If job candidates are not contacted within 10 days, research by Robert Half found that 57% of Australian workers would lose interest in a role.

The survey found 13% of candidates in Australia would lose interest after five business days, and 44% would lose interest after between five and 10 days.

However, more than a quarter of candidates, 26%, would give employers between 10 business days and a month to respond before they lost interest in the role. Only 9% would keep interest in a role regardless of how long it took an employer to get back to them.

“Despite an easing employment market, time remains of the essence to secure top talent,” Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half, said in a press release. “Job seekers are often juggling multiple applications and interviews, and a slow response from an employer can quickly dampen their enthusiasm.”

The survey also asked candidates about “ghosting” when an employer does not respond to them. It found that 35% would do nothing, and another 35% would follow up with the employer.

Still, a number of candidates would have an adverse response, with 21% saying they would blacklist the company and refuse to consider them for future opportunities. In addition, 12% said they would leave a negative comment about the company on social media or an employer review website.

“The lack of communication from employers can contribute to a negative candidate experience,” Gorton said. “And while external communication platforms like Google Reviews and Glassdoor can be effective for staff attraction, it is also the place where disgruntled candidates can air their bad experiences, which in turn can damage the employer’s brand reputation and deter future applicants.”

Robert Half’s survey included 1,000 full-time office workers across Australia and took place online in June 2024.