A: Advertised jobs will often have closing dates for applications, so that will give you a time-frame to work within.

If you have the opportunity when you lodge your application, politely ask when interviews are expected to begin.

Should you score an interview, you can then ask when the employer expects to decide.

The timetable for interviews can depend on factors including the availability of interviewers and workloads, so try to be patient.

However, if you have a good reason why you need to know about an interview time frame - if you have another job offer or application to prepare, for example - there is nothing wrong with getting on the phone.

If you have a question for Dr Work, email doctorwork@mycareer.com.au. Please note that due to the high volume of questions received, not all emails can be answered personally.