How often should I call about a job interview?

How long does it take to get a call after a phone interview for a job? Can you give me advice based on this?

• A week ago I applied for a medium size FCU in my area for an IT position. It is an entry level IT spot with CIS Associate's Degree required (which I have) and UNIX experience preferred (which I have plenty, and love UNIX). My area is not very populated and I don't see many people having that expertise. I have been loyal to my current computer repair/customer service job for 5 years. I wrote a cover letter explaining my respect for the institution and my excitement for technology. I received a call an hour later saying they were very impressed by my resume and would like to schedule a phone interview. They sent me background check information to fax to them on the spot. I had a phone interview with a really nice woman who I got along with very well. I felt more excited than nervous. It went extremely well. I answered all of her questions honestly and intelligently. She said they would give me a call the following week due to a requirement to leave the job up for minimum 3 business days. They also said that I am the perfect desired applicant for that job, for a bunch of reasons. So Wednesday came but I received no call. I called Thursday to express my gratitude and enjoyment of the phone interview. They remembered my name, the position I was applying for, and explained to me they are planning on calling me with an interview as soon as they coordinate with the hiring manager, and enthusiastically wished me luck. I noticed that after I called Thursday, they took down the position from the website. I took this as a good sign! So after all these events, what should I expect? How long should it take and what chances do I have of getting this job? I feel confident but how confident should I be? I am very excited for the next interview. I really do appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Don't do a thing, just wait for them to contact you now. If you contact them again, I am afraid to say it will look like you are "begging" them. These things take time, if you are to be invited for an actual interview, they have to get that all ready, as in book a room, make sure the MDs are all available etc. AND you might not be the only candidate for interview. And also, not wanting to dash your hopes, but if for some bizarre reason they have changed their mind (which I dont think they have!), chances are they wont bother getting in touch with you again, as very few companies do this. Its rude I know, because we take the time and effort to apply for jobs, put ourselves through interviews etc, then they don't have the common courtesy to say thanks, but no thanks.