How long after an interview should I be worried if I don't hear back?

The Waiting Game: When to Follow Up After a Job Interview

The interview’s over, your handshake is firm, and you’ve sent a thank-you note. Now comes the agonizing wait. How long is too long to wait before you start worrying about not hearing back? There’s no magic number, but a strategic approach can ease your anxiety and maximize your chances.

The key is patience. Hiring processes vary wildly depending on the company, the role, and the number of candidates. Some companies are lightning-fast, others move at a glacial pace. Before you even consider reaching out, give the employer a reasonable amount of time.

The Ten-Day Rule (and its Sequel):

A good guideline is to wait ten business days after the interview before initiating any follow-up. This timeframe allows the hiring team sufficient time to review applications, conduct further interviews, and make a decision. Before this point, contacting them may come across as overly eager or impatient.

If ten business days pass without contact, a polite and brief follow-up email is perfectly acceptable – provided you have the contact information of the person who interviewed you. This email should be concise and reaffirm your interest in the position. For example:

Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title]

Dear [Interviewer Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

I’m writing to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date of Interview]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the role.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

A Second Follow-Up (If Necessary):

If, after a further ten business days (twenty business days total from the interview), you haven’t received a response to your first follow-up, you can send a second brief email. However, this second email should be even more concise, simply reiterating your interest and thanking them again for their time. Avoid sounding demanding or frustrated.

Beyond Twenty Days:

If you haven’t heard anything after twenty business days, it’s generally safe to assume the position has been filled, even if you haven’t received a formal rejection. While disappointing, this allows you to move forward with other job applications without lingering uncertainty.

The Importance of the Thank-You Note:

Remember, a prompt thank-you note immediately after the interview is crucial. It reinforces your interest and provides a final opportunity to highlight your key qualifications. This should be sent within 24 hours of the interview.

In conclusion, the waiting game after a job interview can be stressful, but a strategic approach can ease your anxiety. Patience, a well-timed follow-up, and a prompt thank-you note are key ingredients in navigating this often-challenging stage of the job search. Remember, silence doesn’t necessarily equate to rejection. However, if you haven’t heard back after a reasonable timeframe, it’s time to move on and focus your energy on other opportunities.