Should I call back the hiring manager?
John Johnson
Updated on April 06, 2026
At the end of the interview, you should ask the hiring manager when you can expect to hear back and when it’s appropriate to reach out if you haven’t heard from them, said Jennifer Akoma, human resources director at Android Industries.
How do you call back a hiring manager?
Follow these steps to help you make a successful follow-up call:
- Determine your reason for calling.
- Make a list of things to say.
- Gather your resume and reference list.
- Practice the conversation with someone else.
- Try to contact the decision-maker directly.
- Leave a voicemail message if no one answers.
How long should I wait to contact hiring manager?
Typically, it’s best to give interviewers five business days to contact you. That means if you interview on a Thursday, you would wait until the following Thursday to reach out. This could mean you are waiting a week or longer before you get a response from the hiring company, provided they do reply.
How long does it take for managers to call back?
It typically takes one to two weeks to hear back after applying for a job. An employer may respond faster if the job is a high priority, or if they’re a small and efficient organization. It can also occasionally take longer for an employer to respond to a job application or resume submission.
What if you missed a call from an employer?
Tender a brief apology The first thing to do when you call back is to apologize. But do not spend too much time apologizing. You need to show that you are accountable. Explain why you missed the call, but your excuse should sound professional and convincing like; “I am sorry to have missed your call.
Should you email hiring manager after applying?
Emailing recruiters and hiring managers shows greater respect for their schedule because they can process and respond to your note on their own time. For most jobs, emailing is the safest way to follow up after a job application without ruffling any feathers.”
Why do hiring managers take so long?
Hiring decisions often get delayed because someone who is a key part in making those decisions is absent. They may be ill, they could be on vacation, traveling for work, or they may need to deal with a more pressing issue. The process may come to a halt until this person can resume their hiring duties.
What to do when you don’t hear back from a hiring manager?
You can make the waiting period less painful by asking for a clear timeframe to hear back during the interview process. After the end of a call or an interview, be sure to ask about when you should expect to hear back.
Why do employers call you back after an interview?
A hiring manager for an accounting firm in New York City says, “In this situation, we call people back in order to evaluate them as the preferred candidate rather than as a possibility.” As each interview represents a fresh beginning, it would be unwise to coast on the success of a previous interview.
When to call or email a hiring manager?
In this case (assuming no plan was set up at the interview), I recommend waiting a few days after they said they made their decision and then sending an email to inquire. An email has the advantage that it usually won’t intrude into their day as much as a telephone call and allows them to answer on their own schedule.
When to wait to hear back from an interview?
It’s not always easy, but try not to come on too strong when waiting to hear back from an interview. For example, if the hiring manager says you can expect an answer in 48 hours, don’t email them at 48 hours and 1 minute asking if they’ve made a decision.
