How long does it take to look for a job?
If you’re looking for a job and haven’t gotten that much-anticipated offer yet, you may think, “When will I find a job?” Also, “How long should it take to land a new position?”
You’re not alone, so don’t worry! A lot of people who are looking for work ask these kinds of questions. There is no clear answer, but here are some tips to help you figure out how long it will take to look for a job.
How Long Will It Take You to Look for a Job?
You can only get a rough idea of how long your job search will take. You can still get a general idea from the numbers and other important things.
Do the Math
No one answer works for everyone. The length of time depends on several factors, such as the job market, the time of year, your skills, and your ability to work in different places.
On average, getting a job takes about three to six months from start to finish. One job application gives you an 8.3% chance of getting an interview, which means it could take 10–20 applications to get one interview and 10–15 interviews to get one job offer.
A 2018 study found that it takes people looking for work about five months to find a new job. During this time, they usually edit four different copies of their resumes, write four cover letters, send out seven applications, and attend five interviews. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also found that, as of December 2020, the average length of unemployment was 23.4 weeks.
Even though you shouldn’t set an exact time limit for your job search, having a general idea of how long it will take can help you stay motivated.
Factors affecting your job search
Many things can affect how long it takes you to find a job. A lot can depend on the job market, the type of work you’re looking for, and how long you’ve been out of work.
Your job search can be affected by things like the season. January and February are busy hiring months, and the best times to find newly offered jobs are late in the morning and early in the week.
Keep a positive attitude and keep going
Think positively and believe that you will be able to find a job. Make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored to each job. Also, be proactive about networking and keep telling people you’re looking. Your job search will go better in every way if you stay upbeat and determined to move forward.
How to Get a Job Faster?
You can’t change some things about your job search, but there are things you can do to make it easier to find a job quickly.
Get better at what you do
If the jobs you want are just out of reach, think about what skills or experiences you have that would make you a better candidate. You can improve your chances by getting more experience, helping, improving your online profile, or finishing your degree.
Do a lot of searches
If you look for work daily, you’ll find a new job faster. Companies post new job openings every day, and applying quickly increases your chances of being considered.
Be open to change
As a job hunter, think about how flexible you are. Are you interested in part-time jobs, jobs you can do from home, or career moves that will help you learn new things? You can speed up your job search by being open.
Make good use of your time
Find out more about what you want, make connections, make your resume and cover letter fit each job, learn new skills, and follow up on applications to make the most of your time.
Make a plan for your job search:
- Make a way to keep track of things.
- List your most important tasks, like improving your skills, sending in applications, and making connections; Set attainable daily targets, like making one contact through networking or an application; Review your strategies.
Wait a While
If your job search takes longer than you thought, it’s easy to give up. But being patient and persistent will pay off in the end. Don’t forget that it’s better to take longer to find the right job than to settle for one you might quit soon.