When you lose your job or decide it’s time for a career change, one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is “How long will it take me to find a new job?” The length of a job search can vary dramatically based on your industry, experience level, geographic location, and economic conditions. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the key factors that impact search length can help you set realistic expectations and increase your chances of success.
What is the average job search length?
Most experts agree that a typical job search takes between 1-6 months from start to offer acceptance. According to an analysis by ZipRecruiter, the average job search length in 2020 was just over 2 months (63 days). Here’s a breakdown of their findings:
| Search Length | Percentage of Job Seekers |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | 25% |
| 1-2 months | 48% |
| 3-4 months | 19% |
| 5-6 months | 5% |
| More than 6 months | 3% |
As you can see, nearly three-quarters of job searches were completed within 1-2 months. Only 8% took more than 4 months. Of course, this varies by industry and individual factors.
Average length by industry
Job search length can range significantly depending on your field or industry. Here are average search durations for some top industries, according to an analysis by Ladders:
| Industry | Average Search Length |
|---|---|
| Technology | 1-2 months |
| Finance | 2-3 months |
| Healthcare | 2-4 months |
| Education | 3-5 months |
| Government | 3-7 months |
As shown, tech has the shortest average search duration, while government and education typically take the longest. Finance and healthcare fall in the middle. Keep these averages in mind when setting expectations for your own search.
What impacts the length of a job search?
While national averages provide a good guideline, many factors can influence the duration of your personal job search. Elements that can lengthen or shorten your search include:
Your qualifications and experience
The more qualified and experienced you are, the easier your job search is likely to be. Recruiters and hiring managers are eager to find candidates with the right background. If you have highly sought-after skills for your industry, you may be flooded with outreach and offers right away. Less experience means you may need to spend more time networking and applying to find a good fit.
Roles, levels, and industries in demand
Like skills, some roles, experience levels, and industries are simply in higher demand than others. For example, a software engineer is likely to get more calls than a retail salesperson. Executive and manager roles take longer to fill than entry level. And tech has more openings than shrinking sectors like publishing. If what you do is in demand, your search will be shorter and you can be more selective.
Geographic location
Job search length often corresponds to the size and economic health of your location. In thriving big cities like New York and San Francisco, there are more opportunities and companies vying for talent. You’ll have an easier time than rural areas or economically depressed places. Be open to relocating to accelerate your search if needed.
Economic conditions
The overall state of the economy greatly impacts search duration. When times are good, jobs grow and unemployment falls, speeding up searches. Recessions and downturns mean fewer openings and more competition from other seekers. COVID severely lengthened searches, while the current recovery has shortened them again.
Your job search strategy
An unfocused, passive search can drag out for months. Taking a strategic approach typically shortens search length. Those who tap networks, use multiple search methods, have polished resumes, practice for interviews, and engage with every lead earnestly find work faster.
Your flexibility and standards
Lastly, your own flexibility and standards affect search length. If you’re set on a very specific role, company, or criteria, you may wait longer. Seekers open to related roles, new types of employers, different locations or levels find matches quicker. Be flexible and keeps options open.
Tips for shortening your job search
While you can’t control the economy or business demand for talent, you can take proactive steps to tighten your job search timeline. Here are some top tips:
Search full-time like a job
Treat looking for work like a full-time position. Spend 8 hours a day networking, applying, following leads. Avoid getting distracted by other projects. This focused time investment could shorten your search by months.
Cast a wide net
Don’t be overly picky in target role, industry, or employer type. Look for openings similar and adjacent to your experience, and be open to a range of organizations. More options make finding the right fit easier.
Leverage your network
Tap your contacts for introductions and referrals. Many jobs never get advertised publicly. Getting an inside introduction can get your foot in the door faster.
Be proactive
Don’t just apply to postings, be proactive! Reach out directly to hiring managers to express interest in working for their company or department. Take people for coffee to learn about openings. You may uncover unposted roles.
Have a polished resume
Ensuring you have an updated, results-oriented resume ready to go will prevent you from missing out on opportunities that move quickly. Ask several people to review your resume and offer feedback to improve it.
Prepare for interviews
Be ready to interview at a moment’s notice. Practice responding to common questions aloud. Reflect on your skills and past accomplishments. Polish your online presence. This will help you ace interviews and win offers sooner.
Follow up quickly
After applying or interviewing, follow up within 1-2 days to reiterate interest. Hiring moves fast, so prompt follow up builds momentum. Send thank you notes after every meeting as well.
Don’t get discouraged
Searching for a new job can get demoralizing at times. Counter frustration by focusing on progress, maintaining optimism, and taking breaks when needed. Persistence pays off!
When is it time to re-evaluate your search?
Despite your best efforts, an overly long search can be discouraging. As a rule of thumb, if you’re still looking after 4-6 months with minimal traction, it’s wise to re-evaluate your approach. Ask yourself:
- Is my resume as strong as it could be? Are my interview skills sharp?
- Am I using best practices like networking and follow up?
- Do I need to expand my target roles, companies, or locations?
- Should I consider retraining or developing new skills?
- Might I need to bring on a recruiter or coach for extra help?
Making adjustments based on any search blind spots you identify can get you back on track to finding that next great job.
Conclusion
The average job search takes 1-2 months, though duration varies dramatically based on your experience, industry, location, and factors like economic conditions. While you can’t control the market, using focused search strategies and staying persistent and flexible will help shorten your own timeline. With the right approach, you can land a new job more quickly.