Wait for Our Reply: After a job interview, hearing “Wait for our reply” can leave you anxious. How long should you wait? When should you follow up? This guide explains interview response times, the meaning behind common hiring phrases, and how to professionally follow up without hurting your chances.
Wait for Our Reply: What It Means and How Long to Wait
What Does Wait for Our Reply Really Mean?
Wait for Our Reply: Interviewers say this for various reasons:
They’re still interviewing other candidates—companies compare applicants before deciding.
Internal approval delays—HR or hiring managers may need time to finalise decisions.
You’re a backup candidate—they might be waiting for their top choice to accept first.
Standard corporate process – Some companies take weeks to respond, regardless of interest.
Is It a Good or Bad Sign?
Neutral: Most of the time, it’s just part of the hiring process.
Positive: If they mentioned next steps or seemed enthusiastic.
Concerning: If they were vague or didn’t discuss timelines.
How Long Should You Wait for a Response?
Job interview response times vary by industry, company size, and role. Here’s a general guideline:
Typical Response Times by Industry
| Industry | Average Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Tech/Startups | 1-2 weeks |
| Corporate/Finance | 2-4 weeks |
| Healthcare | 1-3 weeks |
| Government | 4-8 weeks |
| Retail/Hospitality | 1-2 weeks |
When to Follow Up After an Interview
First Follow-Up: After 7-10 business days (if no timeline was given).
Second Follow-Up: If no reply after 2 weeks.
Final Check-In: After 3-4 weeks, then assume no response.
How to Follow Up Professionally
Sending a polite follow-up email keeps you on their radar without being pushy.
Sample Follow-Up Email After Interview
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Position
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding the position I interviewed for on [date]. I remain very interested in this opportunity and would appreciate any updates on the hiring timeline.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Thank you again for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]*
What If They Say, “We’ll Get Back to You”?
If they gave a timeline (e.g., “2 weeks”), wait until then.
If there’s no timeline, follow up after 10 days.
When to Assume You Didn’t Get the Job
No response after 3-4 weeks
Job reposted online
You see someone else hired on LinkedIn
What to Do While Waiting
Keep applying—don’t stop job hunting.
Prepare for other interviews – Stay in practice.
Follow up once, then move on—don’t spam them.
Conclusion
Hearing “Wait for our reply” after an interview is normal, but waiting too long without follow-up can hurt your chances. Send a polite email after 7-10 days, and if there’s no response after 3-4 weeks, it’s time to move on. Stay professional, keep applying, and don’t let one delay discourage you.
