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Most job seekers underestimate how long it will take to land their next job. Many find themselves six months into the process and say to themselves, “I had no idea it would take this long.”
The truth is, on average, the typical lifespan of a job search is three to nine months, and that’s in a good job market. Factor in the current job market, and you may be looking even longer.
This isn’t to say you can’t find something much faster. I’ve seen it happen many times. I’ve even had some clients find jobs after only a few sessions with me. So, like all rules, there are always some exceptions.
Current trends
Right now, because of the ongoing pandemic, most companies are hesitant to hire back much of the staff they had to lay off. This is despite the expectation the new vaccine will help the economy bounce back from the pandemic.
Recruiters are seeing this reticence from many companies. Therefore, you may be facing a longer job search.
6 ways to reduce the amount of time between now and your next job
While you have no control over the current job market, there are several things you can do to shave some time off your job search.
Below is a curation of those things I’ve previously written about, which you should find helpful if you’re currently looking for your next job.
1. Avoid looking desperate on LinkedIn
Are you doing the same things I keep seeing others do on LinkedIn that makes them appear desperate? It’s time to stop! Recruiters can recognize desperation in your profile, and they don’t find it attractive.
Instead, you want to show the confidence recruiters seek in candidates. Find out how in my post, “How to Stop Looking Desperate on LinkedIn.”
2. Do what’s necessary to keep recruiters interested in you
Once you’ve stopped turning recruiters off with your desperation, it’s now time to keep them interested in you. Find out how in this post from September, “How to Keep Recruiters Interested in You,” which lays out two very simple ways to stay in the good graces of recruiters.
3. Give your elevator pitch an overdue makeover
You probably still think an elevator speech should be 30 seconds long and sum up all your skills and experience. This is probably because outdated info on the Internet still says this.
I’m here to tell you, there’s a better and more effective way to deliver an elevator pitch. A way designed to generate a more meaningful conversation and a real connection. And, it’s more effective for our current means of networking via phone and Zoom meetings.
Learn how to update your pitch in the post, “The Best Way to Write a Successful Elevator Speech.”
4. Don’t rely solely on online job boards
I know I’ve posted this article several times, but it bears repeating since this is the only strategy most job seekers take in their search.
You must learn to use your time wisely if you want to land your next job sooner than later. For a more successful strategy, read or listen to my post, “What Are the Best Alternatives to Online Job Boards?“
5. Invest in career coaching
I know money is tight right now, but if you can’t afford to go without a job for as long as nine months, it may be time to invest in some career coaching. Doing so could even result in the ability to negotiate a higher salary, giving you a much better return on your investment.
paNASH has several coaching options for improving your job search, and therefore lessening the time between now and your next job. Some are quite affordable, and also allow you to work at a faster pace.
If the thought of investing in career coaching seems a little overwhelming to your current budget, I encourage you to re-frame the thought, “I can’t afford this,” into the question, “How can I afford this?”
Re-framing your thoughts will prevent you from having to completely shut the door on the benefits of career coaching, and will provide room for the opportunity when it’s financially feasible.
To determine if career coaching is the next step for you, check out my post, “Get Unstuck! How to Know When It’s Time to Invest in a Career Coach.”
Get Unstuck! How to Know When It’s Time to Invest in a Career Coach
6. Learn patience.
After you’ve done everything you can to reduce the time between now and your next job, the only thing left to do is be patient. It’s not easy, but patience is a virtue you can learn.
For five tips on learning patience, read or listen to my post, “How to Be Patient When You’re In Between Jobs.”
Parting words
Hopefully, this post has not only helped you manage your expectations about the average length of the job search, but has also given you some good tips to speed up your search.
Ask yourself,
“What’s at least one tip from these posts I can implement within the next 24 hours?”
I encourage you to be patient with yourself and with everything going on in the world today, be realistic, and use your time, money, and energy wisely.
paNASH is here to help.
Resources for your job search
On-demand video courses
paNASH provides an affordable on-demand coaching option that allows you to work at your own pace. These online video courses include:
- How to Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Job Search Success (free video)
- Résumés That Get You the Interview
- How to Network Naturally and Effectively
- Steps to Acing the Interview and Reducing Your Interview Anxiety
- The 3 Super Powers of Successful Job Seekers
- Save when you purchase the bundle, and receive three additional video courses, including How to Make More Money Without Taking a Second Job
One-on-one career coaching
Also, paNASH provides several one-on-one career coaching packages for various budgets. Coaching sessions are currently being held through the convenience of Zoom or phone, depending on your preference.
To schedule a free initial consultation, click here.
