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The result of a job interview – when you will hear back and what to do next

What happens after the interview: when you can expect an answer and what you can do while you wait – or after a no.

When you will hear back

There is no fixed deadline. Some employers answer within days, others take weeks – especially big companies with several interview rounds. The best way to know is to ask at the end of the interview when they expect to decide, and to follow up politely if that date passes.

The general rule

Ask about next steps – before you leave (or log off), ask how many rounds there are and when you can expect an answer. Write the date down.
Be patient with large employers – EURES warns that big companies can have a lengthy hiring process, so “arm yourself with patience” and let them know from time to time that you are still interested.
Send a short thank-you email after the interview – EURES recommends it because it shows you are considerate and grateful for the opportunity.

What differs between countries

The number of rounds and the pace vary by country and employer. Examples from our country guides:

In the Netherlands employers tend to reply fairly quickly – if you have heard nothing after 14 days, contact the company. Expect one or two interviewers and often more than one round.
In Sweden there may be several rounds or tests, and you may meet a panel.
In Malta the employer may invite you to more than one interview, and some employers ask for a medical examination before you start.

If you hear nothing

Wait until the date they gave you, then send one short, friendly email asking about the status of your application.
If there is still no answer, follow up once more at most – and keep applying elsewhere in the meantime.
Your application is personal data. Under EU data protection rules the employer must tell you how long it will keep it, and you can ask for a copy of the data it holds about you – free of charge, with a reply within one month.

Feedback and next steps

After the interview, the ball is partly in your court. Send a short thank-you email, wait for the date the employer gave you, and – whatever the result – ask for feedback. Employers are not always able to give detailed feedback, but a polite request costs nothing and often helps.

Right after the interview

Thank-you email – EURES recommends following up with a thank-you email to your interviewer: it shows you are considerate and grateful for the opportunity. Keep it to a few lines and mention one thing from the conversation.
Notes for yourself – write down the questions you were asked and what went well or badly. You will need it for the next interview.
Be ready for more rounds – many employers hold more than one interview or add tests. In the Netherlands there is often more than one round; in Sweden there may be several rounds or tests.

If you don’t get the job

Ask for feedback – EURES advises: ask for feedback whenever you get the chance and take it on board. Ask one concrete question, for example what skill or experience would have made the difference.
Don’t take it personally – EURES points out that a rejection is often not about you and can be a chance to learn.
Stay in touch – thank them, say you are still interested in the company and ask to be considered for future openings.
Your data – under EU data protection rules you can ask the employer for a copy of the personal data it holds about you, free of charge; it must reply within one month.

If you get an offer

Ask for the offer in writing and check the pay, hours, start date and any probation period.
In the EU your employer must give you the main terms of your job in writing – the essential ones within seven days of your first working day.
Ask what documents you need for your first day – in Malta, for example, some employers ask for a medical examination before you start.