How Long After an Interview Should You Hear Back?
You’ve just completed a job interview. Congratulations – what a relief! But now comes the part where you have to wait to hear back. The pre-interview anxiety has suddenly turned into post-interview anxiety. So, what do you do now?
Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out in your career, this waiting period can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. By understanding the process and staying proactive, you can manage your expectations and reduce that post-interview anxiety.
Below we will explore how long it typically takes to hear back after an interview, factors that influence response times, and strategies to stay professional and composed during the wait.
Factors Influencing Response Times
The timeline for hearing back after an interview can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. Here are some factors that might impact how long it takes:
1. Company Size and Structure
Large organisations often have more layers of decision-making, multiple stakeholders, and additional steps in the hiring process. If you’ve applied for a role in a smaller company, decisions may come faster because the process is more straightforward.
2. Job Role and Seniority
Senior roles often involve a lengthier recruitment process because of the higher stakes and complexity involved. For entry-level roles, decisions tend to be quicker as they require less deliberation among decision-makers.
3. Interviewer Availability
Hiring managers and recruiters often juggle multiple tasks, from scheduling interviews to meeting other deadlines. Delays can occur when decision-makers are unavailable or need time to coordinate feedback.
4. Urgency of Hiring
If a role needs to be filled immediately, you’re more likely to hear back quickly. However, for non-urgent roles, the process may take longer as companies take their time to review candidates and find the right fit.
Proactive Steps to Manage Your Expectations
Rather than being left in the dark, there are steps you can take to clarify timelines and set realistic expectations:
Ask During the Interview: Before the interview concludes, politely ask the hiring manager when you can expect to hear back. This shows initiative and helps you plan your follow-up strategy.
Clarify Contact Preferences: Confirm how they will communicate with you - email, phone, or another method.
Keep a Record: Maintain a log of all your applications, interviews, and follow-up dates. This will help you stay organised and prevent unnecessary stress.
Reiterate Your Interest: End the interview by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and thanking the interviewer for their time.
What Delayed Responses Could Mean
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, feedback may take longer than expected. Here are a few reasons why this might happen:
Reevaluating the Role: The company might be reconsidering whether the position needs adjustments or if they should continue searching for candidates.
Rolling Interviews: Some organisations wait to complete all interviews before making decisions, which can delay individual responses.
Internal Priorities: Hiring can take a backseat to other pressing organisational matters.
Delays are rarely a reflection of your performance. Try not to overanalyse the situation or take it personally.
The Art of Following Up After An Interview
Following up on an interview is an important part of the process, but timing and tone are key. Here’s how to do it professionally:
Send a Thank-You Note: Within 24 hours of the interview, send a brief email thanking the interviewer. Highlight specific points from your conversation and reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role.
Wait Before Following Up: If you haven’t heard back after five business days (or the stated timeline), send a polite follow-up email. For example:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for [Role Name] last week. I remain very interested in the position and am wondering if there are any updates regarding my application. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
Politeness goes a long way. Keep your communication concise and professional.
Managing Anxiety While Waiting
It’s natural to feel anxious while waiting for a response, but dwelling on it won’t change the outcome. Here are some tips to stay grounded:
Focus on What’s in Your Control: Remind yourself that you prepared thoroughly and gave your best effort during the interview.
Avoid Overthinking: Resist the urge to replay the interview in your mind, second-guessing your answers or behaviour.
Stay Busy: Distract yourself with hobbies, network with industry professionals, or apply for other roles. This proactive approach can help you feel more in control.
If the anxiety is still persisting, check out some more tips on how to manage it here: What waiting for a job offer anxiety is and how to manage it | Indeed.com UK
What to Do If You Don’t Hear Back
Unfortunately, not every company follows up after interviews. If you don’t hear back, here’s how to move forward:
Send a Final Follow-Up: If a reasonable amount of time has passed (e.g., two weeks), send a short email thanking the interviewer again and asking for an update. If you have the direct contact information of the hiring manager or recruiter, it might be appropriate to follow up with a phone call instead.
Ask for Feedback: Use this as an opportunity to assess what went well and what could be improved for future interviews. Don’t be afraid of feedback!
Stay Positive: Treat every interview as a learning experience and a step closer to your next opportunity.
Waiting to hear back after an interview can be a nervous waiting game, but patience and professionalism go a long way in leaving a positive impression on potential employers.
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