I haven't been posting for the last two months as I've been focusing on my new role and spending holiday time with my family, but it's now time for the final update on my 2024 job search. The Sankey diagram below shows the overall job search results, and I'll call out some interesting details here in the text.
Date of first application: 08 May 2024
Date of last application: 31 October 2024
Date of signed job offer: 04 November 2024
First day of work: 12 November 2024
Automated Rejections
66 total of 166 applications
Response time: 12 - 131 days, average of 29
Responses
17 total of 166 applications
Response time: 4 - 67 days, average of 10
Application Process Time (from application to rejection or job offer)
17 total of 166 applications
37 - 95 days, average of 42 days
Of the 166 jobs that I applied to, I was capable of doing all of them. I marked 107 (64%) of them as "good fit" roles that were a great match to my skills and experience, and the remainder were mostly lower-level roles with a few higher-level ones mixed in. Only one role that I applied to was completely out of my typical skillset and experience range.
One key takeaway from this data is that many companies don't even have automated rejection email systems set up, and those that do aren't using them effectively or with respect to the candidate's time. For example I received a rejection notice yesterday (January 8) for a job I applied to in early October, far after I had already written off that role as a possibility. Less than ten of the companies I applied to were small enough to not have an automated system set up, and they all sent automated emails to acknowledge receipt of my initial application, so the technology is there and just needs to be applied correctly. It's a small thing but one that will improve the optics around a company's hiring practices and HR management in general.
My job search isn't unique in the current market, unfortunately, so best of luck to all those who are still searching and may 2025 bring you an amazing new role!
