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In the modern job market, the phenomenon of "ghosting" by companies is becoming increasingly common. A survey by job portal Stepstone, conducted online in early April 2025, found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents have experienced this, meaning they received no response after applying for a job.
Lena Ludwig, a career expert at Stepstone, advises that if you don't receive a response, you should take the initiative by sending a polite email. For smaller companies, it is appropriate to follow up about one week after submitting your application, as these companies often have shorter and more flexible hiring processes. In larger companies, it may take two to three weeks for a response due to multiple decision-making levels.
While waiting for a response, Ludwig suggests being patient and respectful. If nothing happens for a long time during the application process, job seekers should ask respectfully and actively. Even if there's no response, it can still be valuable information. If you've already had personal contact, you can call the responsible contact person, as this usually brings clarity quickly.
Transparent and respectful application processes are an important signal for company culture. A poor application process from a company might be indicative of how it operates in daily business. Ludwig advises paying attention to the context when asking about the status of your application. If a company communicates poorly during the application process, it might be a good idea to move on and look ahead.
In some cases, asking directly during an interview can provide clarity about the expected response time. Ludwig suggests doing so if the opportunity arises. If a company is unresponsive, it's important to remember that your time and effort should be taken seriously in a transparent application process.
If you're unsure about how to draft a follow-up message or need additional tips for job application follow-up strategies, feel free to reach out. Ludwig can help you craft a polite and concise message to express continued interest and inquire about the status of your application.
- In the context of career development, being proactive in sending a polite email to a company after applying for a job can provide valuable information, especially if you haven't received a response.
- For job-searchers, it's essential to prioritize education-and-self-development and vocational training, as these skills will not only improve your resilience in the job market but also help you understand the importance of transparent application processes in signaling a company's culture, and career-development.
