How Long Does it Take to Hear Back From a Job?
Wondering how long it takes to hear back from a job? Learn average response times, why hiring managers delay, and how to send a professional follow-up email.
Posted January 12, 2026
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Waiting to hear back after applying for a job can be one of the most stressful parts of the job search process. Whether you’ve submitted your resume or completed a job interview, the waiting game can feel endless. The uncertainty of how long it will take to hear back from a job often leads to frustration, especially when you are eager to know if you’re moving forward in the hiring process.
In this article, we’ll break down what job seekers can expect when waiting for a response after applying for a job, as well as tips on how to stay proactive during this waiting period. By the end, you’ll understand the average response times, what factors influence them, and how to handle the wait while maintaining your momentum in the job search.
Typical Response Timelines: What to Expect
The response time after applying for a job varies based on a few factors, such as the company's hiring process, job posting volume, and the role itself. However, there are general benchmarks that you can expect:
| Stage | Typical Response Time | Factors Affecting Response |
|---|---|---|
| After Applying for a Job | 1 to 2 weeks | Job posting volume, urgency of the role, and company hiring process |
| After a Job Interview | 3 to 7 business days | Time for hiring managers to review candidates and decide next steps |
| After a Final Interview | 1 to 2 weeks | Background checks, drug tests, and internal approvals may extend the timeline |
Expert Tip: If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, send a polite follow-up email to express continued interest and check on the status of your application. This can help keep you top of mind for the hiring manager.
Why is it Taking So Long? Factors That Influence Response Time
Several factors influence how long it takes to hear back from a job:
The Role of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
When you apply through job boards or a company’s website, your resume is likely processed by an applicant tracking system (ATS). These systems filter applications based on keywords. If your resume doesn’t match the system’s criteria, it might not reach the hiring manager, significantly delaying or halting the process.
Company Size: Large vs. Small Businesses
In larger companies, the hiring process is often more structured. There are multiple layers of approval, which can slow down the decision-making process. You may need to wait longer for interviews and final decisions because of the time required for scheduling, internal meetings, and collaboration among departments. On the other hand, smaller companies might move faster in their hiring. With fewer people involved in the decision-making process, they can typically make decisions more quickly, allowing for faster response times.
Note: Smaller companies can sometimes be just as slow due to a lack of streamlined processes.
Internal Hiring Logistics (Approvals and Debriefs)
Delays often happen "behind the scenes." Hiring managers may be traveling, or HR may be balancing multiple urgent roles. Furthermore, high application volume means the team must manually shortlist candidates even after the ATS filter, which adds days or weeks to the timeline.
Job Posting Urgency and Application Volume
Job ads and descriptions can provide insight into the response timeline. Look for clues in the posting about the urgency of the role. For example, if the job ad mentions an “immediate hire,” it could indicate a quicker response time. On the other hand, if the job posting is open for an extended period, you may face a longer wait.
Inside the Black Box: Why HR and Hiring Managers Delay
So, what happens behind the scenes in the hiring process? It’s easy to feel left in the dark while you’re waiting to hear back, but there’s often a lot going on behind the scenes after you submit your application or finish an interview. Understanding the internal steps a potential employer takes can help explain why things sometimes stall, even if you’re a top candidate.
| Steps On The Hiring Side | Description |
|---|---|
| Hiring Team Reviews Application Materials | These include your resume and cover letter. If you applied through a job board, your application might first go through an applicant tracking system (ATS) before a human ever sees it. |
| Scheduling Interviews | There may be several rounds of interviews: phone screens, technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and possibly a final round. Coordinating calendars for the interviewers, hiring manager, and candidates often takes longer than expected, especially at larger companies or during busy hiring seasons. |
| Interviewers Debrief | After each round, interviewers usually meet for a debrief to discuss how each candidate performed. These conversations can include multiple people across teams and levels, and consensus isn’t always easy to reach. If there’s disagreement or uncertainty, the team might decide to conduct more interviews or compare notes with other candidates still in process. |
| Approval Process | Once a decision is made, the approval process begins. This can involve getting sign-off from department heads, finance teams, or HR, especially for roles requiring relocation, visa sponsorship, or exceptions to compensation bands. If background checks or drug tests are part of the process, those steps also add time. |
Any of these points, whether it's internal debate, scheduling delays, or waiting for final approvals, can cause gaps in communication. So while you’re waiting to hear back, it’s often not a matter of disinterest, but rather the complex and often slow-moving machine of the hiring process at work.
How to Stay Proactive During the Waiting Game
The waiting period can be stressful, but it’s essential to stay active and keep moving forward in your job search. Here’s how you can use this time effectively:
Continue Your Search
It’s tempting to focus all your efforts on one job, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Continue applying for other positions while you wait. This will help reduce the stress of waiting for a single job response and increase your chances of landing a new job.
Refine Your Application Materials
Use this time to refine your job applications. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences, and make sure your cover letter is customized to each job posting. A strong personal brand can make a difference when you’re applying for a job.
Prepare for Future Interviews
Don't wait for the invite to start practicing. Use this time to rehearse common interview questions and refine your "elevator pitch." This ensures that when the phone finally rings, you are ready to impress without the last-minute scramble.
Master the Follow-Up: When and How to Reach Out
Strategic follow-ups are a vital part of the hiring process. While you don't want to seem desperate, a well-timed check-in demonstrates professional persistence and keeps your name at the top of the hiring manager's inbox.
Follow-Up Timelines (Interview vs. No Interview)
Knowing when and how to send a follow-up email can be tricky, but it's a professional way to show continued interest without seeming impatient.
- After a Job Interview: If you’ve had an interview and haven’t heard back after 5 to 7 business days, it’s a good time to send a polite follow-up email.
- Without an Interview: If you haven’t interviewed yet and are still waiting after applying, give it 2 weeks before following up. This timeframe allows the company time to sort through the applications.
Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email (With Template)
Your follow-up email should be brief, polite, and professional. Here’s what to include:
- A reminder of who you are and the role you applied for
- A sentence expressing your continued interest in the job and the company
- A respectful ask for an update on the next steps in the process
- A note thanking them for their time and consideration
Example Follow-Up Email After a Job Interview
Subject: Following Up on [Job Title] Interview
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position last [day of the interview]. I enjoyed learning more about the role and your team, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name].
I wanted to follow up and see if there have been any updates regarding the next steps in the hiring process. Please let me know if there’s anything further I can provide.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Read: How to Write the Best Follow-Up Email After the Interview (With Examples & Template)
Staying Professional Without Being Pushy
Tone matters. Keep your message upbeat, respectful, and free from pressure. Avoid asking “Why haven’t I heard back?” and instead focus on your enthusiasm for the role. One well-written follow-up is enough.
Reaching out within 48 hours of applying or interviewing is usually too soon, unless you’re sending a thank-you note. On the flip side, if you wait more than a month, the role may already be filled, or the hiring team may assume you’ve moved on. In general, a single follow-up sent at the right time helps show that you’re both professional and genuinely interested in the position.
Managing Expectations: When to Move On
Understanding the difference between a busy hiring manager and a closed opportunity will save you mental energy. While every company moves at a different pace, silence eventually becomes a signal.
Recognizing "The Silent Rejection"
While it is unprofessional, many companies now practice "ghosting" rather than sending rejection emails. If you have sent two follow-up emails (one week apart) after your final interview and received no response, it is safe to assume the company has moved forward with another candidate.
Signs It’s Time to Focus Elsewhere
Don't wait for a formal "no" to keep your search moving. You should shift your primary focus if:
- The Job Posting is Removed: If the listing disappears from the company website or LinkedIn, they have likely reached the offer stage with someone else.
- The Timeline Has Doubled: If the recruiter told you "you'll hear back in a week" and it has been three weeks, the internal priority for that role may have shifted.
- Vague or Non-Committal Replies: If a follow-up is met with "We're still deciding," without a clear next step or date, continue applying to other roles immediately.
The Golden Rule of Job Searching
The best way to manage expectations is to assume you didn’t get the job until you have a signed offer letter. By maintaining this mindset, you keep your momentum high and avoid the "waiting game" trap that leads to burnout.
Real-Life Perspectives from Job Seekers
According to this Reddit thread:
"If you haven't heard back in about six weeks, it's definitely worth following up. My application actually got lost in the shuffle. When I called to check in, they had no idea I’d even applied. Turns out, the person who was supposed to review my application had been heavily pregnant and left suddenly without handing over her work. My resume just got stuck in her inbox. Thankfully, I followed up, and I ended up getting the job!"
It took a while for me, too. After I applied, I got an email almost immediately asking me to complete a video interview within a week. It was through an app, where I had to answer questions while recording myself. I did that, but then I didn’t hear anything for about six weeks. I thought I must’ve done terribly. Turns out, I hadn’t because I was invited to a real online interview. And then, once again, I waited 4 to 6 weeks before finally receiving the acceptance.
Note: After reading the comments and suggestions across that thread, it turns out it actually depends on the internal processes of the respective employer.
Work with a Career Coach to Improve Your Job Search
Job searching is a marathon, not a sprint, and while waiting can feel like an endless loop, remember that each application, each follow-up, is a step closer to your next opportunity
If you're struggling with the job search process, consider working with a career coach. Our expert coaches have a wealth of industry experience and are ready to help you land your next job. Also, we offer free events to help you prepare and enhance your job search.
Visit: Top 10 Career Mentors
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- What It (Actually) Takes to Land Your First Job in 2025
- Solving the 5-Gallon 3-Gallon Riddle: A Logical Approach
- How to Write the Best Follow-Up Email After the Interview (With Examples & Template)
- 10 Job-Ready Career Skills That Will Set You Apart
- Coffee Chat – What it Is & How to Make the Most of It
- How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset for Career Success
FAQs
How long after applying for a job should you hear back?
- Typically, you can expect to hear back within one to two weeks. However, this varies significantly based on the company size and the urgency of the role. High-volume positions at larger corporations may take longer as they filter through hundreds of resumes using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
How can you tell if you didn't get the job?
- Common signs include receiving no response after two follow-up attempts, the job posting being removed from career sites, or receiving a "status update" that remains vague for several weeks. If you are "ghosted" for more than 14 days after a final interview, it is best to focus on other opportunities.
How long does it take to hear back if you are already employed?
- The timeline is generally the same (one to three weeks), but the stakes feel different. Employers often move more carefully with "passive candidates" (those currently employed), so don’t be surprised if the scheduling process for interviews takes an extra few days to accommodate your current work schedule.
What happens behind the scenes after a job interview?
- After you leave the room, the hiring team enters a "debrief" phase. They compare candidate scores, check references, and verify budget approvals with finance. This internal coordination is usually the primary cause of delays, rather than a lack of interest in your candidacy.
What is the 7-second rule in a resume?
- The 7-second rule refers to the average time a recruiter spends scanning a resume before deciding if a candidate is a potential match. To beat this rule, your resume must have a clear layout, use bold headers, and place your most relevant achievements at the very top.
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