In this article, we answer the question “How long does it take to hear back after applying for a job”, list factors determining the timeline, and discuss activities and tips you can consider to help facilitate the process.
After submitting an application for a job, the typical wait time is one to two weeks. For government jobs, it may take three to four weeks because there are more applicants and a more involved review process.
But it’s only the average because a variety of variables are at play, including hiring urgency, decision-making processes, whether you came in second, and a host of other things.
In conclusion, it is reasonable to assume that you will hear from someone after two weeks.
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Factors for Determining When You Can Expect to Receive a Response from a Job Application
Here are some factors to help you determine how long it might take to hear back from an employer after sending your resume:
Closing Date of a Job Post
After the closing date of the job posting, employers typically review the applications. The closing date, which is typically the day a company stops accepting applications, can be found by checking the job description. In this situation, you can expect feedback one to two weeks after the application deadline. If the employer doesn’t respond right away, you can then decide when to send a follow-up email.
Application Tracking System
Some businesses sort job applications using applicant tracking systems (ATS). Within 48 hours of submitting your application for a job, you might get a pre-written email from the company letting you know that it was successful. An ATS helps employers quickly screen resumes and choose a qualified candidate to fill the job role, so you might hear back from them in just a week.
If a resume lacks the job title, relevant keywords, or the applicant’s years of experience, the ATS may automatically disqualify it. Ensure you optimize your resume using the keywords on the job posting to pass the ATS screening.
Type of Company
The time frame for anticipating a reply to a job application can vary depending on the business. Due to the fact that there are several steps in the hiring process without a set deadline for contacting candidates, government positions may take six to eight weeks to fill. You can usually anticipate a response within a few days because small businesses frequently want to fill open positions quickly. Considering numerous applications may take a large company up to a month.
Steps to Take to When You Haven’t Heard Back Yet
You might be wondering how to follow up on your application without coming across as desperate or inconvenient when you’re waiting to hear back from a company about a job you applied for via phone or email. Use a timeline like this one when you haven’t heard back from a job yet:
Review the Job Description Or Posting
If you are unsure of when and how to follow up with an employer about a job you applied for, check the original job posting. There might be details letting you know how long it will take to hear back. For instance, you shouldn’t get in touch with the employer before the two-week deadline if they intend to respond. The employer is more likely to welcome a follow-up if the job description states that you will hear back from them within five to ten business days and you haven’t heard anything after that time.
Continue Your Job Search
Continue your job search while you wait for a response from a position. Should you not be asked for an interview, you will likely find other possible options. It can also help you feel more at ease and give you the confidence to apply for several jobs at once.
Write a Follow-up Email to the Employer
After the one week mark (or the amount of time the employer specified to wait) consider writing a follow-up email to demonstrate your interest in the position and remind them about any relevant details on your application. Your follow-up email should be brief and include the following components:
- Subject
- Salutation and name of the recipient
- Personable statement
- Full name
- Position you applied for and reasons you are a good fit for the role
- Inquiry about the status of your application
- Closing statement with forward-focused language
- Closing salutation
- Full name
- Contact details
Here is an example email using the above components:
Subject: Following up about application for the Marketing Manager position
Hello Casey Markham,
Jordan Bailey here, checking in to see how my application for your company’s Marketing Manager position is progressing. I look forward to speaking with you as soon as it’s convenient to further explain the information on my resume because the experience I gained during my internship and current role match the job description.
Best,
Jordan Bailey
012-345-6789
Make a Phone Call to the Employer
You might choose to follow up with a second email or phone call to an employer after the initial follow-up email has been sent. In order to maximize your chance of speaking with a company representative, make sure to call during business hours. When the employer answers the phone, be sure to incorporate the following into your conversation:
- Greet them by name
- Introduce yourself
- Ask how they are
- State your reasoning for your call
- Maintain a professional, friendly tone of voice
- Thank them for their time
Here is an example:
‘Hello is this Casey Markham? How are you today, this is Jordan Bailey. Calling in regards to my marketing manager application was my follow-up on my initial submission. Have a great day, and thank you for your time.’
Spread Out Your Attempts to Contact the Employer
It’s important to space out your follow-ups with employers to avoid coming across as desperate or overwhelming. If you send a follow-up email on Monday, for instance, and don’t hear back the first time, think about sending another email or calling them on Monday the following week.
Know When to Pursue Other Opportunities
Allow yourself to pursue other opportunities if, despite your follow-up efforts, you still haven’t heard back. Keep in mind that you do have something to offer, and that the right opportunity will arise.
How to Speed Things Up Next Time?
Finding a job is a continuous process. You’ll try again sooner rather than later. How can you ensure that you expedite the application process then? Here’s exactly what you need to do:
- A generic resume will get you fired before you even get started. The best resume to use is one that is targeted.
- Make your resume specific to the job description. Make use of those job-related keywords.
- To avoid having your application rejected by the applicant tracking system, only include experience that is pertinent.
- Use accomplishments and powerful words on your resume. Allow hiring managers to handle the job duties.
- Including more sections on your resume. This allows for the use of more keywords!
- Stop worrying about whether your resume was received by the ATS and create an ATS-compatible resume.
Summary: How Long Does It Take to Hear Back After Applying for a Job?
Waiting to hear from an employer regarding a job position may take some time and require patience. After posting a job, employers receive many applications, and it may take some time for them to respond.
Finding out how long it takes to hear back after submitting an application for a job can help you decide what to do in the interim.
After submitting an application for a job, the typical wait time is one to two weeks. For government jobs, it may take three to four weeks because there are more applicants and a more involved review process.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. Thank you for reading.
