Are you finding that it is taking a while to land a new job?
After you have filled out and sent an application, you are likely to have to wait for a response. As the days turn into weeks, you are starting to wonder if you are ever going to be contacted.
Unfortunately, securing the job of your dreams can take a lot of time, effort, and patience. However, you also need to make sure you are taking the right steps and not simply waiting around.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at exactly ‘how long does it take to find a job?’
Contents
A Rough Timeline
Finding a job that you want to apply for is half the battle. Once you have filled out and sent your online application form, you need to play the waiting game. Let’s take a look at how long each step in the hiring process should take.
Within two weeks
It generally takes a maximum of two weeks for a hiring manager to review your application and contact you. If your resume appeals to the hiring manager, they will contact you to schedule a phone interview. In the best-case scenario, this could happen within a few days, although it is likely to take closer to two weeks.
While you are waiting to be contacted, use the time to research the company and job vacancy. In particular, look for things you can mention during the interview to indicate your interest. You can also sign up for the company’s newsletter and contact current employees through LinkedIn.
Within three weeks
By now, you should have had the phone interview, and hopefully, you aced it. At the end of it, you are usually informed of the next step in the hiring process. If you were successful, you should be contacted within three days to arrange an in-person interview.
Within four weeks
You took a sick day off work and attended an in-person interview. Although it seems to have gone very well, you still haven’t heard anything. If it gets to five days, feel free to reach out to the hiring manager for an update.
Within six weeks
If things have gone your way, you will receive a call to attend another interview. This time, the interview will be with the head of the company and perhaps a couple of other professionals. Attending a panel interview can be intimidating, so try to find the exact format of possible questions in advance.
Although you walked out of the interview feeling confident, you may not hear anything for another week. This is likely because the head of the company has other interviews to conduct as well as other meetings. Their busy schedule could mean that it takes several days for them to make a final decision.
Within eight weeks
By this time, you should have heard back on the results of your final interview. Hopefully, you will have received an offer. Now it is time to utilize your negotiating skills to finalize your starting salary and benefits package.
Within twelve weeks
If everything went according to plan, you should have started work. Of course, you will have given your two weeks’ notice and cleared any final projects. It could also take this time for your new employer to do a background check.
Depending on the job you are applying for, the entire process can take up to three months. It is important to remain focused and positive during the whole process. Making and following a checklist of things you need to do can help you to maintain focus.
How Long Does it Take to Find a Job?
Of course, before you can even take the first step on the timeline, you need to find the right job. If you are struggling to find a job you are interested in, you already know this is easier said than done. Here are some key factors that can influence how long it takes to find a suitable job vacancy.
Location
The part of the country you live in can have a big impact on the job search process. If you live in a large city, you are likely to find numerous opportunities right on your doorstep. The opportunities can be fewer and further if you live in a remote part of the country.
If you live in any area where there are fewer jobs, consider working remotely. A wide range of jobs can be done from home, with weekly meetings via Zoom. This allows you to save the long commute times and focus your time and energy on actually working instead.
Experience
Many jobs require a certain amount of work experience to secure the role. For some people, trying to get the required experience can be difficult. It may be necessary to take on an entry-level or temping role to gain the necessary experience.
People who are searching for a higher-level job could find that the search process takes much longer. Many companies prefer to promote their employees rather than taking on new employees for higher-level positions. If you have your sights set on working for a particular company, consider taking on a lower position and working your way up.
Flexibility
The more flexible you are about the type of job you are looking for, the easier it is to find employment. Certain higher-level jobs tend to attract a large number of applicants. Therefore, your chances of securing the role will naturally be reduced.
Widening your job search parameters can dramatically increase your chances of success. There may be an industry that you are qualified to work in that you never even considered before.
Length of unemployment
If you have been unemployed for a long time, it is much more difficult to find a new job. Hiring managers are more likely to question the suitability of people who have an employment gap. They may feel that there is a strike against them, making it more difficult to find work.
The best time to search for a new job is while you are already employed. If you become unemployed suddenly or are reentering the workforce, consider taking on a temping job. This will allow you to leave when a better job comes along without having a large gap in your employment history.
Your interview skills
If you attend several interviews without success, it is time to pay attention to what you might be doing wrong. Some people get very nervous in interviews and fail to present themselves in the best possible way. Practice your interview technique with a friend or family member or consider signing up for professional coaching.
Your job search methods
There are certain job boards and career sites that regularly feature a large number of job postings. If you are having trouble finding suitable vacancies, consider trying different methods. Depending on the industry you work in, you are sure to find that there are plenty of jobs out there waiting for you.
Your professional network
Making professional connections can help you to get a foot in the door and may even lead to a recommendation. Making connections with professionals on LinkedIn and similar sites is one way to secure the job of your dreams. Industry networking events are also great places to make connections and gain information on job vacancies.
How to Find a Job More Quickly?
Next, in my guide to How Long Does it Take to Find a Job, how to speed up the job finding process. There are certain ways to narrow down the search and track down your ideal job. Sometimes it is right under your nose if you change your priorities a little. Here are some ways to find your perfect placement in less time.
Work on your resume and cover letter
It is important to make sure that your resume presents your most valuable skills and attributes. If you have been sending out your resume and getting little or no response, consider editing it. You should tailor your CV to the job you are applying for, showing that you are the perfect candidate.
Also, take the time to create an eye-catching cover letter that makes you stand out from the crowd. Putting in the effort to edit and format them can make a big difference. It is a good idea to ask a friend to look over these documents and offer their advice for improvements.
Keep sending out applications
No matter how rejected you start to feel, it is important to keep sending out your resume and application forms. The perfect job could be just around the corner, and you will never get it if you do not try. Set yourself a daily and weekly target for the number of applications you need to send out and stick to it.
Choose the right time
The day of the week and even the time of the day you send your resume to companies can make a huge difference. It is better to send resumes and applications to hiring managers between Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ideally, you should also try to send it in the middle of the morning when the HM is focused on work.
Contact companies directly
Instead of waiting for a job to be posted, try sending letters of interest to the companies you want to work for. This helps you to get a foot in the door and saves having to compete with dozens of other applicants. If your letter of interest is strong, the hiring manager may call you into the office for an interview.
Rethink your expectations
If a part-time job becomes available at the company you want to work at, it may be worth applying. Although the role may not be exactly what you are looking for, it will introduce you to the company. While you are working there, you will have the chance to introduce yourself to the manager and impress them.
Taking on part-time employment also gives you time to look for another job. You will be able to fill in the employment gap in your resume and approach job hunting from a stronger position.
Consider different locations
You may find that you are simply looking in the wrong place, literally. Try broadening your search to neighboring cities or even another part of the country. If you are willing to commute or change locations, you are much more likely to find the right job.
Enhance your skills
Take a close look at the preferred skills in various job descriptions. It may be the case that you do not quite have the skills you need to do the job. While you are trying to find employment, take some time to brush up on your skills.
These days, there are numerous online courses to choose from. Most of these courses offer very flexible schedules that you can adapt to your lifestyle. Simply setting aside a couple of hours to study and gain new skills could help you to land a high-profile job.
More Helpful Hints And Insights
We’ve got an array of advice from resumes to after your interview, so just keep reading!
Firstly, let’s get that resume looking great with my guides on How To List References On A Resume, Job Titles On Resume, Achievements To List On Your Resume, How To List Education On A Resume, Hobbies Interests To Put On Resume, Most Important Skills To Put On A Resume, and Achievements To List On Your Resume to in 2023.
As mentioned above, a well-written cover letter or letter of interest is important. So, check out my How To Address A Cover Letter, How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?, How To Write A Letter Of Interest, How To Write An Introduction Letter, and also my Motivation Letter Writing Guide.
Now, how about creating your online profile by following our tips on the Best Linkedin Profile Tips and the Best Linkedin Recommendation examples to help get you up and running.
The interview is done, and while you’re waiting, why not take a look at What To Do After An Interview and How To Ace That Second Interview to get you ready.
Final Thoughts
Once you have done everything in your power to increase your chances of success, you need to be patient. However, there are still plenty of other things you can do to help use this time productively. Working on your interview technique will help you to create a stronger impression when you are called for an interview.
It is a good idea to keep a clear record of which applications you have sent out along with the date. This will help you to keep track of them and create a timeline. If you have not heard anything after three weeks have gone by, it is a good idea to email the hiring manager directly.
Hope you find that perfect job!