Understanding Job Application Response Times - Gain Insights!

How long should you wait for a response after applying for a job? In short, it depends.

Let’s face it: the job search process can be time-consuming, lengthy, and stressful. Once you’ve submitted an application, waiting to hear back for a position you desperately want can be torture and is probably the worst part of the job search process. Many job seekers want to know how long to wait for a response after applying for a job. 

There are two big questions that pop up during this waiting game:

1. Have I done enough to land an interview?

2. Is it time to get back on the treadmill and apply for yet more roles?

Fortunately, there are ways to find out. It mostly depends on when and where you submit your job application. 

In this post, we’ll show you how long to wait for a response after applying for a job and address other related questions that might cross your mind.

How long does it take to get a response after applying for a job?

You could hear back anywhere from within a few hours to a few weeks. That’s probably not the answer you want to hear, but there are some ways you can get a rough idea about how long to wait for a response after applying for a job that will help you decide when to follow up.

Below are a few different situations you might encounter and when you could expect to hear back from the employer or hiring manager after sending out your resume.

1. Look for a “closing date” on the job posting

The first thing you can do is check the job posting and see if there is a closing date. Some online postings will contain a “closing date,” which usually means they will be accepting applications until the very last day.

If that’s the case, you can expect to hear back within a week or so after the closing date. They rarely ever hire someone before the closing date so don’t get discouraged or send a follow-up email before that date. If you don’t hear back a week after the closing date, you could then follow up with a beautifully crafted email detailing that you are still interested in the post. It’s not being pushy; it’s showing initiative and enthusiasm for the job at hand.

It can even help with future roles, as the hiring manager is more likely to remember your interest if you follow up with a polite message that emphasizes your strengths. If you apply directly using the company’s email,  then use the same email address when you follow up. If it’s through a job site, do a bit of research by checking out the company website and honing in on the HR department or talent team to ensure that you contact the right person.

2. Figure out how big the company is

You can also get an idea as to when they’ll reply based on the size of the company. If you’re sending a job application form to a small or medium-sized company, you can expect a response within a few days or up to a week.

If you’re sending it to a much larger organization, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a month. It really depends on the number of applicants and whether somebody has already been offered the job.

There could be a few weeks of interviews lined up, and if they don't find anyone suitable to fill the role, they’ll start calling in other candidates.

If you’re sending a direct email to a recruiter or hiring manager then it’s usually reasonable to expect a reply within a few days.

3. Consider the ATS

Most large organizations utilize an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), which automatically screens resumes. You may receive an automated email telling you that they’ve received your resume or that you’re not the right match within just a few minutes of applying for the job. Your resume should be keyword optimized and formatted for those ATS scans, as they reject nearly 75% of candidates straightaway.

If you’re immediately rejected for a job even though you know you’re suitably qualified for that role, it’s time to revamp your resume and perhaps seek professional help. You can see how your resume does in an actual ATS screening by taking advantage of our free resume review.

4. Ask an employee of the company

If you have contact with someone who works for the organization, persuade them to find out what’s going on. There could be a perfectly valid reason for a delay, such as internal changes or a change of ownership. That inside contact can be invaluable, as they can inform you about other positions coming up that might be of interest to you.

5. Use social media

If you still haven’t heard from the employer after a reasonable amount of time, consider linking to the company’s social media platforms. There might be updated information on there about current positions available and the status of the job application process, such as that it’s moved to the second stage and only potential candidates have been informed.

What to do while you wait for a response after applying for a job

So, what do you do while waiting for a response? Kick back and let them come to you? 

No way! 

There’s no point in resting on your laurels and waiting to hear back from one company before applying elsewhere. Keep sending out your resume to as many companies as possible for other positions that fit your qualifications.

Here are a few other tips to follow while you wait for a response after applying for a job.

1. Keep your job search organized

Keep track of when you applied for each position using Excel, Word, or any other application. This will help you follow up with each resume submission in the right time frame. Check out Startwire which should help you keep track of your job applications. 

2. Don’t get discouraged

Many job seekers face job search depression after just a few weeks into the application process. We all know there’s a lot of competition out there, and although it’s easier said than done, you do need to be patient and keep applying. As mentioned above, it can take any time, from a day to over a month, to hear back about a job.

3. Network

Don’t rely solely on job boards when looking for a new job. Networking is still the best way to land a job, but many job seekers don’t take advantage of it or lack the confidence to give it a try. 

How do you network? 

Reach out to friends, family, and old colleagues to see if there is anyone who can refer you for a job. Remember that those people know other people, and so on and so forth, so your network can be exponential – don’t neglect it.

4. Get your follow-up email ready

You know you’ll be sending a follow-up email at some point, so go ahead and write it. Insert placeholders for things like the company’s name and the position title, so all you’ll have to do is tweak it when it’s time to send it. 

The best tip you can get for writing a follow-up email is to be concise. This isn’t the time to overwhelm your reader with a dialogue about everything you’ve ever done in your career. On the other hand, make sure they remember you. 

Here’s an example follow-up email you can use:

Hours, days, weeks - don’t give up

So, how long do you wait for a response after applying for a job? 

When you’re likely to hear back after submitting your resume depends on a few factors, such as the size of the company and the number of applicants who applied for the job. It can be anywhere from a day to a few months. In the meantime, don’t give up. Keep sending your resume out to as many positions as you’re qualified for, and don’t forget to network. 

If you’re not getting any interviews, you may need to change your job search strategy or improve your resume. ZipJob can take a look at your resume for free and provide you with expert advice for improving it so you can land more interviews.

Good luck with your job search.

This article was originally written by Elizabeth Openshaw. It’s been updated by Marsha Hebert.

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• How Long Does A Background Check Take (+ FAQs)

• Best Email Subject Lines When Sending a Resume (Examples) | ZipJob