You prepared carefully, answered every question and left the interview feeling positive. Then the waiting begins.
One day passes. Then three. Then an entire week.
It is easy to assume that silence means rejection, but employers may need time to interview other candidates, consult decision-makers, complete reference checks or obtain final approval. A delayed response does not automatically mean you are out of the running.
So, how long should you wait—and when is it appropriate to follow up?
Most candidates can expect an initial response within five to ten business days after an interview. However, there is no universal deadline.
Some employers respond within 24 to 48 hours, while others may take two weeks or longer. The timeline often depends on the employer, position, number of candidates and remaining recruitment steps.
A general guide is:
These are only estimates. The most reliable timeline is the one provided by your interviewer.
A fast response is common when an organisation needs someone to start urgently or has already completed most of its interviews.
You may receive a quick decision when:
A fast response can be encouraging, but speed alone does not confirm that an offer is coming.
A delayed response can be frustrating, but many causes have nothing to do with your performance.
You may have been the first candidate interviewed. The employer might need to complete all scheduled interviews before comparing applicants.
The hiring manager may need approval from senior management, human resources, finance or the department head before making an offer.
Some recruitment processes include referee calls, qualification verification, police checks, work-right checks or other assessments.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s recruitment process, for example, includes interviews, referee checks and an offer as separate stages.
The employer may be reviewing the salary, responsibilities, start date or budget. In some cases, recruitment is temporarily placed on hold.
Annual leave, illness, travel, urgent projects or conflicting schedules can delay a decision.
Sometimes a company offers the position to its preferred candidate before contacting everyone else. If that candidate declines, the employer may approach its next preferred applicant.
This can explain why you receive a response later than expected.
Do not wait silently from the moment the interview finishes. Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours.
Your message should:
A thank-you message shows professionalism without pressuring the employer. SEEK also recommends sending a polite email after an interview to reinforce your interest.
Subject: Thank You – [Position Title] Interview
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Position Title] opportunity. I enjoyed learning more about the role, particularly [specific detail discussed].
Our conversation strengthened my interest in joining the team, and I believe my experience in [relevant skill or area] would allow me to contribute positively.
Please let me know if you require any additional information.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Your follow-up timing should depend on what the interviewer told you.
Wait until that date has passed. If they said you would hear by Friday, send your follow-up on Monday or Tuesday.
Contacting them before the promised date may appear impatient.
Wait approximately five business days before requesting an update. Indeed recommends generally giving interviewers at least five business days to respond.
Wait another five to seven business days before sending one final message.
Avoid contacting the employer every day. One professional follow-up demonstrates interest; repeated messages may create the wrong impression.
Subject: Follow-Up – [Position Title] Interview
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re well. I wanted to follow up regarding my interview for the [Position Title] position on [date].
I remain very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any update you can share about the next stage of the recruitment process.
Please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
Keep the message brief. The purpose is to request an update, not to repeat your entire application.
Email is normally the safest way to follow up because it allows the recruiter to respond when available.
A phone call may be appropriate when:
If you call, remain polite and concise. Do not demand an immediate decision.
You could say:
“Hi, this is [Name]. I interviewed for the [Position Title] role on [date]. I’m still very interested and wanted to check whether there is an update on the recruitment timeline.”
If another employer makes you an offer while you are waiting, contact the company you prefer.
Be honest and professional:
“I wanted to let you know that I have received another offer with a decision deadline of [date]. Your position remains of strong interest to me, so I wanted to ask whether you could share an update on my application.”
Do not invent another offer to pressure the employer. Dishonesty can damage your credibility and professional reputation.
Not necessarily.
Silence for several days is normal, particularly if the employer is still interviewing. Even two weeks without a response does not prove that you were unsuccessful.
However, you should manage your expectations if:
Candidate ghosting remains a genuine issue. SEEK reports that 71% of surveyed candidates said they had been ghosted by an employer at some point. Although disappointing, a company’s failure to communicate is not a measure of your value or ability.
You may still be under consideration if the employer:
Jobs and Skills Australia found that more than three-quarters of recruiting employers considered the interview the most important part of recruitment. This means your interview performance matters—but additional checks and internal discussions may still occur afterward.
The biggest mistake is stopping your entire job search because one interview went well.
Until you have received, reviewed and accepted a formal offer, continue to:
You can explore current job opportunities on SearchTalents while waiting for an employer’s decision.
Continuing your search protects your momentum and reduces the pressure attached to one result.
Candidates are not the only ones responsible for professional communication.
Employers should clearly explain:
If a decision is delayed, a brief update can preserve trust. Employers should also notify unsuccessful interviewees instead of leaving them waiting indefinitely.
Clear communication creates a better candidate experience and protects the organisation’s reputation. SEEK’s employer guidance notes that ghosting can make candidates less willing to reapply or recommend the organisation.
A simple approach works best:
After two unanswered follow-ups, further messages are unlikely to change the outcome.
Most employers respond within five to ten business days, but complicated recruitment processes can take longer. Waiting is difficult, yet a delay does not automatically mean rejection.
Send a thank-you message, respect the employer’s timeline and follow up professionally when appropriate. Most importantly, keep applying for other positions until you have a confirmed written offer.
The right opportunity should not require you to put your entire career search on pause. Stay professional, keep moving and use SearchTalents to discover your next opportunity
