Waiting to hear back after a job interview can be a stressful and anxious time. You likely poured your heart into preparing for the interview, felt the interview went well, and now you’re left wondering about the next steps. It’s normal to obsessively check your email and phone, hoping for an update from the employer. However, there are no hard rules on how long companies take to make hiring decisions. The timeline can vary greatly depending on the role, company, interviewers, and other candidates in the process. With patience and perspective, you can survive this period of limbo productively.
Typical Timeline
While every situation is unique, most employers take anywhere from one to four weeks to make a hiring decision after the final interview. However, it can occasionally take longer than that. Here is a breakdown of the typical timeline:
- 24-48 hours: You may hear back within a couple days for some roles, but this is less common.
- 3-7 days: Many employers will follow up within about one week of the final interview.
- 1-2 weeks: For professional roles, it’s reasonable to expect to hear back within 2 weeks.
- 3-4 weeks: Some more complex hiring processes take several weeks to complete.
- Longer than 4 weeks: Occasionally an interview process drags out longer due to extenuating circumstances.
The most impatient 3-7 day period right after the interview can feel eternal when you’re waiting for feedback. But try not to worry if you don’t hear back within that short timeframe, as a longer period is more typical.
Factors That Impact Timeline
What factors may influence how long it takes to hear back after an interview? Here are some elements that can slow down or speed up the process:
- Role type – Entry level and hourly positions often have quicker turnarounds than specialized, senior level roles.
- Company size – Larger companies typically have a longer hiring cycle with more stakeholders and protocol.
- Industry – Industries like tech or marketing may hire faster than academic or governmental organizations.
- Multiple interviews – The more hiring rounds, the more time it takes to schedule and complete them all.
- Interview committee – Feedback from multiple interviewers must be gathered.
- Candidate pool – If more candidates are in the running, deliberations take longer.
- Approval process – Some roles require greenlighting by senior executives.
- Scheduling challenges – Interviewers’ packed calendars can complicate scheduling.
- Interviewer absence – Illness, vacation etc. can cause delays.
While you likely can’t know all the dynamics happening behind the scenes, being aware of the possible hold-ups can help you stay patient if the process drags out.
Following Up
It’s appropriate and expected for you to follow up about next steps a week or two after your final interview if you still haven’t heard back. A polite email checking in is highly unlikely to hurt your chances. Here are some tips for following up effectively:
- Thank the interviewer(s) again for their time and consideration.
- Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
- Ask if there have been any updates on timing or next steps for the hiring decision process.
- If you have a contact person or main interviewer, reach out to them.
- Get contact info for the recruiter/hiring manager if you don’t already have it.
- Keep the email brief – a few sentences is plenty.
- Resist contacting them repeatedly – once a week is appropriate.
With a polite and professional follow up email, you should get some clarity on the anticipated timeline or at least confirm they received your note. While continued silence may be frustrating, avoid bombarding the employer with calls or emails.
What to Do While You Wait
Having your job search in limbo after an interview is a good time to focus on these constructive areas:
- Apply to other roles – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, keep up the search!
- Prep for next steps – Review material about the company and role to stay sharp.
- Reflect on your interview – Assess your performance to improve for future interviews.
- Follow up with references – Give them a heads up they may get a call.
- Enjoy your personal life – Pursue hobbies and spend time with family and friends.
- Practice patience – Hiring can be a slow process, try not to stress excessively.
Staying busy will make the waiting period go by more quickly and productively. Don’t let the limbo derail your entire life.
When to Move On
At what point should you cut your losses and move on if you haven’t heard back post-interview? Here are some signs it may be time to shift focus:
- It’s been at least 2 weeks since your follow up with no reply.
- The original job posting was taken down.
- They are not responding to your emails or calls.
- You have received rejection letters from them for other roles.
- They are posting new job ads for the role.
- You get a clear gut sense the role is no longer a possibility.
There are no definitive signs that guarantee the opportunity is dead – companies sometimes ghost candidates they meant to hire. However, if you’ve lost optimism after 4+ weeks of no contact, mentally move on for your own sanity.
Special Scenarios
There are a few special scenarios that can alter the typical hiring timeline:
Holiday Season
Interviewing around the holidays from November to January can significantly delay hiring, especially at companies that fully shut down over the holidays. Many decision makers are out on vacation and top candidates often postpones interviews until after the new year. Have patience and expect to hear back in January or February if you interviewed in late fall.
Summer Months
Similarly, summer is another popular vacation time that can draw out hiring. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, many screening calls and interviews may be pushed back. Also budget cycles closing in June and new fiscal years starting in July can stall hiring. Expect things to pick back up again after Labor Day.
Small Companies
At organizations with under 50 employees, it’s very common for the hiring process to drag out. At small companies, employees wear many hats and recruiting is likely the founder’s 20% time side project. If you really want the role, be prepared for an especially slow timeline.
Salaried Roles
For permanent salaried roles, as opposed to contract or hourly jobs, expect the timeline to skew longer. With salaries on the line instead of hourly wages, there are typically more discussions and vetting involved for long-term hires.
Handling Rejection
While it’s great if you get your dream job offer, also prepare for the possibility of rejection. Hearing no after you put your all into an interview can be devastating. However, don’t take it as a reflection on your worth. Here are healthy ways to cope if you get passed over:
- Let yourself feel disappointed briefly, then refocus on the future.
- Be polite and professional if you request feedback on why you weren’t selected.
- Remember that fit matters just as much as qualifications.
- Pick yourself up quickly and get back out there!
You made it to the final round – that itself is an accomplishment! This experience will serve you well in nailing your next big interview. Stay positive.
Conclusion
The days and weeks after a job interview can be an anxious waiting game. While most employers take 1-3 weeks to make a hiring decision, many factors from role type to company size can push that timeline longer in either direction. Don’t immediately panic if you don’t hear back within a week, but do follow up if it’s been more than two weeks. Stay productive in your job search and personal life as you wait. With the right expectations set, patience and persistence will eventually pay off with the right opportunity at the right company. Stay hopeful and continue putting your best foot forward during this limbo period.