What is the average time it takes to locate a new job?
Finding a new job is never simple or quick. Instead, it’s a lengthy procedure that can take months to complete. Unfortunately, many job seekers never consider how long it will take them to find new employment, which can lead to unneeded suffering and worry. Unemployed workers who wait too long to start looking for work risk losing their unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, employed workers looking for a better job may end themselves staying longer than required in positions they despise.
To avoid these issues, it’s critical to consider one question: how long will it take to locate work in 2022? In this piece, we’ll look at that subject and try to help you set realistic goals for your job hunt in 2022. We’ll also look at some techniques for you to shorten that period and, hopefully, find new work even sooner than you think.
What do recent statistics say about the job search timeline this year?
One of the most difficult aspects of calculating the amount of time job seekers will need to find work in 2022 is that recent statistics may not be helpful. Obviously, the lasting consequences of pandemic-related business closures, as well as the impact of the so-called Great Resignation, will skew that data in a way that challenges any forecasts about the job market in 2022.
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data on unemployment length, more than a third of unemployed employees in September had been out of work for more than 27 weeks. That’s about double the number of long-term unemployed from September of the previous year, and nearly five times the number from May of 2020. Those pandemic-based estimates, on the other hand, appear to have no bearing on the current situation of the labor market.
The harshest economic repercussions of the pandemic, barring an unexpected tragedy, appear to be behind us now. As a result, contemporary data on job search length should generally be given less weight than previous data.
Fortunately, this should be good news for present job seekers as well as those who expect to start looking in early 2022. Returning to some semblance of routine should result in far shorter job searches than many Americans have experienced in recent years. Here’s what you can probably expect in terms of your job search timeline in 2022, based on those historical trends:
From application to employment, the average job search can take anywhere from five to six months. Prior to the pandemic, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average search took about five months, so it’s safe to predict that 2022 will be more like 2019.
According to Indeed, over 83 percent of applicants receive a response to their applications within two weeks.
You should expect the interview process to take between three and five weeks depending on the organization. Some companies’ processes will be faster, while others will be slightly slower.
You should expect to hear back from employers within one to two weeks after your interview. Positions at a higher level may take much longer.
Keep in mind that the length of your job search will vary depending on the number of applications and resumes you submit and the hiring processes of specific employers.
What external circumstances could have an impact on the time it takes you to find a job?
Estimates are, after all, just that: estimates. These figures could be influenced by a variety of things. A new round of firm lockdowns, for example, or an unexpected and deep recession would very surely lengthen the time it takes to locate new work. Local economic factors can also have an impact on these projections. Other aspects to consider are how adaptable you are in your job search, how much time you dedicate to looking for new work, and your willingness to work in industries other than your own or in new regions.
It’s also worth noting that the length of time you’ve been unemployed may have an impact on your job search. If the pandemic has caused you to lose your job for an extended period of time, you may have to accept that finding a new job will take longer than you had planned.
What can you do to make your job hunt go faster?
If you’re like most serious job seekers, you’re probably thinking about how you can make your job search go faster. The good news is that there are particular tactics you may use to increase your chances of finding a new job reasonably quickly. Consider the following scenario:
Concentrate on growing your network.
Experts estimate that 70 to 85 percent of professionals use networking to find new career chances. That means that getting a new job is less about what you know and more about who you know. Networking is also an important tool for gaining access to the “hidden job market.”
Get out of the house and walk around.
The internet is a fantastic resource for finding new employment and submitting resumes and applications. However, there are a number of advantages to taking a more traditional approach to things. When you need a job quickly, meeting companies in person is sometimes the best option. This is especially true in industries like retail, restaurants, and bars, where direct customer engagement is a must-have ability. As a general rule, you should use this option only when applying for a job at a company that has a “Help Wanted” sign posted outside.
Because of the epidemic and the company’s ongoing safety protocols, it’s a good idea to contact first and ask about the application process. Tell the decision-maker that you’re interested in the job and ask if it’s acceptable if you pop in to submit an application or talk about the post.
Adapt your expectations.
If you’re having trouble finding work that matches your specific abilities and expertise, you might want to adjust your expectations. Before we can move forward, we must sometimes take a step backward or sideways. That position outside of your current professional path might not be what you had hoped for, but it could be a necessary detour to get back on track.
Keep your options open when it comes to location.
There was a time when Americans were always ready to relocate to wherever the opportunity presented itself. That drive fueled people’s desire to keep moving west in search of a better life. More Americans nowadays live within a few miles of where they grew up. As a result, fewer of them are eager to relocate to another city or state in search of a great job. If you’re willing to be flexible about where you reside, you might find it even easier to find the job you want.
Improve your internet reputation
When it comes to job hunting, your personal brand is an important part of your identity and maybe a great selling point. Make sure your LinkedIn page and general social media persona express the message you want to tell any potential employer.
Make your job hunt a priority.
Treating your job hunt as if it were your job is one of the best methods to find work quickly. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to look for job openings, investigate companies, and send applications and resumes. You don’t have to apply to every job you come across, but if you don’t keep your eyes open for new chances, it will take you much longer to find the appropriate fit.
Make your resume shine.
Make sure your résumé is in order. If you haven’t updated it in years, now is the time to do so. Make a point of emphasizing employable talents and experiences. Examine current and general job descriptions to determine what companies are searching for when filling out the work experience portion of your resume with your exceptional accomplishments.
Learn how to customize your resume for each available position you’re applying for. Insert relevant keywords from the job description into your resume as you alter it to guarantee that it passes through the company’s ATS. Our experienced resume writers may be the answer you’ve been looking for if you need help writing or polishing your resume.
