Open your tracker and count:

Total applications submitted across both weeks

Total follow-ups sent

Total networking and outreach messages sent

Total informational interviews requested and completed

Total recruiter connections made

Total returnship programs identified and applied to

Total responses received of any kind

Calculate your response rate. Divide responses by total applications and multiply by 100.

For returning professionals a response rate of 3 to 8% in the first two weeks is normal. The hiring process can move more slowly for returning candidates, particularly outside of formal returnship programs. Persistence and consistency are what matter most at this stage.