Average time to find a job research summary: Landing a job sometimes feels like the luck of the draw, partly because the process takes so long for so many people. Many applications and interviews later, and you might wonder what’s going on.
So, if you’re a job seeker who wants to know how long it takes to find a job, we’ve got you covered. We’ve investigated the average time to find a job in the US, and according to our research:
Key Takeaways:
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The average time to find a job is 7.5 weeks.
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Your chances of landing a job after one application and interview are 8.3%.
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It takes between 21 to 80 job applications to receive one job offer.
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51% of job seekers receive a job offer after having 3 job interviews.
Average time to find a job by unemployment
Unemployment duration is one of the most effective methods of analyzing how long it takes to find a job. Using this metric, we can see how long it typically takes unemployed Americans to find a job.
Here is a chart of the average unemployment duration:
Average unemployment duration
| Duration | Share of Americans |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 weeks | 34.7% |
| 5-14 weeks | 29.3% |
| 15-26 weeks | 15.7% |
| 27+ weeks | 20.3% |
While this isn’t a perfect measurement, as there’s no guarantee those who’ve been employed for over 27 weeks are looking for a job. However, being unemployed for a particular duration indicates when the person eventually found a job.
With that in mind, most Americans (64%) are unemployed for less than 14 weeks, just over three months.
Why does it take so long to find a job?
With all this talk of a “Great Resignation” in recent years, you might wonder why it takes so long to find a job. After all, aren’t employers scrambling to find new talent?
Well, it depends.
Certain industries, like manufacturing and retail, are searching for new employees. However, many specialized jobs, especially those that require a degree, are still extremely competitive.
To understand in more detail why it might the average time to find a job is so lengthy, here are some common reasons:
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Competition. Between the increased number of job seekers obtaining degrees and certificates, and the global exchange of workers from different locations, certain jobs are flooded with qualified candidates. When you’re only 1 of 200 daily applicants, it can be challenging for an employer to notice you.
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Economic factors. The current state of the economy, including recessions and inflation, can result in fewer job openings. In turn, employers will scrutinize applications more harshly or seek out the few candidates they can dedicate their limited resources to.
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Location. You might have difficulty finding a job if there aren’t many available in your area. Conversely, if you live in a large city, you might face overwhelming competition.
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Quality of your application. If your resume isn’t brushed up and your interview skills unpolished, you might have a hard time selling yourself to employers. This is true even if you have the right qualifications, as employers often discard resumes they don’t like.
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Company hiring process. Even if everything goes right with an employer, you could find yourself stuck in a lengthy and thorough hiring process. After multiple interviews, assessments, and background checks, you might find that a few months have gone by.
Ultimately, it’s important to be patient during the job search process. The fact is that it may take time for you to find a job, and there are many factors at play besides the classic worry of “I’m underqualified.”
Average time to find a job FAQ
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Why is it so hard to get a job right now?
It’s hard to find a job right now due to economic uncertainty and globalization. With rising inflation and higher expectations from workers, many companies struggle to justify hiring new talent.
Even when managers and HR departments plan on hiring, they might realize they lack the budgetary requirements after reviewing applicants and conducting job interviews.
Further, the job market today is more globalized than ever before. Whether you’re a remote worker or not, you’ll likely compete with hundreds of other applicants from a wide variety of locations.
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How do I find a job faster?
You can find a job faster by reviewing your application materials, networking, and improving your skills. More specifically, here is how these processes can help you:
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Improve your application. More competition in the job market requires you to keep your resume looking fresh, modern, and easy to read. Additionally, don’t forget to include important references, samples, and a personalized cover letter when necessary.
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Networking. The more professionals you know in an industry, the easier it will be for you to find a job. Reach out to former co-workers, recruiters, and others in your field.
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Keep learning and growing. If you feel you need more experience or skills, find ways to improve yourself. Look for internships, workshops, mentors, and certification programs.
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How many days does it take to find a new job?
It takes an average of 52 days to find a new job (7.5 weeks). And, considering the fact that it takes an average of 60-240 applications to get the three interviews you need to land a job, you’ll be busy.
With these averages in mind, landing a job within this timeframe takes at least three or more applications per day.
Conclusion
It takes the average job-seeker 7.5 weeks to find a job, with 64% of those unemployed finding a job by the 14th week. While some Americans might feel comforted by these numbers, many also question why it takes so long to find a job, given the headlines during the Great Resignation.
While some industries are desperate for workers, such as manufacturing, many still have intense competition among applicants. This, combined with the economic uncertainty that comes with inflation, causes an unstable job market.
However, there are steps you can take as a job seeker to improve your odds. Reviewing your application materials, networking, and improving your skills can make you more competitive in the job market.
References
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BLS – Table A-12. Unemployed persons by duration of unemployment
Author
Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.
