Katie Roberts Career Consulting

Whether you’re currently employed or not, once you’ve made the decision to search for a new role, the waiting can be tedious! If you are at that point in your career currently, you might be wondering what a realistic job search timeframe is to secure your dream role. The job market is highly competitive right now, so you need to be prepared for it to take a little longer than you might have anticipated.

A SEEK article written last year indicated that 75% of Australians who were currently searching for a new job had been looking for up to six months. The job market may have improved slightly since then, however our evidence from talking with clients on a daily basis suggests that it can take this long, or sometimes even longer. So how can you stay motivated while looking? And can that timeframe be reduced?

• Be realistic: Firstly, it is important to be realistic about your goals. Research the job market by scouring job sites and work out how many viable roles are actually being advertised in your area of expertise. Are there any skills and/or experience you are lacking? Can you build on these in your current role, or by taking some additional training? What are employers really looking for – read between the lines and try to add value when putting together your application.
• Be patient: How many jobs have you applied for, and how many of those are an ideal fit for you? The fact is that the job market is highly competitive, so if you’re not hearing back after applying for roles, don’t be disheartened. Unfortunately, it is the norm these days to receive nothing or an automated response to your application. This can be off-putting BUT you are in the same boat as everyone else. Be patient and persistent and don’t be discouraged if you’re hearing nothing back. However, if this is happening consistently – do take it as a sign that you might need to change something about your approach.
• Arm yourself: Make sure your documents are up to scratch – re-write your Resume, update your LinkedIn profile, and prepare a customised cover letter for every role you apply for. If you can get some feedback from an industry expert, take it, however be careful not to take advice from every well-meaning friend and family member – this can end up just confusing and/or overwhelming you and will not be helpful in your search.
• Stay put: If you are currently working, stay there! While searching for a new role, it is advisable to stay employed where possible. If the job search process is going to take six months or longer, relying on savings for that period could be difficult. Also, people who are unemployed while searching for work can become unmotivated with reduced confidence, which isn’t a good place to be while seeking a new role.
• Believe in yourself: we tell our clients that job applications are like sales proposals. For many people not working in traditional sales or marketing focused careers, this can sound daunting. However, with a little bit of effort it isn’t that difficult. Believing in yourself and selling your expertise effectively is an important part of the process. Whether it’s in your initial communications (Resume, Selection Criteria and/or Cover Letter), or during the interview process, articulating and communicating your unique value will help get you noticed. Take a good look at your application and ask yourself (as the recruiter) ‘What’s in it for me?’ Your job application should immediately highlight you as someone who can add value in the role.
• Stay focused: the longer you look, the more tedious the process can become. At this stage, it can be tempting to settle for something that might not be quite right, especially if you are keen to leave the role you are in. Remember that lowering your expectations is not the best approach for your career in the longer term, and you may just be right back to where you’re at now in no time at all.
• Assess progress: if you have been at it for a while, or applied for several roles and haven’t received a call back, take a good hard look at your process. What are you saying in your application? Are your application documents top notch? Are the roles you’re applying for truly a good fit? Have you done any networking? Have you been to an interview and flopped? What parts can you improve?
• Don’t be disheartened: learning to handle rejection is an important part of the job search process and learning how to not let it get you down is even more important. At the end of the day, it can be a numbers game – so try not to let it get you down – instead focus on the future and just keep moving forward.

The job search process can be draining, especially if it’s taking some time to achieve any kind of traction. Remember that there are many aspects to securing your next opportunity and if you’re finding it tough at the moment – you’re not alone. That doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve success – you just need to take some time to focus and refine your approach.

If you would like career advice to help you secure your next role, please see our Job Search Coaching or Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services.

If you are an employer and would like to assist employees through redundancy to help them secure a new role, please see our Outplacement Services.