Tory,

I have been a stay-at-home mom now for the last five years.  I am ready to go back into the work force and I've been applying for everything and anything in the field for which I have 6+ years experience prior to quiting to stay at home. I have went for about five interviews and they do not call to let me know either way about the position interviewed for and I've applied for many, many other jobs and never hear a thing.  Any suggestions on what to do?? Is it proper to call and check to see if the postion has been filled?

Thanks for your advise!

Call them to follow up. Ask them to provide candid feedback b/c you want to learn and adapt based on their feedback.  If they chose someone else, ask what that person had that you didn't.  Be very kind so they don't feel like they have to be defensive. If you say, "I'd be so appreciative if you'd be willing to give me some candid feedback about my interview, it would mean the world to me b/c I want to learn from this process." Reiterate your interest in the role and ask if they have any other suggestions for you to pursue work in this field. Good luck!