By Larry Goldsmith, CWDP, P.E.T.
How practicable is the question as to the average length of a job search anyway? Not much. There are too many variables for a quick and easy answer. The hiring process can be as brief as one day or drawn over a period of many months. There is not one response. These variables range from day labor to senior management to security clearances and all the compulsory rational as defined by the job analysis that accompany each level. And so many are of these variables have influences beyond your control. We have listed a number of these variables below.
But this will always be a hypothetical question. Whatever duration you affix to your search, you will need to match your skills and strength or weaknesses to these influences. Then on the other hand, how do you measure this length if the job seeker took a position with a large pay cut at a less skilled position
Factors (not listed in a particular order of strength)
1) Quality of Résumé
2) Income requirements
3) Strength of professional contacts
4) Level of position or occupational title you are leaving
5) Level of position or occupational title you seek
6) Your past employment history. Is a strength or a hindrance?
7) Willingness or ability to move or travel
8) Level of Education
9) Background checks including credit, drug, employment, driving,
10) Age Factors
11) Interview skills
12) How many positions you have applied
13) Economic condition of economy, i.e, high energy cost, weather, change in housing market
14) Strength of industry
15) Public confidence in the economy
16) HR process for the position you seek requires more time
17) Are you searching for a position while current employed
18) Time of the year, spring, summer, fall, winter,- during the holidays
19) Willing to relocation
So how do you speed the process of finding a job? Take control of factors in which you have the power. Put a plan in effect. Understand much of the power of a successful job search sits squarely on your shoulders. Do not lay the responsibility on anyone else including the employer and the economy.
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