You Applied — Now What? What to Do While Waiting to Hear Back
The application is sent.
Now comes the hardest part: the wait.
The limbo between applying and hearing back (or not hearing back) can be maddening.
You can't force a response, but you can use this time strategically instead of just staring at your inbox.
Keep Applying
The biggest mistake job seekers make is pausing applications while waiting on one promising opportunity.
Hope is not a strategy.
Until you have an offer in hand, continue applying.
The job search funnel is wide at the top for a reason — most applications don't convert.
Maintaining volume is how you maintain options.
Research the Company Deeper
If this is a role you're excited about, use the waiting period to prepare for a potential interview.
Learn about:
- Recent company news and announcements
- The team you'd be joining (LinkedIn is useful here)
- The company's products, competitors, and market position
- Common interview questions for similar roles
When the call comes, you'll be ready instead of scrambling.
Prepare Your Stories
Behavioral interviews rely on examples from your past.
Start compiling stories now using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Think about times you:
- Solved a difficult problem
- Led a project or initiative
- Navigated conflict or disagreement
- Failed and learned from it
- Went above expectations
Having these stories ready means less stress when interview prep time is short.
Expand Your Network
Waiting time is networking time.
Reach out to people at companies you're interested in.
Reconnect with former colleagues.
Join industry conversations on LinkedIn.
Networking isn't just about immediate opportunities — it's about building relationships that surface opportunities over time.
Work on Skill Gaps
If job descriptions keep mentioning skills you don't have, use this time to close the gap.
Online courses, certifications, and side projects all count.
You don't need to become an expert overnight, but showing you're actively learning signals growth mindset to employers.
Set a Follow-Up Reminder
Rather than obsessively checking for updates, schedule a specific follow-up date (usually 10-14 days after applying).
Put it on your calendar and then mentally let go until that date arrives.
This gives you permission to focus on other things without feeling like you're dropping the ball.
Protect Your Mental Space
The waiting period is emotionally taxing.
Build in activities that aren't job-search related.
Exercise, hobbies, time with friends — these aren't luxuries, they're what keep you functional for the long haul.
The best thing you can do for your job search is stay energized enough to keep doing it.
*hrvstr keeps you organized during the waiting game — tracking application statuses, scheduling follow-ups, and reminding you when it's time to act.
Focus on preparing, not refreshing. [Track your pipeline →]*