How Long Does the Hiring Process Take

 

The hiring process can feel long for job seekers—especially when you’re not sure how long is too long. So, when should you wait, and when should you move on? Below, we discuss how long the hiring process takes, how to follow up, and what you can do in the meantime for your job search.

How Long Does the Hiring Process Take?

The short answer is that it depends. Many variables can influence the length of the hiring process. Factors that affect the hiring process include:

• The size of the company
• The industry
• Changes in management
• The seniority of the position
• Skills assessments
• Panel interviews
• Economic booms or downturns

— Is There Anything I Can Do to Speed Up the Process?

Assuming you’ve submitted your resume, cover letter, professional references, and other application requirements, you’ve done all you can on your end. What happens next is entirely up to the company. Remind yourself you’ve done everything you can do.

— What Should I Do While I’m Waiting?

Be patient. Especially if you’re interviewing with a larger organization, the hiring process can take longer—up to five months.

In the meantime, keep applying to open jobs. Even if you really like the company, things can change. An employer could ghost you, departments get cut, and hiring freezes happen. It’s important to keep applying to roles that interest you until you formally accept a job offer.

— What if I Haven’t Heard Back After the Interview?

If you’ve already interviewed and sent a thank-you note but haven’t received any response from the company, it’s okay to follow up with the hiring manager. Wait at least a week after the interview to send a follow-up email or phone call.

However, if you haven’t yet interviewed with the company, then during the interview, you can ask the company about the next steps in the hiring process. Here are a few questions to ask:

• When can I expect to hear back from you about the role?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?
• Who should I contact about further questions, and how do I get in touch with them?

— I Still Haven’t Heard Back. What Do I Do?

If you’ve sent a follow-up email and still haven’t heard from the company, it may be time to move on.

Ghosting by employers is becoming an increasingly common practice. Ghosting occurs for many reasons, such as hiring freezes, a change in management, or even an economic downturn. It usually has nothing to do with your qualifications as a job candidate.

The most important thing you can do is keep applying for jobs. Tailor your resume, network, and keep applying to open roles.

Practice Patience During the Hiring Process

The timeline for the hiring process can vary from company to company. It’s important to stay calm and be patient while waiting to hear back about a position. However, if you haven’t heard back for some time, don’t be afraid to follow up with the hiring manager. And if you never do, the important thing is to keep moving forward. You will find a role that’s the right fit for you!

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