Applying for jobs on LinkedIn can be an effective way to tap into your professional network and find new career opportunities. However, once you submit an application, the next question is often: how long does it take to hear back from employers on LinkedIn? The answer depends on several factors.
The job application and screening process
After submitting a job application on LinkedIn, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to hear back from the employer. Here is a general overview of the typical LinkedIn job application timeline:
- You apply for the job on LinkedIn – Day 1
- The employer receives your application – Day 1-3
- The employer screens and reviews applications – Day 3-10
- The employer identifies candidates to interview – Day 7-14
- The employer contacts candidates for interviews – Day 10-21
So in general, expect to hear back within 1-3 weeks after submitting your LinkedIn job application. However, timing may vary based on factors like the employer, job role, number of applicants, and interview process.
Factors that influence response time
There are several key factors that impact how long it takes for an employer to respond after you apply for a job on LinkedIn:
1. Employer resources
Larger companies and corporations often have dedicated recruiting teams and HR staff to screen candidates, allowing them to respond faster. Startups and smaller businesses with less staffing may take more time to review applicants and get back to you.
2. Application volume
Jobs that receive a high influx of applicants will naturally take longer to hear back from versus openings with fewer candidates. Roles that are in high demand or posted on multiple sites tend to have more applicants to screen.
3. Stage in hiring process
Timing will depend on where the employer is in the overall hiring pipeline. If they have already started screening and interviewing before you applied, it may take less time to hear back versus early-stage roles still accepting applications.
4. Type of role
Some jobs require more screening than others based on skills, experience, security clearances, or other factors. Complex roles like executive leadership, specialized professionals, and technical experts may have a longer response time.
5. Employer responsiveness
While one company may contact candidates within a week, another may take a few weeks to respond due to internal processes and responsiveness to applicants. Response time can vary greatly by employer.
Following up on your LinkedIn job application
If you have not heard back from the employer within 2-3 weeks, it is appropriate to send a follow up message checking on the status of your application. Here are some tips for following up effectively:
- Follow up 2-3 weeks after applying if you have not heard back.
- Keep the message concise – 3-4 sentences is ideal.
- Thank them for considering your application.
- Reiterate your interest and fit for the role.
- Politely ask about application status or next steps.
- Provide your contact information again.
- Avoid sounding impatient or entitled in your message.
A sample follow up message may be:
“Hi [name],
I hope you are doing well. I applied for the [position] role on [date] and am very interested in the opportunity. I believe I would be a great fit given my background in [relevant skills/experience]. I wanted to check if you had an update on the status of my application or next steps in the hiring process. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your name]
[Your contact info]”
Following up shows continued interest in the role and gives the employer a gentle reminder to view your application. However, avoid repeatedly contacting the employer if they do not respond – continue applying for other opportunities as well.
Speeding up the response time
While you cannot control the employer’s response time, here are some tips to help accelerate the process:
- Customize your application materials for each role
- Ensure your LinkedIn profile is updated and complete
- Apply as soon as possible after job is posted
- Leverage your network to get introduced or recommended
- Follow up a week after applying if you have not heard back
- Send a thank you note after each interview
Taking these steps shows extra effort on your part as an applicant and gets your application in front of the hiring team faster.
Average LinkedIn job application response times
While timing varies, here are the typical LinkedIn job application response times based on surveys and research:
| Stage | Average Time to Respond |
|---|---|
| Employer screens initial applications | 1-2 weeks |
| Employer contacts candidates for interviews | 2-4 weeks |
| Employer makes hiring decision | 4-6 weeks |
| Total timeline from application to offer | 6-8 weeks |
However, it can take significantly longer in some cases – up to 2-3 months for some competitive roles and extensive hiring processes.
Following up if you have not heard back after 8 weeks
If 8 weeks have passed since submitting your LinkedIn job application with no response, it is reasonable to send one final follow up to check on the status. Here are some tips for a final follow up message:
- Thank them again for considering your application
- Recap when you applied and your interest level
- Ask if they have filled the role or are still hiring
- If role is still open, politely ask for status update
- Say you are still interested in the opportunity
- Provide your contact details again
- Keep message brief yet professional
An example final follow up message:
“Hi [name],
I applied for the [role] position back on [date] and wanted to check if you are still looking to fill the role. I’m still very interested in the opportunity as I believe my skills and experience in [relevant areas] would make me a great fit. If you are still hiring, I would appreciate an update on where things stand in the process. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your name]”
If you still do not hear back after 8+ weeks and a final follow up, it is best to move on and continue applying for other roles. While timing varies, a lack of response after 2 months likely signifies the employer pursued other candidates.
Following up with the recruiter or hiring manager
Besides the employer, you can also follow up directly with the recruiter or hiring manager listed on the job posting. Locate their LinkedIn profile or contact info and reach out to them directly. This helps get your message straight to the person responsible for hiring.
When following up with recruiters or hiring managers:
- Make the subject line personal with their name
- Mention applying for the role they posted
- Keep the message professional and polite
- Ask if they need any other information from you
- Say you are excited about the role and company
- Include your resume and contact info again
Following up with the right person can help speed up response time compared to a general employer message.
Sample response timelines
To give you an idea of possible LinkedIn application response times, here are some examples of timelines from different job searches:
Fast response time
- Applied May 1
- Heard back May 7 – Screening call
- Interview May 14
- Second interview May 21
- Received offer June 2
- Total time: 5 weeks
Moderate response time
- Applied April 15
- Heard back May 5 – Phone interview
- In-person interview May 28
- Technical interview June 7
- Received offer June 26
- Total time: 10 weeks
Slow response time
- Applied February 1
- Heard back March 14 – Screening call
- Technical interview April 5
- Manager interview April 19
- Executive interview May 10
- Received offer May 24
- Total time: 16 weeks
As you can see, response times can vary greatly. Do not get discouraged if you do not hear back right away – follow up and continue your search in the meantime.
Can following up hurt your chances?
There is a myth that following up can actually hurt your chances if it makes you appear “too eager” or annoying. In most cases, this is not true – following up shows initiative and enthusiasm for the role.
However, there are some cases where too much persistence can backfire:
- Contacting the employer repeatedly in a short time
- Not taking the hint after a clear rejection
- Getting aggressive or demanding in your outreach
- Messaging multiple people at the company
- Using gimmicks instead of professional follow up
As long as you follow up politely 2-3 times over an 8 week timeframe, you should not hurt your chances. But avoid pestering the employer or desperation tactics.
Other factors that influence response time
There are a few other factors that can impact how long it takes to hear back after a LinkedIn job application:
Company growth and changes
If the company announces layoffs, mergers, or changes in leadership, it may delay hiring timelines as they sort out internal restructuring.
Hiring freezes
Hiring freezes due to budget cuts, company performance, or economic environment can lead to long delays or suspension of hiring altogether.
Seasonal cycles
Industries like retail and accounting that depend on seasonal business will speed up hiring at peak times and slow down at off-peak times.
Job function
Specialized and highly technical roles tend to take longer to fill – up to 43 days on average compared to 13 days for customer-facing roles according to LinkedIn data.
Tips for following up with employers
To ensure your follow ups are effective and help accelerate the response time, keep these tips in mind:
- Follow up twice over a 6-8 week period.
- Time follow ups 2-3 weeks apart.
- Send follow ups on Monday or Tuesday for best open rates.
- Keep messages concise yet professional.
- Mention your previous application and interest.
- Request a status update or next steps.
- Provide your contact details again.
- Proofread carefully to prevent errors.
- Use a professional follow up template.
- Send follow up messages from your own email or LinkedIn.
With brief yet effective follow up, you can politely check application status without hurting your chances.
Following up by phone
Besides online messages, you can also follow up via phone in some cases. This allows you to make a more personal connection.
Tips for following up by phone:
- Only call if you have a direct number for the recruiter or hiring manager.
- Keep it brief – thank them, recap your application, and request status.
- Speak slowly and clearly when leaving voicemails.
- Make sure to leave your name and contact details.
- Sound professional and enthusiastic, not demanding.
- Only follow up by phone once or twice maximum.
While not always possible, a phone follow up can help accelerate response time.
When to move on after no response
As a rule of thumb, if you have not heard back after 8-10 weeks and 2-3 professional follow ups, it is wise to move on and pursue new opportunities. Continuing to invest significant time into one application with no response is counterproductive. Set a timeframe that works for you, and if you hit that limit with no reply, refocus your search elsewhere while keeping the door open to that employer.
Alternatives to improve response time
Beyond applying directly on LinkedIn, here are some other strategies to improve your chances and speed up employer response time for jobs:
- Leverage your network – Get introduced or referred by an employee
- Attend recruiting events – Meet hiring managers in person
- Use social media – Engage with the company on Twitter/Facebook
- Check company site – Apply directly on the company website
- Message recruiters – Directly reach out to recruiters at the company
- Watch for new listings – Prioritize freshly posted jobs
Diversifying your application methods beyond LinkedIn alone can improve your chances of getting noticed faster.
Conclusion
Timing varies, but most LinkedIn job applications take 1-3 weeks for initial response and up to 2 months overall to complete the hiring process. Factors like employer resources, application volume, and job complexity all impact response rate. While you cannot control timing, using professional follow up, applying strategically, and diversifying your search methods can help accelerate response time. With reasonable expectations and effective follow up, a LinkedIn job application can connect you to new opportunities.
