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Sign Up NowWhen it comes to finding a job, different parts of the process can be stressful. Some people say writing and sending applications is the hardest part; others find the interview itself or salary talks more challenging. But for many job seekers, the most difficult stage is waiting for feedback.
It’s common not to hear back from hiring managers after an interview, even when they’ve said they’ll respond within a week. This silence can be frustrating, but it’s often a normal part of the recruitment process. Many factors, including internal delays and workload, can slow things down.
So, how long should you wait after an interview before expecting an update? This guide explains:
Most interviewers tell you when to expect a response before you leave. If they don’t, it’s completely fine to ask about their decision timeline at the end of the interview.
If you missed asking about next steps, don’t panic. Follow-ups can take time. Some recruiters contact candidates within a few days, while others might take weeks. It’s not unusual to receive a reply after a long delay, especially in large companies.
Research from The Josh Bersin Company shows that the average hiring process lasts around 44 days. Another study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that the time between a first interview and a final job offer averages about 25 days.
Indeed reports that 44% of applicants hear back within a few weeks, 37% get a reply within one week, and fewer than 4% receive feedback in a single day. The same research suggests that 24 business days is the typical wait time, though this can vary widely by field.
The time it takes to receive a response can depend on many things, from company size to the number of decision-makers.
Larger businesses usually have more people involved in hiring, which can slow down decision-making. A big applicant pool also means recruiters have more resumes to review, so it might take longer for them to reach out.
As you progress in the hiring process, you may meet several interviewers. The more people involved, the longer it can take to reach agreement. Even routine events such as vacations, sick leave, or busy schedules can push timelines back.
Hiring involves several stages, such as resume screening, interviews, background checks, and offer discussions. After your interview, delays might happen if the employer is still meeting other candidates or finalizing budgets. The more steps involved, the slower the process tends to be.
For senior or technical jobs, the hiring process is often longer and more detailed. These roles require more specialized evaluations and higher-level approvals. Entry-level positions, on the other hand, usually move faster since fewer people are part of the decision.
When a company urgently needs someone, they move quickly. But if priorities change, the process might stall. Sometimes, hiring pauses happen due to budget changes, leadership shifts, or internal restructuring.
Hiring tends to slow down during holidays and at the end of the fiscal year. Recruiters and managers may be away or focused on other responsibilities, causing slower communication with candidates.
At the end of your interview, when the recruiter asks if you have any questions, always ask about the expected decision timeline. Clarify whether they’ll reach out via email or phone, and make sure you have the right contact information. This helps you know what to expect.
Here’s what to keep in mind while waiting for their response.
If the hiring team said they’d get back to you within ten business days, wait until that time has passed before reaching out. Repeatedly calling or emailing before that can come across as pushy.
It’s normal to feel eager, but constant follow-ups can harm your chances. For example, if you were told to expect an update by Friday evening, don’t send an email just minutes after that deadline. Give them a bit of breathing room.
Resist the urge to refresh your inbox every few minutes. Hiring takes time, especially when there are several strong applicants for the same role. Recruiters need to compare skills, experience, and cultural fit before making a final choice.
Good hiring managers prefer thoughtful decisions over quick ones. They also have other tasks to handle, so delays don’t always mean bad news. Mondays and Fridays are often their busiest days, which can explain slower replies.
If another company offers you a job while you’re still waiting, it’s fair to let the recruiter know. Politely update them, thank them for their time, and explain that you’ve accepted another position that aligns with your career plans.
However, don’t pretend to have another offer if you don’t. Misleading the employer can damage your reputation and future chances. Honesty shows integrity and professionalism, which employers value.
Keep applying for other positions while waiting to hear back. Even if your skills seem to match the description perfectly and the interview felt positive, don’t pause your search for the next round.
Nothing is final until you receive an offer or begin salary discussions.
Staying active in your search improves your odds of finding another promising role that fits your goals.
This keeps your attention on exploring fresh openings, ensuring you don’t depend entirely on a single opportunity.
If the company selected someone else, remember it’s a business decision, not a reflection of your worth. Don’t overthink or blame yourself; you just weren’t the best fit this time.
Accept it gracefully and continue applying elsewhere.
Send a polite thank-you message to the hiring team, expressing appreciation for the chance to interview, and ask for any helpful feedback they can share.
You may also inquire about future roles that might be more aligned with your background and abilities.
If you have no clear next steps following your interview, here’s what you can consider doing.
A thank you note shows initiative and appreciation. Try sending it soon after your interview, ideally within a day.
Address each interviewer separately and thank them for their time and interest in your application.
Here’s how to gently remind them that you’re still very interested in the role:
If the expected response time has passed and you still haven’t heard back, the next step is to:
When you’re unsure how long to wait for feedback, follow up within five to ten business days. This gives the employer enough time to complete their review or deal with internal delays.
However, if you’ve received another job offer that needs a quick response, it’s fine to follow up sooner.
Keep your message professional and show continued enthusiasm for the position, even if you’ve been waiting longer than expected.
Avoid sending more than one follow-up. Afterward, you’ll usually receive either a rejection, a status update, or no reply at all.
Recommended Outline for Your Follow-up Email
Subject line: “[Your Name] – [Job Title] Follow-Up | After Interview on [Interview Date]”
Opening: Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity.
Middle: Restate your main strengths and interest in the role.
Next: Ask politely if they need any further details or if there’s an update on your application.
Closing: Add your contact information for quick communication.
Sometimes, after sending a follow-up, it can feel like waiting for a reply that never comes.
In a few cases, the company might reach out much later, possibly because their first choice declined the job and they’ve reopened the process.
There may also be internal issues such as a hiring freeze or administrative delays.
Still, if you’ve already followed up and weeks pass without an answer, it’s reasonable to assume the position has been filled.
Now that you know what usually happens after an interview, whether moving forward, being declined, or not hearing back, keep these points in mind while waiting:
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