The Job Search Marathon: Setting Realistic Expectations for Career Transition Success

As an ex-Tech Recruiter turned HR Consultant and nascent Career Coach, I am constantly faced with the question of how the job market is in a given industry and how long it usually takes for people to settle following redundancy. And the truth is - as you may have guessed - everyone is on a very personal career journey and there isn't a single answer to this.

As a rule of thumb, as an organisation that has supported 1000s of professionals in transition, we use 90 days as a benchmark. If you can settle within 90 days of being an active candidate, that's a thumbs up from us. And for what it's worth, for those that benefitted from some sort of career transition support through ImaginativeHR in 2023, 92% managed to achieve that.

But I appreciate that's not the case for everyone and without the guidance of a dedicated Career Coach, you might have some questions about exactly what you should be doing to help you achieve that. So, let’s take a look at what the reality looks like for the majority and what you can expect as you embark on your own career transition journey.

And remember: setting yourself up for success is as much about setting realistic milestone goals as it is putting in the hard graft.

The Numbers Game...

The application avalanche:?For some – very few – making a handful of applications to land their next big gig is the extent of their job searching experience. For most of us, however, securing a ‘right-fit-role’ can take a ton of applications, support from ex-colleagues, networking with recruiters, attending jobs fairs and conferences and even support from career coaches – the whole nine yards! So, what should the average job seeker expect?

Recent data suggests it takes anywhere from?100 to 200 applications?to secure a single job offer.?That's a lot of customised CVs,?buttons clicked,?and virtual ink spilled!

The interview staircase:?Each application has just an?8.3% chance?of securing an interview.?This translates to climbing 10-20 application "stairs" before reaching the first interview round.?And even at that stage,?10-15 interviews may precede that coveted offer.

The job posting funnel:?Imagine this...?for every job posting,?1,000 individuals might express interest.?Around 200 of those embark on the application journey,?and just 100 make it to the finish line of submitting a polished CV and covering letter.?So whilst it's competitive, it could be worst.?75% of those CVs are then filtered out,?meaning your well-crafted application has a 25% chance of reaching human eyes. Not terrible odds.

The hiring spotlight:?Picture those remaining CVs reaching the hiring manager's desk.?They'll likely invite 4-6 candidates for interviews,?with 1-3 advancing to the final round. Ultimately,?the hiring manager can – in most cases – only make an offer to one candidate and invariably (80% of the time), that offer will be accepted.

So, where’s the good news in all this?

Persistence pays off:?While the numbers seem daunting,?they also highlight the importance of resilience.?Treat your job search like a marathon,?not a sprint.?Each application builds momentum,?each interview hones your skills,?and every "no" brings you closer to that "yes."

Quality trumps quantity:?Forget shotgun applications.?Focus on tailoring your approach to each position,?showcasing your unique value proposition.?A targeted,?well-crafted application has a much higher chance of reaching the right eyes than the hit-and-hope approach.

Celebrate the milestones:?Don't wait for the final offer to celebrate.?Each interview is a victory,?each CV sent a testament to your determination.?Recognising these smaller wins fuels motivation and keeps you on track.

Get creative: ‘There’s more than one way to skin a cat’. A proverb I don’t particularly love, but one that couldn’t be more applicable here. You can make application after application, but ultimately, there are other ways to promote yourself and get on the radar of potential employers. Read on for more!

Ultimately, a successful career transition requires a realistic mindset, strategic approach, and unwavering perseverance. Embrace the job search marathon, set realistic goals and celebrate the all of your mini wins!

Job Search Activities: Mundane to Musing

So, it’s true: there really is more than one way to skin a cat - probably. And yes, there is more to being on the job market than just making heaps of application, or at least there should be! Let’s take a look at some of the conventional job searching activities, as well as some of the more creative ones.

Mundane Matters...

CV refresh:?Dust off that CV and give it a fresh coat of paint.?Optimise keywords,?tailor for specific roles,?and showcase your achievements with punchy language. Be sure to proofread for errors, and make sure to memorise everything – an interviewer could ask about anything on your CV.

Applications, applications, applications:?Applications are the fuel of the job search engine.?Submit consistently,?but strategically,?targeting roles that align with your skills and aspirations. The hit-and-hope method is NOT helpful to you and can damage your reputation as a candidate – especially if you’re applying to roles advertised by agency recruiters.

Network weaving:?Webinars,?online forums,?and industry events are your new hunting grounds. You never know where your next opportunity will come from.?

Leverage social media:?Don't underestimate the power of social media. Connect with your colleagues and university peers, engage with industry experts and contribute to relevant online discussion and debate to become a prominent voice in your field and get noticed. Whether you are an avid user or rarely frequent the feed, social media can be your ally. Use it!

Interview prep:?Practice makes progress!?Mock interviews with friends,?career coaches,?or even your reflection in the bathroom mirror can make all the difference when you’re faced with that daunting question and a panel of tight-buttoned interviewers.?Practice, practice, practice. Hone your responses and conquer those nerves.

Thank you symphony:?Appreciation goes a long way.?Craft personalised thank-you notes after each interview,?expressing your continued interest and enthusiasm. This will not go unnoticed.

Creative Capers...

Blog Writing:?Start a blog showcasing your expertise,?passion,?and unique voice.?Attract potential employers while building your online presence. This is all part of your brand, and you can use your professional network to catapult your content onto the desks of hiring managers across your industry.

Portfolio:?Turn your CV into a visual talking point!?A creative portfolio website can visually showcase your skills and projects,?catching recruiters' attention and also enabling you stay in the groove of working on new things. As a tech recruiter, I’d sometimes come across a CV that has been coded or presented in some sort of data visualisation tool... how awesome is that!? Be creative – how can you differentiate yourself amongst the competition?

TOP TIP...

Try to refrain from submitting a CV in pdf format unless directed otherwise. Many organisations use an 'Applicant Tracking System' (ATS) which will unpack your pdf CV to create a text-only document. Insert links to your portfolio website or creative CV, submitting a text-only document in your main application.

New skills:?This is about being aware of the skills requirements and how they are developing in your field. Can you take online courses,?learn new software,?or attend workshops to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve.?Be mindful of how well you’re aligning to the jobs that you’re clicking on; are there skills commonly listed in the essential requirements you can develop during this transitional phase?

Side hustle: Do you have something that you love that can generate an income for you? What passions do you have that other people value? What skills can you leverage that can be utilised by local businesses? Freelance writing,?consulting,?or even crafting can showcase your initiative and adaptability. There is an entrepreneur inside of all of us – find yours!

Volunteer:?Give back to your community while networking and developing transferable skills.?Volunteer work at organisations aligned with your career goals can be a win-win. And, if you’re in the right place at the right time, it could land you your next career move.

So, how much time should you dedicate to your job search?

The starting point to answering this question depends on how quickly you would like and need to secure a new role. This will be impacted by a whole host of factors, not least of which is earning an income to support yourself and your family in an economy that doesn’t seem to be doing us too many favours; but also, your individual circumstances, skillset, and target industry play a crucial role. Here's a framework to help you find your personal job search sweet spot:

Measured Effort (1-3 hours/day)

If you have less pressure for a quick move and are strategically targeting specific opportunities,?this pace is sufficient:

• Invest your time in in-depth research and networking within your chosen field.
• Craft highly polished applications for fewer,?targeted positions.
• Build your online presence,?optimise your LinkedIn profile,?and showcase your expertise through blog posts or articles.

Moderate Effort (3-5 hours/day)

This is a sustainable pace for most career transitions,?balancing job search with your current responsibilities:

• Prioritise quality over quantity,?carefully researching target companies and roles.
• Craft tailored applications,?engage in personalised LinkedIn outreach,?and follow up diligently.
• Up-skill through online courses or webinars to enhance your employability.

Intensified Effort (5+ hours/day)

If your financial situation demands a quick job change,?this level of dedication might be necessary:

• Focus on high-volume applications,?tailoring CVs and cover letters for each position.
• Network aggressively,?attend industry events,?and leverage every connection you have.
• Consider temporary or contract work to bridge the income gap while seeking your ideal role.

The ideal job search intensity is a customised balance between your circumstances, needs, and career goals. By being strategic, focusing on quality, and staying persistent, you can navigate the marathon with both efficiency and optimism.

Additional Considerations for International Applications

While domestic job searches demand dedication, seeking roles abroad adds another layer of complexity. Be prepared to invest extra time in understanding the target market, tailoring your CV to align with the locals, and where necessary, navigating visa requirements specific to your chosen country. Patience is paramount, as application processes can be drawn-out, and communication may involve time zone differences and cultural etiquette variations. Here’s a few pointers that might make your job search a little easier:

• Optimise timing & communication:?Research company time zones and align your outreach.?Aim for mid-morning local time for initial contact and avoid late-night messages to respect cultural norms.
• Navigate cultural holidays:?Research and adhere to local holidays and cultural observances during the application process.?Avoid applying right before major holidays when hiring may be slower.
• Demonstrate language proficiency:?Brush up on any required languages and consider professional translation for key documents.?Confidence in the local language showcases initiative and cultural respect.
• Master virtual interview etiquette:?Ensure reliable technology,?a professional background,?and dress appropriately for video interviews.?Research common nonverbal cues in the target culture to avoid misunderstandings.
• Embrace perseverance & manage expectations:?Recognise that international job searches often require more time and patience.?Celebrate milestones,?stay positive,?and adjust your timeline accordingly.?Remember,?persistence is key to success.

A few final thoughts...

So, if you're in-between jobs and having a tough time getting your next break, hang in there. The latest data from the ONS (Labour market overview, Jan 24) points to some challenging market conditions with the number of vacancies in the UK decreasing by almost 50,000 in the last quarter of 2023 - the eighteenth and longest consecutive fall on record.

But even in challenging markets, targeted effort, support and resilience can pave the way. Sharpen your skills, refine your CV, and actively network. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow during your job search. With dedication and a proactive approach, you'll increase your chances of landing the perfect role.

• Consistency is key,?regardless of your chosen pace.?Dedicate some time each day to your job search.
• Seek support from a Career Coach or Counsellor to maximise your efforts and maintain motivation.
• Celebrate your victories,?big and small,?to stay energised throughout the journey.
• Your network is your ally. USE IT!

Remember...

Look after your mental health too! Catch up with friends and family, walk through the park or escape the seemingly endless road of job searching with a book. Whatever you do, it's important that you switch off and allow yourself time and space to recharge. Don't underestimate the value of this!

Share this article to give a friend or colleague a nudge in the right direction. And feel free to reach out to me to discuss any specific job search challenges you are facing.

Happy hunting!

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[email protected]

HR Consultant & Career Coach

ImaginativeHR

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