How long to wait for job application response

A colleague applied for a job a month ago and hasn't yet heard anything from the organisation. What's the usual length of time if you are going to be called for an interview. The organisation is publicly funded and I think it's a registered charity. Also is it acceptable to phone the organisation and enquire about the status of your application? Thanks

I would suspect that perhaps the organisation in question may be waiting to see what "Enda's boys & girls" do by way of cutbacks before moving forward to the interview process. Our company is in a similar position at the moment having advertised a position a while back but holding out to see what is going to happen with regard to a particular government semi state and implications it may have for us. We have had several telephone calls from applicants and we are just apologising for the delay but we will be in touch with them in due course. Totally acceptable to ring and enquire about your application.

Thanks for that Happygirl.

It may also be the case that they are inundated with applications and are unable to reply to everyone.

In a lot of cases, only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.

It's a reflection of the times we are in.