How quickly should you hear back from a job interview?
As a rule of thumb, you're advised to wait 10 to 14 days before following up. It's not uncommon to wait for a few weeks before hearing back from your interviewer.
That message received a response almost immediately to thank you for your time and to tell you that they'll be in touch soon. A quick reply is confirmation that you're top of mind and they want to keep you engaged in the hiring process.
- Specific compliments of your skills or experiences.
- Engaging you for longer than scheduled.
- Discussing benefits and rewards with you.
- Showing positive body language.
- Giving you specific dates on when you will hear back from the company.
- Discussing salary expectations.
- The interview was cut short.
- You don't hear back after a job interview.
- The interviewer repeatedly cut your responses short.
- The interviewer did not share details about the job's duties or its salary.
If after about ten to fifteen days, you have not received any follow-up emails or phone calls to tell you about the “Next steps”, this usually means you did not get the job. If even after sending a thank-you email to the interviewer they never get back to you, this is a sign that you are not going to get the job.
You Get an Invitation for a Second Interview
Getting asked to come in for a second interview is the best sign that your first one went well! Remember, though, don't let the news get to your head. There is a good chance that other candidates are also coming in for round two.
- They are super responsive when following up with you. ...
- They introduce you to other team members and give you unplanned tours. ...
- They ask if you're interviewing with anyone else.
- The interviewer seemed uninterested in you. ...
- The interview was suddenly cut short. ...
- There was absolutely zero chemistry. ...
- That killer question stumped you. ...
- The interviewer didn't tell you about the role. ...
- You failed to ask any questions.
That said, 45 to 90 minutes is the golden number - and that's not just one of the random interview facts. The more time you spend with the interviewer, the better the chances of getting to know them, and the other way around.
If your two-hour interview ended within an hour, it could be a sign that you didn't get the job interview. An interview that ends abruptly or earlier than scheduled could indicate that the interviewer has determined that you are not suitable for the position. There would then be no reason to continue the interview.