sometimes only one), and the person below is obviously confused, or is blatently lying.  Also, regardless of what some people might be saying/thinking, there are at least four new clinics that open each year.  In the past six years, I have had five people leave their jobs voluntarily for their own personal reasons.  My newest ad is posted because I have been short-handed for some time now due to all of the unexpected clinics thrown at me and because I recently had a transcriptionist pass away unexpectedly.  I personally take the time to train each new person, and I can only handle training one person at a time because I have many other duties during the day, such as invoicing, payroll, emails, phone calls, typing the work from my own assigned clinics, etc.  It takes at least one month for each new person to feel comfortable enough to go on their own with the work, so I am constantly behind on getting all of the clinics covered.  As soon as one transcriptionist is out of training, I post my help-wanted ad and start all over again.  Believe me, I would like nothing more than to hire someone and put them on their own right away, which would make my life a lot easier!  However, the vet group I type for is very picky, which I can only blame on myself because they are spoiled and accustomed to having things done a specific way.  I could write a book in trying to defend myself and my company name, but, unfortunately, I no longer have the time to chat with other transcriptionists like I used to do years ago.  My main reason for posting a response is because I realize these posts will remain on the board for a very long time to come, and I am hoping potential applicants are not deterred from applying because of what has been posted at this site.  


Followup on comments
I would like to comment on your posts, as it is my help-wanted ad you are discussing.  I have attempted to put as many details into my ad as possible, in order to answer all possible questions anyone might have before applying.  My ad is not meant to be overbearing, rude, or pushy, but I realize it might appear that way to others because of all of the fine details I have written into it.  I have amended the ad many times over the years due to certain situations that have occured.  The part about if you love animals is due to the fact that I had a Transcriptionist working with me, who later told me that she did not like animals.  Since she did not like animals, it reflected in her work, which is probably because the work did not hold her interest.  I have read a lot of really vicious posts about myself and my company, none of which I feel is justified.  I am sure I have hurt some feelings when returning test results and when informing others that they do not appear to becompatible with the current position, but I have always been diplomatic in my emails and polite when conducting phone interviews.  I would like to set the record straight and let everyone know that I do NOT send out real work, hoping someone will do my job for me.  When I test someone, they are typing actual dictation files, but the reports have already been typed and returned to the clinics.  When testing potential applicants, I only send out two small dictation files at the most (sometimes only one).  Also, regardless of what some people might be saying/thinking, there are at least four new clinics that open each year.  In the past six years, I have had five people leave their jobs voluntarily for their own personal reasons.  My newest ad is posted because I have been short-handed for some time now due to all of the unexpected clinics thrown at me and because I recently had a transcriptionist pass away unexpectedly.  I personally take the time to train each new person, and I can only handle training one person at a time because I have many other duties during the day, such as invoicing, payroll, emails, phone calls, typing the work from my own assigned clinics, etc.  It takes at least one month for each new person to feel comfortable enough to go on their own with the work, so I am constantly behind on getting all of the clinics covered.  As soon as one transcriptionist is out of training, I post my help-wanted ad and start all over again.  Believe me, I would like nothing more than to hire someone and put them on their own right away, which would make my life a lot easier!  However, the vet group I type for is very picky, which I can only blame on myself because they are spoiled and accustomed to having things done a specific way.  I could write a book in trying to defend myself and my company name, but, unfortunately, I no longer have the time to chat with other transcriptionists like I used to do years ago.  My main reason for posting a response is because I realize these posts will remain on the board for a very long time to come, and I am hoping potential applicants are not deterred from applying because of what has been posted at this site.  BTW, tradmt, I remember you very well.  I send out the questionnaire to everyone that is applying, which alerts me right away when there might be a compatibility problem with the position I am trying to fill.  Not only did you have Windows XP and Word 2007, but you also did not have a medical dictionary and other items that I listed in my ad were necessary for the job.  I spent a great deal of time answering all of your questions through email and felt I was very polite with my responses, but you apparently took it personally that you were not a good candidate for the position that I needed to fill.  Had I hired you, I would have had to wait for you to purchase the necessary items, and we would have experienced many problems because of your work environment, which would have ultimately made you quit in frustration.  I send the same questionnaire and tests out to everyone who is applying, and I ultimately choose the most compatible person for the position because it saves a lot of time on both ends.  As I recall, after I took the time to respond to your many questions, you sent me a rude email in response.  There are times when I tell very qualified transcriptionists that they are not compatiable with the position, simply because I know from past experience that there will be problems and/or delays when getting started in training. 
Followup on ChartNet

Just a followup, if anyone is interested...On my second day at MedScribe and transcribed over 1,000 lines.  Love the Chartnet and still do not use all of the little shortcuts it offers.  You were right about ChartNet. 


Precyse feedback followup
Many thanks for all responses. Searched archive messages extensively and found the same picture. Trying to figure out what accounts for this wide range of replies. Would like to fire off a couple of questions and comments to keep this little debate going a bit longer:

RE: me/Well they offshore...Agreed. Offshoring is a HUGE turn-off, especially if it affects work load of stateside employees to any frequently noticeable degree. Just not sure I can afford to cross every single offshore outsourcing company off my list of potential employers. As for the TM/QA not returning IM/emails, I look at it this way. Take the best advantage of the 100% QA time while in training, then cut and run with it, assuming that the account profiles are thorough, clearly lucid. Would much rather have too little or no oversight at all than someone breathing down my neck all the time. All I can do is rely on my best judgment from 20 years of transcribing and keep reminding myself that part of my job is to meet account criteria, follow instructions and not to get my feelings hurt if someone disagrees with me about where to put a comma. If I take issue at all with a correction or instruction, will try to document my case and present it to someone....if nobody is home, then I do what I think is right and best until otherwise instructed. Regarding the advice to get it in writing, my experience tells MS that the best shot anybody hsas is to try to cover all bases during hiring process, especially on scheduling, pay rate and benefits. Don't think I can expect a 100% guarantee of work load. I can't predict the future and neither can they.

RE: Precyse MT/Info on Precyse...Agreed. Independence is the answer. On the work flow issue, in the past I have tried searching for work on different shifts, even checking into the system on my days off, to make up as much difference as possible, assuming I can get away with that. Work slumps are ususally brief and temporary. They told me that I would have one primary and one back-up account. I briefly mentioned having access to a third one and she did not rule that out (it possible). Might be worthwhile to try to negotiate that as as a condition of my employment and get it in writing. What do you think? Encouraged by your comments on WebCorrect, but have one question. She told me their comupter is small. Does that mean a 15 screen? Wonder if I can use my own (Sony) monitor?

RE: nm/I work on ET...Getting ready to show a little ignorance. What is ET?

RE: Daisy/Been there a month now...How long did it take you to get off of 100% QA? They told me that the first QA assessment should be 98.5% or above and line rate adjustment will be made at that point. Were you satisfied with that? You got enough access to samples, templates, etc? Good account profiles provided? If you got used to everything in a month, sounds like you are doing pretty good. If you don't mind, can I ask if you have been transcribing for a long time? Certainly I don't need anybody to hold my hand, can work independently well, but still cautious. The jury's still out. LOL.

RE: HappywithoutPS....You were sort of casual about the system great, pay good, everything great part. On a day-to-day basis, in terms of what makes the job hard or not, those are the things that count the most (sound quality, platform, expander, access to samples, acct profiles, etc). Poor people skills? I transcribe medical reports for a living. I stay hooked up to electronic voices 40 hours a week or more. Expect myself to work well under pressure for my own survival. Deadlines, nit-picking, all part of the scene. Always been that way, always will be. My people skills are the best either. Never felt the need to brownnose, just try to keep myself under the radar, be dependable, do my job, be as good as I can be, etc. Don't look for validation of my self-esteem from others, not family, not friends, not employers, not even spouse. I cover that territory for myself. Control issues? Not me. Had to cut that loose at around age 40 or I really would have lost it. Can't control anything about my life that lies beyond my own nose. Much better off trying to roll with the punches. Of course I work when the work is there. How else can I make a living? By the way, I'm kind of into numbers myself...line count, pay rate, hours worked, paycheck totals, etc. Hey, if I can't get feedback from TM/QA, I am really left with no choice but to make my own decisions and see where that takes me. Surely, I would hear from them when they need to correct me. Hey, it's water off the duck's back.

I am only guessing that the discrepancies may be partly explained by what you do with the cards you are dealt, especially where the accounts are concerned. You either fit or you don't. It's all a roll of the dice anyway. If it's not snake eyes, you move on. Life's too short.

Hope to get a few more hits before laying this issue to rest. Thanks for all the help.


Great followup email
Finally! The way I've been doing things for years and years is finally going to pay off for me.

I go over my reports a 2nd time and try to get all blanks before submitting. Do you all remember back in the day BEFORE there was any official QA? It was the MT!!
:)
assigned work followup
I would not have cared so much had I not already worked a FULL month of overtime.  Also, it was radiology which I cannot stand!  If I wanted to do radiology I would have kept my other job.  Not only are these short and do not give lines, they just stink.  Just my opinion.  Sorry all MTs who like doing them, I do not.
I applied, tested, returned my paperwork and NOTHING.. no followup ...NOTHING

Disorganization is my number 1 pet peeve and reason for NOT going any further with a company. I used my time to apply and test and fax paperwork back so you'd think they could have done their part and at least followed up. I could even assume that maybe they didn't get my paperwork, that does happen with fax machines, but you would have thought someone would have emailed, called, something to ask where it was. I would not accept a position with a company like that. My thoughts are this....if they are so unorganized that they cannot receive the paperwork and get you going, then am I sure that I will get my checks on time and that they will not get ignored or put aside. So, for me, I'd give them a thumbs down.


Yes, call waiting works. I also have call forwarding from my home line
NM
You can call it greed, I call it feeling like
I am back in the 80s with the money I am pulling in. SS, retirement check and my paycheck, cha-ching. Not planning on taking it with me, never. Love to travel and have 4 places planned for this year. High maintenance lady here. Ta-Ta.
Your interview.......sm

It depends on so many things.  Will you be working as an employee (with benefits) or IC?  Your post makes it sound like you'll be an independent contractor, as employees are usually not given the option to determine their own pay scale.


It also depends on what kind of work you'll be doing.  If it's just x-rays, i.e., short reports, you're better off charging by the report.  Try to keep in in the $1.25 per report range and make sure you get paid for links; two separate reports on the same job, like shoulder and clavicle would be two reports, CT of the abdomen and pelvis would be two reports.  On the other hand, if you'll be doing long reports like MRIs, Special Procedures, etc.,  then you'll do better charging by the line.  65 character line with all spaces included.  I would ask for 9 cpl at the least.  Maybe 10.  They'll probably try to chew you down anyway.  And most importantly, walk in there with confidence and professionalism.  Don't be intimidated by them.  You are a professional.  Don't ask them what they are offering.  Tell them, in a polite but firm manner what you expect to be paid, and see how they react.


Well, that's my advice.  Good luck.  Let us know how it turned out.


 


Your interview - sm
Just my opioion, but for those hours you should get shift differential and weekend compensation too, and you're right, they do stink....also, I've worked that shift and there are times when there is no work..some docs don't dictation for 4-5 hours, and then dictation all the reports at once, so find out what the story is if you have NO work for a length of time...why sit around waiting for work during those hours for nothing? Be sure they can guarantee that you will be busy the whole shift...and if not, get something out of it. Good luck.
Your interview.......sm

Sounds like it went well.  Give it a try.  If you're not happy with them in a month or two, start looking for other opportunities.  Good luck!


Interview

My interview just consisted of general employment info.  Not a lot of questions to me, mainly just telling me about the benefits, pay, etc. and discussing what kind of schedule you want, etc.   


I've had interviews in the past that were more like a test, but this was not one of them.


I work for Diskriter on a SmartSource account where I am actually an employee of the hospital itself.  They also have accounts where you are employed by Diskriter.  I have no complaints at all.  My lines counts are much higher  than when I worked at MQ.  Although the pay is pretty average, if you are a high producer the incentive really makes a big difference.   There have been postings on this board in the past about hospitals/QA being extremely picky, but I have not had that problem.


Good Luck in your interview!       


  


The interview
was actually the offer of a job. They asked me what my favorite specialities were, what I did not like to type, etc. The recruiter was very nice. BUT...the platform is horrible and keeps going down. Lotsssssss of problems. Not staying myself.
Interview
Interview was no big deal.  Just basic interview questions about your experience and what you are looking for, what they offer, etc.  There was no test over the phone that I remember.   
When they interview you why don't you ask them
how many times they have been investigated by the labor board. THIS IS NOT A LIE OR A NASTY REMARK. THIS IS THE TRUTH!! They have been in trouble with the labor board on a couple of occasions!
What was the interview like? TIA NM
NM
I might add that I did not interview for
a recruiter position, but an MT because I do MT on the side. Because recruiting takes up so much time, I am literally thinking about going back into full time MT and if I do that, this would be the company that I would work for.
Interview? sm
What did the interview consist of, Nelli? Just curious. Know some who interview over phone and that is not acceptable to me. Some use their books but I would draw a total blank! Would rather test online.
The interview
was over the phone and was just an interview... No testing of any kind whatsoever. I visited with my then immediate supervisor about my past work experience, etc. I didn't actually have to prove my knowledge, which I thought was a little weird, but whatever I guess. Pretty low key. I honestly do not know if they called my past employer or not. She offered me a position at the end of our conversation and emailed me a job offer after our conversation, which I had I think 7 days to respond to. We discussed pay, hours, benefits, etc., during our phone interview. Does that help?
Just had interview
I was offered 50% ESL. Pay/bene's seem same as MQ. Sounds like MT support is better, and Webmedx was 2006 AAMT Employer of the Year. But now with everyone jumping ship at MQ, things may open up for me more there!
interview
I do too. I am nervous also, but telling myself I have nothing to lose after MQ, at least I hope so!
If you don't ask anything else in a job interview

Insist that they tell you much your line rate will REALLY be.  Some companies that use Dictaphone EXText take a flat percentage off the top to allow for headers and footers, no matter that not all headers and footers are the same, they are different for different hospitals but they are greedy and take anywhere from 10 to 17% (that I have proof of) off the top so if you are told you will get 8 cpl you will have to deduct the percentage from that.  I'm sure that other companies that use different software do the same thing.  Ask them to tell you what their flat percentage is.  If they refuse to tell you stop the interview!!!!!!!!!!!   


I know for a fact that one company takes 17% off and their president went in one day and changed all the headers to have hardly any lines in them at all but they still take that 17%.  I worked very closely in the home office and saw that with my own eyes and that greed made me find another job.  I did not want to be a part of any company like that which would cheat the employees that way. 


Remember, if they refuse to tell you the flat percentage that they skim off the top of EXText or other software (the magic number) STOP THE INTERVIEW!


also at interview ask
1. The platform used. Is it MS Word. What Expanders work on it. Can you use the Expander you are knowledgeable about.. be it Autocorrect, Shorthand, Instant text, etc.
2. How many steps are there in setting up a report to begin typing... And then how many to send a report.
3. How long from date of hire until you actually start on the account.
4. People currently on the account... what is the range of lines per hour that people are doing..
interview

Good luck!  They expect 1200 lines/day for full-time, 8 cpl, employee status with 90 days' probation.  I actually just heard from them again and have another interview Monday...Sounds good/legit; I've been doing this for 8 years and have worked for a lot of people.  They said there's never a lack of work, either!


interview
My husband had a fit when the only interview time they gave me available was for 10:15 or 10:45 p.m. on a Sunday.  Needless to say, that didn't go over and the interview was abruptly cut short. 
MDI interview
They're fine. Work is plentiful. Platform is okay. Don't overcommit your daily lines, be conservative and when you go over they are very grateful.
I have an interview! sm
One of the girls on the board here helped me out by forwarding my info to the recruiter, and she put me in for an interview on the 2nd. I've never worked IC, but this is what I've been wanting, so I hope the interview goes smoothly and I'm offered the position. If so, I look forward to working with you. :)
During my interview....
Person stated they pay 7.5 cpl for clinic work with minimum 1200 lines/day.  Insurance was with Aetna.  I didn't take the job.  Dunno much else.
interview
I would call. There are some who use the tactic that the person who calls gets the job. I have always followed up, especially when I was told I would hear something. Call and ask if the position is still available. Can't hurt and they will know you are really interested.
Interview
My recruiter was nice also, in fact from your description, probaby the same one; however, nice doesn't pay the bills. In fact, if the recruiters are being so blatantly honest about the lack of work, what the hell are they doing hiring in the first place?
MDI interview
Hey there...to anyone currently working for MDI...any news? Good? Bad? How is the interview?  I don't currently have any equipment other than for the company I work for; I have an interview in a couple days, do I need a foot pedal or anything? Do you take a typing test during the interview?  I have not taken a transcription test for 15 years as I have been with my company for that long and am now looking for supplemental income.  Any information would be greatly appreciated! TIA!!
Re: interview
The interview is very casual. They don't quiz you or test you. They have seen your resume and obviously that is enough for them. I think the main purpose of the interview is for them to see what you are looking for in the job and for you to see what they are looking for and for you both to determine if you are a good fit.

The equipment you will need depends on what kind of account you are hired on. You will have to talk to the recruiter about that at the interview if you are offered a position.

I have been there for 3 years and am happy. No work being sent to India, no speech recognition to mess with, just straight typing, good communication, and everything is fair and professional.
MDI Interview
Hey there!

I was hired on this past summer, and I don't recall doing any testing. There was a detailed phone interview (wouldn't hurt to have your resume on hand during the call for easy reference) in which I felt they were checking to make sure it would be a mutual fit for the position. The recruiter was very nice and very professional, and really listened to everything I had to say.

I was initially placed on one of the internet accounts, so I only needed an Infinity foot pedal since I already had everything else.

I got the impression from the interview call that they are very selective in who gets chosen for a certain position, and I was impressed with that, particularly after quite a few impersonal You passed the test, would you you like the position? offers I'd had. It was nice to know the recruiter was actually listening to my needs as an MT and not just looking to fill a position ASAP.

Good luck with the phone interview and keep us posted on how it goes. I think you'll be impressed with MDI, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!!!
MDI Interview
Thanks to both for your informative responses! Makes me want to work for the company because of your positivity! I am nervous about change, but my company is changing and will be going ASR, which we have never done before, plus to an offshore company, which is really scary for me, so hopefully this will be a great fit, and thanks again for responding!
Did you have your interview yet?
I had an interview scheduled with Kristal and she never called. Very unprofessional in my opinion.
I had an interview with them sm
last week and the recruiter and the person who interview tell you something totally different.  The recruiter was very nice but the person who actually called you and offered the job is very nasty and condescending like she knows it all!!!!!!!!!  She made the omment to me right off the bat that she did not like to babysit MTs.  What is that suppose to mean?  I have never had to be babysat.  To me she sounded like she had an exaggerated idea of her own importance.  Also the recruiter didn't tell me you had to transcribe for months before you ever could be a QA person (which is what I applied for).  Before the interview was over I told this person I was not interested and then I wrote the recruiter back a note and told her why.  The recruiter again was very nice and said she was sorry that things got messed up.  I figure if they will lie in an interview they will lie when you start working for them!
How did the interview go?
xxx
I had an interview once....
And the woman said......We pay for straight typing, not for spaces, only the keys you type.  I told her that I actually DO hit the spacebar in order to put a space in that my computer doesn't automatically do it, LOL, and her response was......Well, we really cannot pay for a key that you hit with the same finger every time  I mean HUH?  I told her I hit the other keys with the same finger every time as well and that not paying for spaces is just like not being paid to type R, L, T, etc.  Needless to say, I didn't get a call back for the job.
Why not do the interview with SS
and then if the other job comes through, then tell SoftScript you found a higher paying job...  this way, you don't lose the softscript... 
interview
I have a job interview coming up this week with MDI.  I don't know much about this company.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. 
DSG job interview sm.
Sorry you haven't heard from Cheryl yet - same thing happened when I was hired though - she didn't call me back when she said she would, but eventually did. I'm disappointed not to have had any feedback from anyone on my original question. Oh well - I tried. Good luck and I hope you have your interview soon - like I said before I do like the company, but right now I'm a bit worried about the low workload, but have been reassured that it will pick up, so we'll see. I feel for all the posters on this board and what they're going through - sad and awful at the same time. I was surprised to scroll three pages and see your reply even! Take care and good luck with whatever you decide to do.