You hit the “Apply” button. You get the automated “Thank You” email. And then… you wait.
One day passes. Then three. Then a week.
The waiting game is the hardest part of looking for a job. In Bangladesh, where hiring processes can sometimes stretch for months, it’s easy to feel lost. You find yourself checking your email every ten minutes, wondering, “Did they reject me? Or are they just slow?”
At GlobeXHire, we are building a system to fix this delay. But until every company catches up to our speed, it helps to know what is “normal” so you can stop worrying and start acting.
Here is a realistic breakdown of how long you should wait and what to do at each stage.
The General Rule: Two Weeks (10 Business Days)
If you haven’t heard back within two weeks of applying, don’t panic. This is the standard waiting period for most private companies in Bangladesh.
Why does it take this long?
- Week 1: They are still collecting CVs. Even if you applied on day one, they might not look at applications until the deadline closes.
- Week 2: HR is screening the shortlist and scheduling meetings with department heads to decide who to interview.
Pro Tip: If the job post had a specific deadline (e.g., “Apply by October 30th”), do not expect a reply before that date. The clock usually starts ticking after the deadline passes.
Different Companies, Different Speeds
Not all employers move at the same pace. Knowing who you applied to can help manage your expectations:
- Startups & Tech Companies: These are usually the fastest. If you haven’t heard back in 1 week, they may have moved on.
- Large Local Conglomerates: These often have multi-layer approval processes. It is common to wait 2 to 3 weeks for an initial screening call.
- MNCs (Multinational Corporations): While organized, their volume of applicants is huge. Expect a wait of 2 to 4 weeks.
- Government Jobs: These follow their own strict timelines, often taking months.
What To Do While You Wait (Don’t Just Sit There!)
The worst thing you can do is stare at your inbox. Instead, use this time to make yourself a stronger candidate.
- Apply to More Jobs Never put all your eggs in one basket. Even if you think you aced the application, keep applying to other roles on our Jobs Listing. It keeps your momentum up and protects you from disappointment.
- Check Your Spam Folder You would be surprised how often a legitimate interview invite ends up in the “Spam” or “Promotions” tab. Check it once a day.
- Prepare for the Call Assume they will call you. Are you ready? Review our guide on How to prepare for an interview so you aren’t caught off guard when the phone rings.
When (and How) to Follow Up
If 10 business days have passed and you still haven’t heard anything, it is perfectly professional to send one follow-up email.
Keep it short and polite:
“Dear Hiring Team, I applied for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I am still very interested in this opportunity and wanted to check if there is an update on the hiring timeline. Thank you, [Your Name].”
This shows enthusiasm without being annoying. For more details on this, read our article on 5 Simple Tips to Get a Faster Reply.
When to Move On
If you sent a follow-up and waited another week with no reply, it is time to mentally move on.
It’s not personal. Sometimes budgets get frozen, or they hired an internal candidate. Don’t let one non-response stop your career progress. There are hundreds of other employers looking for talent right now.
Stop Waiting, Start Working
The waiting game is outdated. That’s why GlobeXHire is changing the rules. We encourage employers to act fast so you aren’t left in the dark.
Ready for a faster job search?
- Create your profile: Sign Up Here.
- Browse active jobs: Visit the Jobs Listing.
- Get more tips: Visit our Academy for career advice.