If you’ve been out of work for a while or you’re stuck in a job you hate, you may be wondering: How long should it take to find a new job? 

Every day, on the Empower Work text line, we get messages like this one:

“​​I’m up late at night putting in applications on Indeed …  I am tired, my head hurts from crying because my bills are now getting the best of me. I feel like I am drowning … “

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and frustrated as your job search drags on. But keep in mind the length of your job search will vary depending on your field, role, experience, and the state of the economy. You can gain a new perspective and move forward. 

Here are a few questions to put yourself on the right track. 

What’s the job market like in your field? 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes up-to-date employment figures by occupation. Finding a job (and fast) is easier if you work in an industry where people switch companies a lot, the interview process is quick, or employers are struggling to find and keep workers. 

How are you investing time in your job search?

You might have heard that looking for a job is a full-time job. That doesn’t mean you should spend your time combing through job posting sites, sending out hundreds of applications, or knocking on doors. Those methods work sometimes, but if you’re still unemployed or haven’t found that new role, try other things. Any activity counts if it gets you closer to someone who could hire you. In addition to applying directly for jobs, you can:

• Add keywords to your LinkedIn profile. This helps you appear in search results by the employers looking for people like you. Using the right keywords for your skills is especially important if you’re changing careers, like if you’re a teacher who wants to move into a training job or you’re looking for a civilian job after leaving the military.

• Tap into your networks. Reach out to people in your industry. Ask for informational interviews and advice, as well as referrals to employers. Remember that networking is more than attending industry-related events. Your friends, family, and community can help. They might have job leads, or they might help you identify your strengths, proofread your resume, or lend you a nice outfit for an interview.   

• Reach out to Empower Work. Text 510-674-1414 for a free, confidential, and immediate conversation with a peer counselor. Your peer counselor can serve as a thought partner, share resources, or just listen and help you keep your spirits up. 

What stage are you stuck in? 

• If you’re not getting callbacks, you might need to polish your resume. 

• If you’re getting interviews but not selected for the job, consider practicing your interviewing skills with a friend, a peer counselor, or a professional. 

• If you’re missing a skill many employers are asking for, a certification or training course could help you stand out as a candidate. You might take a course through a community college or university extension, or study online with a training provider like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning. 

• Finally, are you applying for the right kinds of jobs? Sometimes, job seekers apply for hundreds of jobs on the theory that getting a position is a numbers game. It is usually quicker to conduct a focused job search for companies that fit and roles you’re well qualified for. And if you are more selective about where you apply, you can be more confident you’re setting yourself up for success in the new role.

Remain Hopeful

The average job search takes two to six months. That can feel like a long time when you’ve got bills to pay and are dealing with the disappointment of rejections or ghosting. While you look, be patient and kind with yourself.  When you’re in the middle of a long job search, sometimes it’s hard to notice the signs that you’re moving in the right direction. 

One Empower Work texter wrote: 

“I have applied at the hospitals and the VA center …  so I am just waiting now. They also told me to apply for DCF since they are hiring and in need of help.”

Her peer counselor provided a positive perspective: 

“Oh interesting! Are you saying that when you talked to the DCF office they told you to apply there? … Sounds like you might have made a good impression on them there.” 

By maintaining a hopeful outlook, you preserve your mental and physical health during your search. And that may help you put your best foot forward when you talk to networking partners and employers. 

These self-care practices may be useful if your job hunt feels like it’s dragging on:

• Set up a separate workspace for job search activities. Even if it’s just a table or a corner, an “office” for your job search can help you feel more productive and let you mentally step away when you need to.

• Keep a journal. Writing down your activities and goals can keep you organized and help you recognize your progress. 

• Get some exercise. Besides enhancing your health, exercise can bolster your job search by improving your focus and enabling you to manage your anxieties.

• Talk to someone. Being unemployed can be isolating. And if you’re looking for a job while employed, you might be feeling disengaged from your current workplace. Find someone who’s willing to listen to your job search frustration. A friend or family member might lend support. We’re here for you at Empower Work too!

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*Note: Empower Work provides non-legal support for workplace challenges. This information, while authoritative, is not legal advice or guaranteed for legality. Employment laws and regulations vary by state. We recommend consulting with state resources for specific interpretation and decisions. If you believe you were discriminated against in violation of the law, we recommend you seek legal advice.