You’ve applied for a job you like the look of. You’ve sat down for a face-to-face interview, which you think went pretty well. And now all you’ve left do is wait, and wait, and wait! Many aspects about trying to get a new job can be quite frustrating, but the wait to hear back, which invariably seems to take longer than it should, can often be the worst.

As frustrating as it may be, it’s important to note that this is normal. Most of us have had to wait for more than a month to hear back about at least one job, while almost one in five of us had to wait over two months for a response.

What you need to remember is that hiring managers can be very busy. With many job openings, they may consider several candidates, which means they’re not likely to make a decision right away. You also need to bear in mind that a bad hire can have a hugely negative impact on a company. To avoid such a situation, many companies tend to be cautious, which means they take their time before coming to a decision.

However, there are a few things you can do to try and speed up the decision-making process, while also demonstrating eagerness and professionalism. Here are three methods you can take to try and cut down the waiting time.

1. Know what happens next

Before you leave the interview, make sure you know what’s happening next. Ask the interviewer what are the next steps in the hiring process. If there are additional interview rounds, ask them when they’ll be. Most importantly, ask them when you can expect to hear back from them. While they may not be able to give you an exact date, they should be able to give you a rough timeline.

The interviewer may also want to clarify aspects of your qualifications and work history after the interview, so be sure to offer further information should they need it.

2. Follow up

Some job postings receive hundreds of applicants and it’s not uncommon for hiring managers to interview dozens of applicants for just one position. If you’re in such a situation, it’s smart to follow up. Not only does this show the hiring manager that you’re interested, it also puts you front of mind and reminds them that you’re waiting on their answer.

However, following up is not that easy. It requires a certain amount of delicacy. You don’t want to come on too strong or too weak – you need to find the right balance. Send an email the day after your interview, thanking the interviewer for meeting with you. It’s a nice touch which demonstrates your interest and professionalism.

If you haven’t heard back within a week, give them a call. Be polite when you to talk to them. Yes, it can be frustrating having to wait, especially if you’re out of work, but you need to be courteous. If they haven’t made a decision at that stage, ask them when they likely will. If you haven’t heard back by then, give them another call. If they seem reluctant or evasive, it might be time to put this one down as a loss.

3. Show you’re in demand

Another way to try and speed up the hiring manager’s decision is to inform, either implicitly or directly, that you’re talking with other companies. Unless they’re very naïve, they will expect you to be looking at other openings, particularly if you’re between jobs. Tactfully remind of this – don’t try and use it as some sort of leverage. If they believe you’re a good fit, they’re not as likely to drag their feet if they feel you could get an offer elsewhere.

If you’re looking to take that next step in your career, partner with a trusted agency who can expertly guide you through the hiring process.