How To (Quickly) Calculate The Length Of Your Next Job Search

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As a career coach, I often get asked, "How long will my job search take?" The answer is a moving target. The length increases and decreases depending on several factors - which I explain more below. But, to get right to it, here's a rule of thumb you can use to estimate.

For every $10,000 you want to make in salary, add a month of job search.

So, if you are looking to make $50,000/year, expect it to take 5 months. If you want to make $200,000/year, expect 20 months. Why? The higher up you go in salary, the fewer jobs there are and the greater the number of people competing for those jobs. That said, let's look at some of the factors that shift this number up and down.

These are 10 factors that impact the length of a job search.

The following things can make your job search harder or easier, it just depends on which side of them you sit.

Location

If you live someplace where there are fewer jobs for your skill sets, you will look for work longer i.e. rural areas versus cites, etc. Unless of course you're a remote worker. But, for most folks, there is a commutable area to a job that limits their opportunities. Whatever time you are willing to spend going to and from work is that area. Look at a map and realize the companies in that region are your targets.

Skill Set

The law of supply and demand applies here. If you have the same skills as everyone else, you'll have more competition for jobs. Employers have more to choose from, decreasing your chances of getting selected. Whereas, if you have a specialty that is in-demand and there aren't enough people with it, then you'll likely have the employers knocking on your door.

Industry

Some industries are hot right now, others are on the decline. If your industry is seeing a lot of budget cuts and layoffs, it could be dying. Which means making the switch to a new, more relevant industry should be in your plans. Why? Convincing people to hire you into their industry when you lack direct experience will take work - and more time.

Personality

Don't shoot the messenger here. I can't change the fact that companies seek employees who are a "culture fit" - and your personality is an indicator to them whether or not you'll mesh with the rest of the team. Understanding how you are perceived and doing your best to minimize your personality weaknesses isn't changing who you are, it's recognizing the need to keep things in check for a paycheck.

Experience Level

Companies are like Goldilocks in, The Three Bears. They want the one that is, "just right." Which means, if you have too little or too much experience, you aren't a fit. Trying to convince an employer to hire you when you aren't an exact match is tough. In their minds, they'd rather wait and find the right person. When they can't, they usually hire the less experienced person for lower wages and train them because it's a more cost-effective option. Which means, as you age and grow your skills, your ability to find a job gets harder.

Reputation

This one is huge! Your personal brand is what can help you dramatically shorten your job search. Studies by Harvey Coleman on career success show people get promotions based on PIE, performance (10%), image (30%), and exposure (60%). That last one is your reputation. The more people that know what a great asset you are to employers, the more in demand you will be. Reputation management should be a serious part of your career strategy. Today, doing a good job is not enough. Like it or not, I tell clients, "Brand or BE branded." Choosing not to build your reputation via personal branding still sends a message. It says you are either out of touch, unimpressive, or have something to hide. Control the message or it controls you!

Job Search Skills

Looking for work has changed dramatically in the last five years. It's true, technology has made it easier than ever to apply. But, what most job seekers don't understand is it's also made it even easier for employers to reject you. Learning how to build a proactive job search strategy that targets the right employers at the right time is the secret to a more effective job search. This isn't something they teach in school. Which is why so many people struggle to find a job quickly.

Interview Skills

Employers expectations of interview skills have greatly increased. Thanks to the internet, it is understood and expected you have properly researched the employer and know how to answer tough behavioral questions. Not to mention, have a list of excellent questions for them to answer as well. Interview prep is a skill everyone should practice. Winging it in an interview backfires most of the time. The old phrase, "you never get a second chance to make a good first impression" really applies here. It's already hard enough to get a job interview. Why waste it by not prepping?

Network

Today, it's said that 80 percent of all jobs are gotten via some form of referral. Somebody knows somebody at the company you want to apply to. Or, you reach out to someone who works there via LinkedIn and they forward your info to the hiring manager, etc. The point is, your network is your net worth in your career. Every job is temporary. Let me say that again, EVERY job is temporary. You will look for jobs multiple times in your life. Building a network that knows your reputation and respects and trusts your work helps you get in front of the right opportunities faster. And, when done extremely well, you can become an opportunity magnet. This is when your network realizes referring you to people in their network makes them look good.

Attitude

You might think this one goes without saying, but you'd be wrong. Most people I know don't like the idea of job search. (Until they work with me of course! LOL) At first, they roll their eyes, huff and puff, and complain about how boring and stressful it is. That's just wrong. Like anything in life, if you approach job search as an opportunity to experience, learn, and grow as a professional, your attitude will help you stand out. People like to help people with a good attitude. Conversely, if you're moping around about your career circumstances with a "poor me" attitude, people are less likely to help you. Again, don't shoot the messenger on this one. The truth is, people don't want to introduce a total downer to their network. You might think that's harsh and people should help those who are sad and struggling. I agree, it's why I'm a career coach. But, here's the average person's point of view: they have their own careers to worry about. Referring you at the risk of your bad attitude making them look bad is something people secretly won't do. They may say they'll "pass your resume along", but many won't if they feel your attitude isn't positive.

NOTE: If you're struggling to calm the nerves and stress associated with job search, then you need to seek help. Getting yourself in the best mental state is vital. The people in your network and the employers you want to hire you can read body language, facial expressions, voice tone, and other communication cues. You can't hide fear, sadness, frustration, or a lack of career confidence. If you are feeling these at a higher level, then you need to get some assistance so you can reclaim your confidence and a positive mindset.

And don't forget, the economy magnifies all of the above.

The factors outlined above impact people in a good economy. But, when things eventually change (because a market correction will happen), these play and ever larger role. There is an entire generation (Millennials) who have never worked through a recession. They saw their parents go through it, but they've not actually experienced it while working themselves. As we all know, that is a very difficult experience. Which is why I am on LinkedIn like crazy these days trying to prepare people for what is going to come.

The average American spends 1 hour (or more!) each day liking and looking on social media.

Studies show we waste time each day on social media. My challenge to you is to start carving out 10 minutes a day to "Work It Daily." Spending time learning the new rules to job search and building a satisfying career is time well spent. Yet, most don't do this until they are in trouble. Don't be the statistic! Build good habits now, so you can leverage the knowledge when you need it most.

P.S. Here are some resources to make job search easier.

My team at Work It Daily put together the following for you:

• A complete job search checklist.

CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD the pdf file.

• A list of the 18 most common interview questions.

CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD the pdf file.

• Free cover letter samples.

CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD the pdf file.

• Guide to changing careers.

CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD the pdf file.

• Masterclass on how to avoid common job search mistakes.

CLICK HERE to ACCESS the video training.

P.S.S. I'm writing this newsletter to help 1,000,000 LinkedIn users (like YOU!).

This article is part of LinkedIn's new newsletter series. I write Sundays and Wednesday. If you use the subscribe button at the top, you'll get them in your email inbox. My goal is to help 1,000,000 LinkedIn users grow their careers in 2020. You can help me reach that goal by subscribing and sharing it in your own feed so your peers can grow their careers too. Not to mention, sharing useful content is a great way to serve and strengthen your network. Thank you so much for considering it!