The 23-Minute Hire: Could Your Reply Time Be Costing You the Job?

You have the experience, the track record and the right skills. But could a delayed reply cost you your next opportunity?

Imagine two candidates competing for the same senior role. Both have comparable experience and qualifications. Then a recruiter reaches out to arrange an interview.

One respond promptly. The other replies the following day.

Could that small difference influence the outcome?

Research from Cornell's SC Johnson College of Business, published in Management Science, suggests that response time can play a significant role in hiring decisions.

Analysing more than 11 million conversations on the freelance platform Fiverr, researchers found that faster replies were associated with a greater likelihood of being hired. Their experiments also found that quick responders were perceived as more likely to be responsive in the future.

The takeaway? How you communicate can shape how an employer see you.

 

Is Your Response Time Sending the Wrong Signal?

For senior professionals, a recruiter's message is more than a scheduling request. It's an opportunity to demonstrate how you operate.

A clear, timely responses can signal organisations, professionalism and respect for other people's time. These qualities matter in leadership roles, where communication and managing competing priorities are part of the job.

However, speed isn't everything. A quick reply doesn't guarantee the right hire, and a delayed response doesn't make someone a weaker candidate.

It's about the impression you create.

 

Do You Need to Reply Immediately?

Not at all. If you' re leading a meeting, travelling or managing a busy schedule, responding instantly isn't always realistic.

The key is to acknowledge the message and set clear expectations. 

For example:

“Thank you for reaching out. I'm very interested in discussing the opportunity. I'll confirm my availability by 3:00 p.m. today.”

You've shown interest, communicated clearly and given the recruiter a timeframe.

You don't need to be available 24/7. You just need to keep the conversation moving.

 

Five Simple Ways to Stay Responsive

• Check your messages: Keep an eye on email, LinkedIn and missed call when exploring opportunities.
• Update your details: Make sure recruiters can reach you using your current contact information.
• Acknowledge messages: If you need more time, let the recruiter know.
• Be Specific: Give a realistic timeframe for your response and stick to it.
• Close the loop: Return missed calls or send a quick message explaining when you're available.

These small habits can help you manage recruitment conversations without compromising your existing responsibilities.

 

The Bottom Line

Your CV gets you noticed. Your communication helps shape the impression you leave.

The Cornell study examined freelance hiring, so its findings cannot automatically be applied to every executive recruitment process. However, it highlights an important point: employers may interpret how you communicate today as an indication of how you'll work with them tomorrow.

The next time a recruiter reaches out, don't feel pressured to drop everything. Respond when you reasonably can, be clear about your availability and follow through on what you promise.

Because it's not about replying in 23 minutes. It's about showing people they can rely on you.

Looking for your next career move? Explore opportunities through Antal's open positions.