Finding a new job, or even getting your first job, can turn into a frustrating waiting game. Every step, from applications to interviews to final candidate selection has its own timeline and can differ by company, location, position type, and industry.
Waiting is the worst part. So, how long will it take to see that offer?
How long you can expect it to take to get a job
The average job seeker will spend about five months looking for a new job. This could involve many applications, several resume and cover letter rewrites, and going through the interview process with several companies.
Glassdoor finds the average length for the interview process is 23.8 days, while Jobvite’s 2018 report says 38 days.
This isn’t hard and fast. It may take you less time.
Read More:What to Do When You Haven’t Heard Back: 6 Do’s and Don’ts of Interview Follow Ups
Job search timeline breakdown
Let’s look at how long each step in the job search process could take you.
After submitting applications
A study by Indeed found that to hear back from the employer took several weeks for 44 percent of people, one week for 37 percent, and a lucky 4 percent heard back within a day.
Interviewing
Companies can hold rounds of one, two, or even three interviews on the phone or in person. Depending on the size of the candidate pool, interviews alone could take two to three weeks.
Final offer
Seven to ten days is about how long it will take to receive a job offer following a final interview. However, some candidates get offered a job on the spot while others are left waiting for several weeks.
The more money you make and the higher your position, the longer you can expect to wait. Some job searches will also be affected by security hurdles like clearances and background checks.
Read More:Waiting to Hear Back on a Job Application? Here’s How Long You Can Expect to Wait
How to accelerate your job search
If you’re becoming particularly antsy, give these tips a shot to speed up your job search.
1. Search everywhere
Make sure you’re routinely scouring all the job search sites to ensure you’re not missing an opportunity. Sign up for push notifications from these sites so the jobs come to you.
We’ll just leave this here:A Complete List of Job Search Sites
2. Be open to different opportunities/relocation
Consider broadening your hunt. Try searching for titles just adjacent to yours, jobs you’re not quite qualified for, or maybe something a little farther away than you initially thought (or even remote positions). A slightly different position or a company that’s a little smaller or less well known may actually be a perfect fit.
Read more:9 Steps to Getting a Job Fast & Making Money While You Look
3. Send a letter of interest
Not seeing the job you want at a company you love? Send a letter of interest.
4. Start telling people you’re looking for a job
You’ve heard it before: It’s not always what you know, it’s who you know. Start talking about your search to anyone you know—friends, parents at your kids’ school, friends, old coworkers, family, the barista. You never know who knows someone who needs someone like you.
5. Reach out to recruiters
Search LinkedIn for recruiters who work in your industry. They are the experts in job matching after all.
