Getting rejected after a job interview can be disheartening, but not hearing back at all can be downright maddening. Whether you’re expecting to hear back or not, it can be very frustrating to be left wondering if the employer is still interested in you. It’s actually fairly common not to hear back after applying for a job you find online or even exchanging preliminary emails with a recruiter, but it’s rare to find out why.

You’re likely well aware of how emotionally taxing the job search process can be, but there may also be financial consequences, some of which are more obvious than others. For example, there’s the cost of your time, interview clothes, potentially travel costs, but also other stuff like childcare. This Career Contessa article unpacks the different factors to consider.