How Long Does It Take to Get a Job?
So, you want to know how long it will take for you to get a job. Sadly, it's not an easy question to answer as every jobseeker has their own unique set of circumstances. The various stages of a job search can be assessed, however, as well as what you can do in your job search plan to help you find a job faster. The time your job search takes will be more of a guesstimate rather than an accurate estimation. With this being said, it's important to realize that there are many things out of your control when it comes to the job search.
What's Out of Your Control in Your Job Search
Say you find your dream job being advertised online. You follow your job search plan, prepare all of your documents and send your resume to the employer. You then wait... and wait... and wait... until you realize that you're not going to hear back from them.
Sound familiar? 80% of the time your resume will fall into the feared resume black hole. That doesn't mean your application was necessarily bad, the reason for rejection could be out of your hands. So many job applications come through nowadays, that recruiters simply can't sift through them all. The length of your job search will depend on how many times your resume ends up in the black hole.
There are some things you can't prepare for in your job search plan. This includes the current job market. The job market can be poor due to external factors such as a recession, which could leave you with all the necessary skills for a position that simply isn't being hired by employers at the time of your job search.
The time of year can also play a significant role in the length of time it takes to be successful in your job search. Earlier months of the year (January and February) tend to be the most popular months for hiring. Obviously, you can't always choose what time of the year you are looking for your job, so don't feel at fault if your job search stalls. Not everything is in your control!
What Are You in Control of in Your Job Search
Produce a job search plan to reduce the amount of time spent in your job search. Make a daily routine and set goals for what you want to achieve. Invest in your job search and take control of basic tasks during the process. Complete self-appraisals, improve resumes, and research labor markets, and employers.
Be productive and put yourself in the best possible position when you apply for positions. Slacking off won't get you a job any sooner. It's worth investing time and energy into your job search from the very beginning.
Rejection will be a common occurrence during your job search, so it is essential to deal with it in the best manner possible. It's easy to say, 'don't worry about it,' but if you let rejection overwhelm you, it can lead to your job search faltering. Feel it, discuss it and cool off. Build resilience and realize that it is not a sign of your self-worth. Take control and don't let your job search drag.
The Waiting Game
A large quantity of time in a job search is spent waiting. How do you combat the waiting game though? Stay busy. More work equals more progress. In your job search plan, outline what you will do with your days. Keep a journal to track your work and allocate time effectively with 50-minute sessions to stay sane.
If you still haven't heard anything after a few days from an employer, make sure to follow up. Let them know you're still interested, and you might not have to wait much longer. Prompt them to say no to you, rather than nothing! A no is much better as it means you can shift your focus elsewhere and find the person who will say yes to you sooner.
Give the Job Search Time
The job search has components that are in and out of your control. Be realistic and adjust your expectations of how long your job search will take. Take the initiative and maximize your chances of landing your next job by beating the waiting game with productivity and focus.
