If you've ever endured a tough interview and managed to get through relatively un-scarred, then there is nothing worse than when you don't hear back from the employer, especially when it's for a job position that you really did have your dreams pinned on.

Many people simply leave their fate as it stands, but is has been known that people who effectively follow up after not hearing back after the interview, stand a better chance of being considered...

So, here's some advice on what to do during the job interview follow up.

The follow up phone call

In this day and age, emails often get overused and more importantly, lost in transit through spam folders etc, (or even worse intentionally deleted by an over worked HR assistant).

The phone call puts you in direct contact with the employer and is easier to get an instant response.

The call should be made only when you have heard nothing back from your employer after a certain time period...but how long should you wait?

The answer is, as long as you've been told to. In other words, each employer has their own schedule and time frame for their entire interview process. Therefore it is important that you find out when you can expect a response, which can be asked at the end of the interview.

If it's 2 weeks, leave it 25 days.

If it's 4 weeks, leave it 31 days.

If it's 2 months, leave it 70 days.

Give them a chance to get back to you, but don't hang on longer than you need to. Make that phone call only when you've been kept waiting longer than you expected. Here's what to say...

"Hello [Hiring Manager's name]

I'd like to touch base with you regarding my application for [job]. I understand that your application window has now come to a close and I would like to make sure that everything is ok with my details and overall application.

Is there anything you needed to ask me that you forgot in the interview?"

This will not only make you look keen, but also might help to bring up and eliminate any doubts or reservations that the employer might have of you that they didn't have time to ask during their busy application period.

It also makes you look less of a pest and more of a helping hand, even though it is obviously designed to work in your favour.

If you have to leave a message...

Use the same example as above, but make sure you leave a daytime contact number and make sure there are no wacky answer phone messages on your answer machine that might make you look unprofessional.

If you don't get a response with a further week, make a call and simply state that you are following up with last week's enquiry.

If you can, try and reach the receptionist and ask if the person you've been trying to reach is actually available to take call or if there is anybody else you would be better off speaking with in order to get a final response.

Don't be pushy or sound frutrated, as obviously this will put a big black cross on your application.

If you do find that you are getting the "run around", what you have to ask yourself is this:

Even if the company do end up offering you a position, does the way they have treated you (considering you're their number one choice) actually give you confidence in working for them? How does this make you feel about their professionalism and the way they deal with people. If they can't communicate, and show blatent lack of respect for you as an applicant, then you may have to consider whether this would be any different if you were actaully hired.

Sure, it's tempting to take any job offer after things get a little deperate and you've attended several job interviews, but you must always think of the long term before making a decision.

Don't spend all your time pinning your hopes on that one call back, but use your time more effectively to find other positions and go ahead and apply.

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