Do employers have to respond to job application?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 19, 2026
But the more common situation is that applicants are ghosted by companies. They apply for a job and never hear anything in response, not even a rejection. In the U.S., companies are generally not legally obligated to deliver bad news to job candidates, so many don’t.
Is it normal to not hear back from a job application?
A hiring manager or recruiter might hold 10 phone interviews before bringing in five people for an in-person meeting. There might even be a second or third interview before an offer is made. Not hearing back can be tough. After two weeks, send a follow-up email to the hiring manager or the HR department.
What to do if you haven’t heard back from a job application?
Ask your professional and social networks for help. Find out if anyone in your network already works at companies you’re targeting. If you haven’t heard back about an application and are concerned that it’s fallen into the black hole, your connection may be able to find an answer.
What to do if you aren’t hearing back from employers?
The deafening silence. It’s a common experience. You’ve applied to countless jobs and yet, you still haven’t heard back. It’s no wonder people describe looking for a job as one of the hardest jobs a person can have. Create an Indeed CV so employers can contact you about new jobs.
What should I do if I haven’t heard anything from a company?
Let them know you’re in demand. If the company has expressed interest in you as a candidate for the job, but you haven’t heard anything since that initial contact, you can try to speed up the process by letting them know that other companies are interested in you —if and only if that’s true.
Which is the hardest job to apply for?
It’s no wonder people describe looking for a job as one of the hardest jobs a person can have. Create an Indeed CV so employers can contact you about new jobs. Falling into what’s known as the “application black hole” is a common experience, one that often frustrates even the most optimistic job applicants.
