Not hearing back from hiring managers about your job application is perhaps one of the most frustrating parts of a job search. After spending a lot of time customizing your resume and cover letter to match the job requirements, you send in your application through email, upload it to social media platforms, and after a few weeks, you hear nothing but crickets.
You’re probably asking yourself, “How long do I have to wait after submitting a job application online?” or “How long should I wait to call after submitting a job application online?”
Typically, it takes about 10-14 days to hear back from the employer after you submit an application. According to statistics published by Indeed, 44% of employers contact applicants within a couple of weeks after application, 33% receive feedback after a week, while the lucky 4% receive a response within a day.
The response time and hiring process of companies depend on the urgency to fill in the role in each company. Some companies respond faster to fill in positions that are high priority, while others occasionally take longer to respond to a job application or resume submission.
Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dried answer. However, you can enhance the opportunities of getting a response, decrease your waiting period and frustration by understanding the employer’s hiring process and following the tips in this short read.
If you want to enhance your chances of getting hired, there are a number of online career development courses available. In addition, we’ve interviewed experts who shared their advice on effective post-job interview follow-up, so keep reading.
When to Expect Feedback After Submitting an Online Job Application
If applying for an online job, when hiring managers like your resume and cover letter, they will be in touch with you in a day or two to schedule an interview. However, that is not the case in real life. Investing in Job Portal App Development streamlines the hiring procedure and helps you meet expectations and improve communication.
A survey conducted by Accountemps to more than 300 HR managers indicated that 36% of respondents said that the best time for applicants to follow up their application is one to two weeks after submitting their resume. While 29% answered, you should follow up within a week after your application. Also, 64% of respondents answered that the candidates should follow up with the hiring managers through email, while 21% of hiring managers preferred phone calls.
If you submitted your application online, whether through email or social media, it is a best practice to send your follow-up a week later to confirm if they received your application or two weeks later to reiterate your interest in the position. Sending a follow-up after an application helps you stand out from other candidates. Not unless they provided a timeline for the application process or instructed not to follow up.
Why Hiring Managers Might Not Respond
There are several reasons why it takes a while to hear back from hiring managers. And though most of them are beyond your control, they’re worth knowing if you want to increase your chances of getting hired:
- They are receiving more applications than usual.
- They are too busy and swamped with screening candidates.
- The position that you are applying for doesn’t have to be filled immediately.
- Your application accidentally got deleted or forgotten.
- Your expected salary is out of range.
- You’re not a stand-out candidate.
- You’re not a good fit for the position.
- You did not follow the application instructions.
Tips to Get Faster Replies After Submitting Your Application
According to 201 HR Statistics, an average corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes, and only four to six applicants get called to an interview.
Here are some actionable tips to increase your chances of receiving a timely response from potential employers:
- Match job requirements: Prioritize applying to positions where you genuinely meet or closely align with the job requirements. This targeted approach boosts your chances of catching the employer’s attention.
- Keyword optimization: Craft your resume and cover letter with specific keywords from the job description. Many employers use Application Tracking Software (ATS) to identify applications that align most closely with the job’s language and requirements.
- Openness to negotiation: Avoid specifying your desired salary upfront in your application. Instead, indicate your willingness to discuss compensation during the interview process. This approach prevents you from potentially deterring employers with an initial figure that might be too high.
Learn more:
What to Do When You Haven’t Heard Back
The best thing that you can do while waiting for a response is to continue your job search and keep applying. This helps reduce your job search anxiety and helps you increase your chances of getting a job.
You can also review the original job posting of the job you have applied for any information that tells how long you will receive a response. For example, if the employer indicated that they would respond after one week, you should not contact them before that one week passes. However, if you did not receive a response from them after a week, the employer is more likely to welcome a follow-up.
Here are other productive things you can do while you’re waiting for the employer’s response:
- Sign up for a career development online class. Take online courses. Learning new skills may help you in your career and is an impressive thing to add to your professional profile.
- Spiff up your resume and LinkedIn profile to help with future job searches.
- Find and explore more companies you might be interested in.
- Create a spreadsheet that will help track all of your applications.
- Make a list of your strengths and passions so that you know what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. This will help you prepare for a job interview and gain confidence.
- Build your professional network and connect with them.
Should You Write a Follow-up Email?
Consider sending a follow-up email or message through social media if you have not heard back from the employers after one to two weeks. Sending a follow-up message after you sent your job application online and sending another follow-up after a job interview demonstrates your interest in the job position and reminds the employer about your qualifications and why you are the right fit for the position.
In sending a follow-up message, you must remember to do the following:
- Pay attention to the employer’s job application timeline. Don’t send follow-ups prior to the application closing date.
- Write a follow-up message in a professional tone to the employer to appear respectful.
- Keep your message brief, concise, and straightforward.
- Use your follow-up message as an opportunity to emphasize you’re the perfect candidate and that they should hire you.
- For your closing, show your appreciation by saying thank you for their time and consideration.
- Proofread and spell-check the content of your message before sending it.
If you still have not received a response from the employer after several attempts of sending follow-up messages, it’s okay to move on and look for more opportunities. You will find the right company and position for you. Regardless of how long the hiring process takes, there are still factors that are out of your control. So focus on what you can only control, let go of what you can’t, stay positive, and keep going.
Recommended Courses
1. Cover Letter Mastery To Get The Job You Want
Cover Letter Mastery To Get The Job You Want offers targeted training for job seekers aiming to create standout cover letters. This course walks you through each stage of crafting a cover letter, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls and effectively showcase your skills and experiences to leave a lasting impression.
One of the key strengths of this course is its focus on practical strategies, delivered by an experienced business communication professor. Instead of just offering generic advice, it dives deep into the details of deconstructing job ads, optimizing your letter’s format, and incorporating success stories that capture an employer’s attention.
This course strikes me as an essential tool for anyone struggling to make their cover letters more impactful. The combination of clear instructions and real-world examples helps clarify where most people falter and how to refine your approach. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to craft a professional, polished cover letter that can improve your chances of landing an interview.
Who is this course for?
This course is tailored for job applicants, writers, and anyone eager to improve their cover letter writing abilities. It’s particularly useful for those who haven’t been getting the interview calls they hope for and want to learn how to craft more effective and compelling cover letters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to hear back after submitting a job application online?
Typically, it can take anywhere from one to two weeks to hear back after submitting an online job application. Some companies may respond sooner, while others may take longer depending on their hiring process.
Is it okay to follow up if I haven’t heard back after submitting my application?
Yes, it’s generally acceptable to follow up after about one to two weeks if you haven’t heard back. A polite email or phone call inquiring about the status of your application shows your continued interest in the position.
What should I do if I don’t hear back after submitting my application?
If you don’t hear back after following up, it’s best to continue your job search and apply for other positions. Some companies may not respond if they have moved forward with other candidates.
Does a long wait time after submitting an application mean I won’t get the job?
Not necessarily. A long wait time can be due to various factors, such as the company’s internal processes, the volume of applications, or unforeseen delays. It doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of the running.
Can I reapply if I don’t hear back from the company?
If you don’t hear back after a considerable amount of time and see the job reposted, it’s generally acceptable to reapply. Ensure you’ve tailored your resume and cover letter even more closely to the job description before reapplying.
Key Takeaways
The waiting period after submitting a job application online can be a test of patience, but understanding the nuances of the hiring process can make it less daunting. Remember, it typically takes about 10-14 days to hear back from an employer, but response times vary widely.
While you’re waiting for that call or email, why not take proactive steps to enhance your career prospects? Subscribe to Skill Success All Access Pass, where you can access a wealth of career development courses. These courses are designed to not only bolster your skills and qualifications but also to give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Learning is a lifelong journey, and investing in your skills and knowledge is a powerful way to advance in your career. Subscribe today and embark on a path of continuous improvement and career success.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2023. It has been updated for freshness and accuracy.
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