How long does it actually take to get a job?
We get the frustration—bills need to be paid, and the longer you’re out of work, the more obsolete your skills become.
In this article, we’ll explain how long it takes to get a job, the factors that influence the length of your job search, and how to cut the search and land a job. Stay tuned.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Job?
The median unemployment duration in September 2024 was 10.7 weeks or almost 2.5 months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Take solace in this timeframe and note that a multitude of external factors can impact how long it takes you to get a job. Next, you’ll learn why finding a job may take you longer or shorter.
📌 Merit America alumni find jobs in just three months. Learn how!
Factors that Influence the Length of a Job Search
What gives? It’s been three months, and despite several applications, your inbox is void of interview requests. It can be frustrating, especially when LinkedIn connections regularly post their promotion or a new job.
Take a deep breath. You may not be getting the results you expect for several reasons.
1. Economy
Like it or not, the economy is a significant determinant of how long it takes to get a job. Why? A downturn in the economy causes everyone to tighten their belts.
According to Investopedia, “Consumer spending is a key driving force in the economy and a critical concept in economic theory.”
A pay cut or unforeseen job loss may cause you to cut nonessential spending like pricey appetizers at dinner or an indulgent caffeine fix at the farmer’s market. You would continue this practice until economic conditions are better and eggs return to their normal price.
Because you aren’t purchasing, businesses don’t bring in as much revenue. In turn, they may not have the budget to hire new employees. This cycle persists until the economy and consumer spending improve.
The economy will impact industries differently. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic created a demand for healthcare professionals.
2. Experience
Surprisingly, experience can affect the length of your job search.
Higher-level jobs require more expertise. Hiring managers may take more time to interview and audit candidates than lower-level positions. They might also be more picky about the job requirements to ensure the company meets its goals.
3. Job Search Method
Ping. New LinkedIn email job recommendation. *Click* The job description aligns perfectly with your skillset—and over 100 people have applied! Does that sound familiar?
LinkedIn applicant count is a hot-button topic, but it highlights one important truth. The job listings on LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter are competitive and sometimes draw hundreds of applicants. You need an edge that will set your candidacy apart from other applicants.
Next, we’ll explain what job search method to invest your time and more to speed up your job search.
How Can I Speed Up My Job Search?
Reach Out to Your Network
Networking can shorten the length of time you spend job searching. Using your network, you can find job openings before they hit the market. A trusted peer can also recommend you for a job, placing your resume on top of a stack of applications.
Revise Your Resume
You must revise your resume for each application. Most hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to gather and track applications. The ATS often uses intelligent software to rate your resume based on prerequisites set by the hiring manager.
Dystopian, we know, but this software expedites hiring managers’ review process. And because you are a knowledgeable applicant, you can use the ATS to your advantage.
Review the job description, choosing keywords like required skills and software. Update your resume, including keywords, so hiring managers know you align with the job’s expectations.
📌 Related Reading: Recruiter tips to get noticed
Adjust Your Job Expectations
Adjust your expectations, but do not give up on your dream job!
The economy is an unshakeable force that will impact your job search either today or in 10 years. That’s okay. Sometimes you just need to pivot.
For example, if your dream job was to work in a Big 10 tech company in 2023, you may remember the exodus of layoffs. More than 191,000 workers at U.S.-based tech companies were laid off in 2023, according to Crunchbase. But that did not mean you couldn’t find a job in tech.
Medium and small businesses still had a demand for data analysts, IT support, and project managers. Likewise, unsuspecting industries, like healthcare, needed tech professionals to support operations.
Searching for a job is a skill and a job itself, but you can do this! However, if you are changing careers and need support, Merit America has your back.
📌 Don’t get scammed! The longer the job search the more urgent you might feel. Learn how to avoid job scams.
Speed Up Your Job Search with Merit America
There’s nothing worse than feeling stuck in a job search. It can impact your confidence, finances, and health. If this sounds like you, it may be time to switch your approach.
Merit America is a national nonprofit organization that offers job training to career changers stuck in low-wage jobs. On average, our alumni find jobs in just three months and increase their yearly earnings by $24,000, according to the University of Virginia.
We help you learn in-demand technical skills. Our experienced career coaches support you through the job search, equipping you with the knowledge needed to shine among the competition and land the job.
Are you ready? Don’t prolong your job search any longer. Find your next career and join Merit America today.