How long it usually takes
52% of candidates in Greenhouse's 2024 survey said an employer had ghosted them. If two weeks pass with no word, send one follow-up and keep applying. Some employers take longer: UC Santa Cruz says picking people to interview typically takes 4 to 8 weeks after an application reaches the hiring department.
| Step | Typical time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Application to first interview | Median 6 days | Huntr, Q2 2026 |
| Interview to offer (people who got an offer) | Median 10 days | Huntr, Q2 2026 |
| Opening to accepted offer (non-executive) | Median 44 days | SHRM, 2025 |
| Walmart | Tries to respond within a week; some take longer | Walmart |
These measure different things, so do not compare them directly.
When to follow up
After an interview, a short thank-you the same day, and one follow-up about two weeks later if you have heard nothing. After an application, keep applying instead of waiting.
Keep applications going while you wait
Capstone Careers finds openings near you every morning, writes your resume for each job from what you have really done, and fills in the application. New openings every morning, so one silent employer does not stall you. See how Capstone Careers works, or see openings near you.