After 1st interview follow up?

[amymaew]

I had an interview with a potential client on Saturday. We seemed to really hit it off, and she wanted to talk it over with her husband and said she'd get back to me. How long would you wait? Should I call her after a week or so? Forget about it - if she wants to hire me she'll call? What do you think?!? Thanks

[douladot]

I usually do not call back. I feel that at that interview we will both know if we were right for each other. I did call one lady back after about a week and they did decide to go with me after another doula had cancelled her appointment with them. But, as a rule, I do not call back.

[Annie]

I wouldn't call either. However, if I had her address I would send a card saying you really enjoyed meeting with her. That way if she lost your info somehow she has it again and it also puts a bug in her ear to give you a call if she just forgot to make the call but still wanted to hire you.

-Annie

[AussieDoula]

I usually don't call them either (not to be confused with actual clients - who I will call regularly to check in and arrange prenatals hehe). Every now and then I will do the one-time call back or letter/card follow-up after an interview, but if they don't call after that I don't stress about it and just move on. Families who would like to have me as their Doula will generally make it a priority to call me back.

Sometimes, mama genuinely wants a Doula, but for one reason or another her partner isn't fully behind the idea (seeing the cost factor instead of the extra support mama will need, feeling left out, etc). When you have an interview, it can help to appeal to both of them - in my experience, men will often appreciate structured lists of what can be expected while women prefer to feel that emotional connection.

Good luck!

[Acacia]

I would not call BUT if I had an e-mail or a mailing address I would simply write that I enjoyed meeting with her and wish the best for her in her birth journey. I might also include something like...If I can answer anymore questions regarding the interview please let me know!

[1stimestar]

I make it clear in my initial interview that while I appriciate a call to let me know what they decide EITHER WAY, I don't call them. If they want to hire me, they have to call me lol. But I am also sure that they have my contact info. It's all over the internet. Be patient. They may be waiting for payday in order to pay your deposit if you have one, or they may be waiting to interview one more person. Good luck!

[deew]

What about making a two sided post card that on the front has a kool birth related picture and lists the benefits of having a doula, then on the back just jot down a quick note saying that you enjoyed meeting them and giving them best wishes and a gentle reminder that if interested they will need to get on your schedule.You will be exposing so many people to what doulas do and give her partner a second exposure.

[dorothyh]

When I do an interview, I tell them that I'll hold the spot for them for a week. They can take as long as they like to make the decision whether or not to hire me, but after a week, I cannot guarantee my availability.

I do send a follow-up email the day after the interview thanking them for their time, I enjoyed meeting you, let me know if you have any questions, etc. And that's it. If they don't call in a week, I move on. And I do not call or email asking if they made a decision; that could be very awkward if they decided to go with another doula.

They also need to send me a deposit within a week of hiring me to hold their spot as well.

Good luck!

[DL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amymaew ...Forget about it - if she wants to hire me she'll call?...

Yes

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stimestar I make it clear in my initial interview that while I appriciate a call to let me know what they decide EITHER WAY, I don't call them. If they want to hire me, they have to call me lol. But I am also sure that they have my contact info...

[Stacie]

I don't call either, with one exception: If I get another inquiry from someone due around the same time during my wait-period after an interview, I will call the first couple to make sure they have first priority. This helps me be able to make a decision and not leave the second couple hanging, kwim? So I can proceed either way.

That's the only reason I ever call .

[amymaew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stimestar Be patient. They may be waiting for payday in order to pay your deposit if you have one, or they may be waiting to interview one more person. Good luck!

SHE JUST CALLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited! Now I have a birth in June and a birth in August and then I'll be certified!!!

[empowering birth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amymaew SHE JUST CALLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited! Now I have a birth in June and a birth in August and then I'll be certified!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!! That rocks, I'm so happy for you !!

[Julia]

Yay!!!

[Inadoulascare]

YEAH!!! I am very happy for you.

whenver I take the potential clients information from them (over the phone or at the meet and great) I always ask for an e-mail address. Then after about a week or so, I send them an e-mail, "just to touch base and see if they have any questions..blah,blah" I feel that is a great way, so no one has to feel "obligated" or uncomfortable.

[DL]

Congratulations!!!!!