How long should it take to hear back after applying for a job?

There can be a lot of waiting involved in the job application process. It can be hard to know when to expect a response after applying, and how long to wait before following up. 

• How long does it take to hear back after submitting a job application?
• When should you follow up on a job application?
• How to follow up on an application
• Job application follow up examples
• What to do when waiting for a response

How long does it take to hear back after submitting a job application?

On average, it takes one to two weeks to hear back from a job application. In some cases, it may take longer than this. Sometimes the employer won’t respond to any job applications until after the closing date. Occasionally, companies will respond to your application in under a week, but this is less common.

When should you follow up on a job application?

It’s usually safe to follow up on a job application a week after you applied. However, you should always first check the job advert to see if they give you a timeframe for hearing back. If so, make sure you only follow up if they’ve not responded within the timeframe.

Job application follow up examples 

By telephone

Putting in a call to the company is the best way to follow up on your application. However, this method will only work if you know the phone number and name of the hiring manager.

Example.

“Hi Mr/Mrs [Jones], my name is [Anna Greenfield]. I’m just calling to follow up on a recent application I submitted for the role of [software developer] in your [Birmingham] office. I’m still very interested in the position and just wondered when I should expect a response back about my application?”

By email

Email is the most common way of following up on a job application. Simply write an email to the hiring manager (try to send it directly to them rather than an admin email address) saying that you’re following up on a recent application. Reiterate your interest in the role and that you hope for a positive response.

Example

Dear Mr/Mrs Jones,

My name is Wendy Greenfield. I applied for the permanent position of [Software developer] in your [Birmingham] office on the 3rd November but I am yet to receive a response. I have a keen interest in working for [company name] and wondered if there has been any progress made in reviewing my application? For your ease, I have attached a copy of my CV and cover letter.

I hope to hear back from you soon with a positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Wendy Greenfield

[mobile number]

What to do when waiting for a response 

• Check your emails / junk folder
• Apply for more jobs
• Practise interview skills
• Be kind to yourself

1. Check your emails / junk folder

Make sure you’re regularly checking your emails for updates on your job application. Companies will often send an automated response just after you apply that may detail when you should expect a response. Equally, don’t forget to check your junk folder too!

2. Apply for more jobs

Always keep the ball rolling by continuing to apply for more jobs. You never want to put all your eggs in one basket. 

3. Practise interview skills

Sooner or later you’ll be invited in for an interview. Don’t wait until you receive an invitation before you start the interview prep. Start practicing your answers to the most common interview questions. This will give you more confidence when it comes to interviewing.

4. Be kind to yourself

It’s easy for you to put a lot of pressure on yourself when job hunting. But just remember it’s a lengthy process and most people face some form of rejection during the interview process at one point or another. Just keep moving forward and know that the right opportunity will happen when it’s supposed to!

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