Job hunting is full of ups and downs, and waiting to hear back after applying can be super stressful. Ever wondered, “How long until I hear back after sending in a job application online?” You’re not the only one.
How long does it take for employers to respond after applying online?
When you click the “submit” button on your online job application, the waiting game begins. It can seem like forever until you hear back from the employer. On average, it takes a few days to a few weeks to receive a response. But why does it take longer? There are reasons for this.
Different industries move at different speeds when it comes to hiring. Some, like tech or healthcare, move fast because they need people quickly. Others, like the government or academia, take longer to review applications.
Big companies often have lots of steps in their hiring process, so it can take a while to hear back. Smaller companies might move faster because they have fewer hoops to jump through.
Some companies have detailed hiring processes, with lots of interviews or tests. Others are more laid-back. The more steps they take, the longer it takes to hear back.
If a job needs to be filled ASAP, you’ll probably hear back sooner. But if it’s not urgent or part of a long-term plan, it might take longer.
And sometimes, things outside the company’s control can affect how long it takes, like holidays or busy times of the year.
Knowing all this can help you understand why it’s taking so long and make the waiting a little easier.
What could potentially be the reasons for the delay?
Waiting to hear back after applying for a job can feel like forever, but there are reasons why it might take a while:
- Lots of applicants: In popular industries or for hot jobs, companies get tons of applications. Sorting through them all takes time, so it can be a while before you hear anything.
- Complicated hiring steps: Big companies have lots of steps in their hiring process. From checking resumes to doing interviews, each step adds time. So, it might take longer for them to get back to you.
- How urgent the job is: Some jobs need to be filled right away because they’re super important. Others can wait a bit longer. So, if it’s not urgent, you might have to wait longer for a response.
- Time of year: Sometimes, the time of year can affect how long it takes. During busy times or holidays, companies might take longer to get back to you because they’re busy or short-staffed.
- Company stuff: Sometimes, things inside the company can slow things down. If there’s miscommunication between people or if they’re not sure about a candidate, it can take longer to make a decision.
Knowing these reasons can help you understand why it’s taking so long and make the waiting a little easier.
What can you do while waiting?
Here are things that you can do while waiting:
- Continue applying for jobs. Don’t concentrate all of your efforts on one job. Apply for multiple positions to enhance your chances of receiving interviews and employment offers.
- Improve your skills: Use the time while you wait to learn new things that can help you in your career. Take online classes or workshops that match what you want to do. Learning new skills, like computer skills or being better at talking to people, can make you more attractive to employers.
- Network smartly: Talk to people who work in the same field as you. You can meet them at events or online on sites like LinkedIn. Building good relationships can help you find out about jobs that aren’t advertised and get recommendations from people who know you.
- Check your application stuff: Look over your resume, cover letter, and any work samples you’ve sent. Make sure they’re up-to-date and show off your best skills and experiences. Tailor them to each job you apply for so they fit what the employer wants.
- Practice interviews: Practice answering interview questions with friends or family. They can give you feedback to help you improve. Practicing can make you feel more confident and ready for the real thing.
How long should you wait before following up?
Knowing when to check in on your job application is important. Even though you might be super eager to hear back, it’s best to give the hiring team enough time to go through all the applications and decide who to talk to.
A good rule to follow is to wait about a week or two before reaching out. This gives the team enough time to look at everyone’s applications and maybe even start setting up interviews.
If the job listing says anything about when they’ll get back to you, it’s smart to wait until after that time has passed before checking in. This shows that you respect their process and timeline.
When you do follow up, keep it short and polite. Just send a friendly email saying you’re still interested in the job and asking if there have been any updates. It’s important not to be too pushy or demanding because that could make a bad impression.
Why is timing important in follow-up?
Timing is important and below are the reasons why:
- Don’t rush: Waiting a bit before following up on your job application shows you’re patient and respectful of the hiring process.
- Time it well: Send your follow-up when the hiring team is busy reviewing applications, so they’re more likely to notice it.
- Don’t wait too long. If you wait too long, you might miss your chance if they’re hiring quickly.
- Stay pro: Following up promptly shows you’re professional and keen on the job.
Tips for following up on job applications online
- Write a nice and professional email. Make sure your email is polite, professional, and error-free. If you can, address the hiring manager or recruiter by name and let them know you’re still interested in the job.
- Keep it short and on topic. Keep your email brief and focused. Don’t include extra stuff that doesn’t matter. Just ask about the job and how your application is doing.
- Include your resume and cover letter. To help the hiring manager remember your application, attach your resume and cover letter to your email.
- Don’t email too much. It’s good to follow up but don’t send too many emails too quickly. Give them time to check your application. If you don’t hear back after the first follow-up, wait a while before sending another one.
- Email the right person: Make sure you’re emailing the right person, like the hiring manager or recruiter for the job. Don’t email lots of different people or people who aren’t involved in hiring for the job. That might annoy them.
Know the right time to follow up after applying online
Waiting for replies after sending job applications online can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and keep moving forward. Learning about how long it usually takes, why there might be delays, and how to follow up properly can make the process less scary. Staying active, improving your skills, and knowing when to check in gives you a better shot at getting the job you want.