Job interviews are basically professional speed dating, except the rejection email takes two weeks and says “we went in a different direction.”
When an interviewer says HR will get back to you, your brain immediately starts spinning.
Did you nail it? Did you bomb it? Are they just being polite?
The honest answer is: this phrase means almost nothing on its own.
If you went in for a job interview and the interviewer said that HR will get back to you, you may be wondering what this means.
This is not a negative or positive sign, as this is how most companies do their interviewing process.
When the HR team is supposed to get back to you after an interview, this merely means that they are responsible for communicating the final decision.
This is how most companies run, as you will be interviewed and then contacted if you are right for the position.
HR will typically be the one contacting you once the decision has been made regarding the position and your application.
Because of this, being contacted by the HR team is not a positive or negative thing per se.
It is also nothing to be concerned about as this is a very normal process for companies to go through during the interviewing process with potential employees.
This simply means that the next step of the interview process has begun and all you need to do is wait.
It is highly recommended that you continue to operate as though you did not get the job or even have the interview at all.
You should continue to apply for other positions and do other interviews during this wait time.
There is always a chance that you did not get the job, and you don’t want to waste your time waiting around only to find out.
You should always keep your options open and continue to look for other potential job positions that you could fill.
How Long Before HR Gets Back to You?
Most of the time, you will end up waiting 1 to 2 weeks after your interview to hear back from HR.
This is the most common wait time, though it can vary quite a bit depending on the company.
If you are waiting longer than 1 to 2 weeks, this may not necessarily be a bad thing.
This could indicate that there are a lot of people applying, but you are still one of the people they are considering.
One important tip: ask the interviewer directly before you leave.
A simple question like “When can I expect to hear back?” gives you a real timeline and takes the guesswork away.
This makes it much easier to know when it is appropriate to follow up without seeming pushy.
You may also hear back from HR much faster if only a few people applied or if you are the obvious choice for the position.
Pro tip: send a short thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.
This keeps you top of mind and shows professionalism, which many candidates skip.
If you hear nothing after 3 weeks and have already followed up once, it is okay to treat that application as closed and move on.
You can learn more about how job offers are delivered by phone or email so you know what to expect next.
What Does It Mean When HR Is the Last Interview?
If the last interview that you have for this job position is with HR, this is usually a good sign.
This will typically mean that you are one of the last candidates left that they are considering to fill the position.
The HR team is responsible for communicating the final decision regarding your application.
This is a normal part of the hiring process, and it does not necessarily indicate whether you are a strong candidate or not.
The HR team may need to review your application, conduct additional interviews, or verify your qualifications before making a decision.
It is essential to remain patient and professional during this time, as the HR team will contact you once the decision has been made.
Because of this, you have a substantially higher chance of being hired if HR is interviewing you for your last interview.
You have most likely surpassed many other candidates and are in the top few options that the company has.
Some other ways to tell if you are a good candidate for this job according to the interview is if:
- The interview is pleasant
- The interview runs long
- You are asked about your availability
- They are impressed
- Little details of the position are discussed
If you want to prepare even better for this stage, check out our guide on examples of passions to mention in interviews to help you stand out.
What Does It Mean If HR Gets Back to You After an Interview?
If you have finished an interview for a job and the interviewer tells you that HR will get back to you, this simply means that they will let you know their decision.
The HR team often handles the last steps of the hiring process for a company.
Because of this, they will be the ones who call to let you know if you did or did not get the job.
So it is not necessarily a bad sign if the HR team is supposed to get back to you after your interview, as this is very common.
The time that you will have to wait is typically between 1 to 2 weeks, though many things can affect this timeline.
The best thing you can do is stay busy, keep applying, and not put all your hopes on one position.
If you are thinking about your next steps, it also helps to understand what salary range to expect so you are ready when the offer comes.