Many job seekers are intimidated by the job search process. I watched friends and colleagues stay in jobs where they are unhappy, work in a toxic environment, feel underappreciated, underpaid, etc. Fear of the unknown. Fear of what to expect during the job search process.
How quickly can I find the best job openings? How can I best connect with potential employers? What if the hiring manager doesn’t like me? How many job postings do I need to read before I find the right ones for me? Does my dream job exist? How quickly can I get to the job offer?
A lot of time passes in between job searches and the process is constantly changing. Job hunting never gets easier but you can take steps to be better prepared. So, whether you are looking for your first job or your fifth, here is what you can expect.
Be patient, it will take longer than you expect.
You may be hired fairly quickly if you are looking for a part-time job in a restaurant. If you are looking for an entry-level job out of college, or if you’ve been laid off and are looking for a new position, the process will take a longer time than you wish. It’s a competitive job market.
Many people still have their full-time jobs to do while they try to squeeze in time to read cover letters, review resumes, conduct phone screening interviews, and schedule video meetings. A career change takes time.
It may take several weeks before a recruiter or hiring manager responds to your online application. Some jobs are getting 200 - 1,000+ applicants!
After the first job interview, it may take a week or two to hear back about the next steps. Or longer!
You may go back and forth via email setting and reset interview times over a few days or weeks.
Job posts may be closed unexpectedly, even during the interview process.
Hiring managers may go out on PTO and not tell you.
Things definitely slow down around holidays.
Prepare for hard work.
You can’t skate through this process. In some cases, there is still a labor shortage and the process may go quickly. In others, hundreds of competing applicants are looking for a new opportunity or career change.
Start the process by preparing a well-written resume.
Don’t limit your search by job title. Companies may be creative in how they name a position so be sure to research related terms.
Spend time rereading and analyzing the job description so you can highlight related skills and experience.
Try to proof the job application as best as you can. Some of the applicant tracking systems are very clunky and make the proofing process very difficult.
Prepare for the interviews by practicing interview questions, researching the company, and preparing your own questions to ask.
Keep track of the jobs you are applying for to properly follow up and make notes as you get the “no” emails.
If you are in college, take advantage of any on-campus interviews even if you aren’t super interested in the job. Use these as practice to talk about your skill set, discuss transferable skills, and improve your communication skills
Embrace technology.
Some businesses may still offer paper job applications for hourly jobs but you will likely see technology involved in most cases.
Brick-and-mortar stores and restaurants have signs with QR codes to scan to apply for a job. If you have a paper copy of your resume handy, you can easily fill out these forms on your phone.
Job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Zip Recruiter, and Glass Door all offer desktop website access as well as mobile apps. You can scan through the jobs on your phone, save your favorites, then revisit the job postings on your computer. Or, if you upload your resume into your profile, you can apply right from your phone.
Recruiters will search LinkedIn, as they search on Google, for keywords and job titles to find passive candidates. Be sure to complete your LinkedIn profile to give yourself the best chance to be found!
Many companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to accept job applications on their website. Each one is a little different but they all take time!
The ATS may scan your resume for keywords to pre-screen your application before a human being ever sees it. Try to customize your resume to use some of the same terms the job posting uses.
You will receive auto-responder email templates throughout the process. These are pre-written and sent automatically once the system receives your application or when someone clicks a button that you are not being invited to move further in the process.
Many companies are hiring for remote work and conducting interviews using Teams or Zoom. Be sure to think about how you can make a positive first impression and pseudo-eye contact on a video call.
Buckle up, it’s a rollercoaster!
There will be highs and lows. You will get calls for interviews and get excited about the job. You will crush the interviews and feel like an offer is coming. And sometimes you will lose out to someone else.
You will apply for job after job and not hear anything for days. Or weeks. Then you will have two companies pursuing you at the same time. Or a recruiter surprises you with a call for the big interview! I once had someone text me within an hour of my application!
You will experience highs and lows. You quickly build a rapport in one interview and think the conversation goes really well. And the following interview feels cold and awkward. Or maybe they ask you a crazy question that you’re not prepared for like “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would be and why?”
Do your best to just go with it. Go with the flow. Do your best.
People are willing to help.
You are not alone in your job search. Ask for help. People will surprise you with their willingness to help. Ask your friends or family members to help review and proof your resume, conduct mock interviews, and remind you about how awesome you are!
When you get tired from applying to jobs online, it’s a good idea to leave the house and go meet with people in person. Ask people in your professional network for an informational interview. This is a great way to practice your interview skills or learn about new positions that align with your career goals.
Consider posting on your social networks that you are available for hire, recently laid off, etc. My position was recently eliminated and I posted on LinkedIn and Facebook. I had many people reach out and offer to help on social media and in private messages. It really makes a difference in your mental outlook when people express support.
You might find someone like me to act as a career coach. That’s the whole point of this website. Simply, to help people through a difficult time in their life while looking for a new job, or their first job. To help them get a raise or a better culture and have a better life.
Dig deep to stay positive.
I know I am a rock star! When I am looking for a new position and applying for jobs, I think companies are crazy if they don’t hire me! But I also know that I may not be a fit for their culture or there are other candidates who may be a better fit. The rejection still hurts.
It’s easy to get excited and confident as you move through the interviews expecting an offer at the end. It’s tough to stay positive when you don’t get the job.
It’s also difficult when companies ghost you. They may never respond after you apply. Here is an example of an auto-responder email after a job application from human resources:
Thank you for your interest in [COMPANY NAME]. We have received your application for the [position.]
We will evaluate your qualifications, and if they match our expectations, we will contact you with further information.
My theory about the ghosting lies in the word “if” in the last sentence. “If they match…we will contact you” and if they don’t, we will ghost you. This part sucks!
I’ve also had potential employers go radio silent during the interview process. They say they want you to meet more people on their team and you never hear back. In these cases, I follow up via email. I try to be persistent but not a pest and yet, sometimes they still do not respond.
You may have to work just as hard at staying positive as you do towards finding the right job. Here are 18 ways to stay positive during the job search.
Don’t worry about the time of the year.
People quit year-round. People are hiring year-round. Yes, it gets slow the week of Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas and New Year's. My position was eliminated in November of 2022. I have worked hard actively applying for many different jobs. I have had a steady flow of interviews and recruiter calls.
My advice is that right now is the perfect time to begin looking for a new job opportunity! Go for it! Good news about your dream job is coming!
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