Wondering when you’ll hear back after that anxiety-inducing interview?
Key takeaways:
- Immediate with Subs: Some companies will call within a day or two.
- The One-Week Wonder: Many businesses aim to respond within a week.
- The Two-Week Tease: It might take about two weeks to hear back.
- A Month, Seriously?: Sometimes it takes a month to hear back.
- Follow Up: Wait 7-10 days before following up.
How Long After a Job Interview Should You Hear Back?
The standard waiting period can feel like an eternity. Here’s a rough idea:
- Immediate with Subs: Some companies are like quick draws in the Wild West; you’ll hear back within a day or two. Usually, these are places that know what they want… and it’s you.
- The One-Week Wonder: A lot of businesses aim to respond within a week. It’s enough time for them to discuss your perfect-for-the-job qualities over coffee.
- The Two-Week Tease: After about two weeks, you might start hearing from those who love to play it cool—just making sure you didn’t seem too eager.
- A Month, Seriously?: Sometimes, it stretches to a month. Busy schedules, more interviews, or maybe their HR is just really into suspense thrillers.
Remember, every organization dances to its own recruitment tune, so timelines can vary widely.
What to Do While Waiting to Hear Back After a Job Interview
It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in limbo after an interview, but don’t just sit around twiddling your thumbs. Here are some steps to keep you sane and productive.
First, send a thank-you email. It’s not just polite; it’s proof that your parents raised you right and a way to remind the hiring manager you exist.
Next, continue job hunting. Nothing is certain until you have an offer in hand. Don’t put all your career eggs in one uncertain basket.
Brush up on your skills. Use this downtime to take an online course or read industry-related articles. It’s like training for the job of your dreams.
Network, network, network. Reach out to professionals in your field on LinkedIn. A friendly message here and there can work wonders.
And remember, mental health matters. Exercise, meditate, or even binge-watch that show everyone’s been raving about.
Stay productive, stay hopeful, and maybe try not to check your email every five minutes.
When to Follow Up After a Job Interview
If you’ve left the interview with a clear timeline, respect that. But if the hiring manager said they’d get back to you by Friday, and it’s already Wednesday, grab that calendar.
Seven to ten days post-interview is generally a good window to follow up. Here’s a cheat sheet:
- Make it short. A concise email works wonders. Think Twitter, not War and Peace.
- Be nice. A polite and positive tone can never go wrong.
- Remind them. Mention the job title and the date of your interview.
- Express interest. Show you’re still excited about the role.
Sitting around waiting for a phone to ring is so last decade. Follow up with grace, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll prompt a response.
Why Can It Take So Long to Hear Back After an Interview?
Sometimes it feels like you’re waiting for a message in a bottle to wash up on shore. Here are a few reasons why you might be experiencing this torturous wait:
Companies often need to interview multiple candidates before making a decision. You might be the perfect fit, but they have to see all their options first. Think of it like dating, but with fewer awkward silences.
Decision-making within companies can involve multiple stakeholders. Your future boss might love you, but they have to convince the finance team, the HR department, and maybe even the office dog. Yes, it can be that bureaucratic.
Background checks and reference calls can take time. They might be sifting through your social media to ensure you don’t have a secret life as a masked vigilante.
Coordination of schedules for follow-up interviews or meetings can be a logistical nightmare. Getting busy professionals in the same room—whether virtual or physical—is like herding cats.
Budget constraints or internal organizational changes can also slow down the process. They might be waiting for next quarter’s budget approval or finalizing the latest org chart.
Your patience might be wearing thin, but understanding these behind-the-scenes antics can make the wait a bit more bearable (and less personal). Keep calm and keep your phone close.
Handle Rejection Gracefully
Rejection stings, but how you handle it can set you apart. First, realize it’s not the end of the world—more fish in the sea and all that. Here’s a game plan:
Keep it professional. Send a polite thank-you note to your interviewer. Appreciate the opportunity and express your interest in future positions.
Seek feedback. Ask for constructive criticism. It shows maturity and helps you improve.
Don’t dwell. Allow yourself a brief pity party, but don’t unpack and live there. Move on to the next opportunity.
Learn and adapt. Use the feedback to refine your approach for future interviews. Maybe it’s just a tweak or a complete overhaul—keep evolving.
Stay positive. Your dream job might be right around the corner, don’t let one rejection cloud your vision. Plus, rejection stories make for great character-building anecdotes at parties.
Humor helps. Remember, even legends like J.K. Rowling faced rejections before hitting it big. You’re in good company.