How Long Should the Job Search Take?

Searching for a new job seems like it takes forever. In some ways, it does. The average American needs 26 weeks on the job hunt to successfully find and onboard at their new jobs. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to reduce how long it will take.

1. Invest in Professional Resume Writing Services

When you’re on the job hunt, you want to ensure that you have the best chance of actually getting the jobs you apply for. Professional resume writers help you create a great image and use relevant keywords that ATS software and recruiters look for.

2. Apply to the Right Jobs

Spend your time applying to the right jobs. When you send out an application to a job that you’re not right for because of required experience level or education, you’re wasting everybody’s time. Instead, send out 80% of your job applications to jobs you fit perfectly. 10% can go for jobs you’re overqualified for or dream jobs you probably won’t get.

3. Customize Your Search

Let’s say that you’re an executive assistant with experience as a bookkeeper. You need two resumes and cover letters. One that’s targeted for each. That way, you are not sending out a bookkeeping resume to an executive assistant job. Apply for the job you want, but it doesn’t have to be the same thing.

4. Apply More

Most active job seekers send out only a handful of applications each week. Instead, aim to send out 10 to 20 applications each day if you’re unemployed and 5 to 15 a week if you already work full time. Filling out an application doesn’t take that long. In some instances, all it involves is sending out an email.

5. Avoid Online-Only Job Approaches

It’s easy to send an email. It’s also easy to delete or ignore an email. Make your job search strategy multi-tiered. Send physical copies of your resume out, go to networking meetings, and travel to businesses in person. When you use all of these strategies together, someone is going to notice.