When you're job searching, one of the most exciting sounds in the world is the notification ping that you have a new message or email. That ping can lead to the interview or job offer you’ve been waiting for.
But what should you do when your inbox sits silent and your job search is stalling out?
Anchor your expectations to the reality of the job market
Looking for a job in 2024 will likely take much longer than you anticipate. Company hiring cycles are taking longer, layoffs are affecting multiple industries, and the competition for positions is more competitive than ever. Having expectations that you will begin your search and have an offer in just a few weeks can set you up for disappointment and frustration.
Here are a few statistics to help put your search into perspective. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average length of unemployment in 2024 has been around 5 months. Hiring cycles are longer now as well. Teal reports that it takes an average of 41 days from application to offer for many companies, and in tech that can be closer to 90 days.
With job searches taking longer right now, having some natural ebbs and flows with your search will be natural. When your search is slower, try not to stress out about it. The search will take time and you will make it through to the other side.
Shake off what is comfortable and try something new
Let’s be honest you spent hours perfecting your application materials when you began applying, right? Have you looked at those materials recently? Are you willing to change them? When working with clients I often see some resistance to throw out what they have been doing or the way they have been applying, or even the language they think sounds right.
Stalling out on your search, or it never getting off the ground, can be a sign that you need to shake things up. Trying something new doesn’t mean you have to do it that way forever. So try that new way of submitting your cover letter, change up the format of your resume, or use language that feels different than what you have been using. Changing what you are doing can help spark your own desire to keep going and you may land on a new way of doing things that work for you.
We’re all people who need people
In today’s job market connections and networks are worth gold. Cultivating your network on linked in during your job search can help you build connections and be top of mind when job openings come up. That means reach out to your friends in recruiting and let them know what you are looking for. Interact with posts on LinkedIn and share content you think is interesting and valuable (bonus points if it aligns with the industry you are hoping to be hired in). Don’t be afraid to reach out to recruiters and hiring managers at companies you are excited about. You have to speak up to be on their radar, so speak up! Making connections when you are on the hunt for a new role is worth every moment you spend on it. You never know who knows of the perfect position for you.
Be gentle with yourself and take a break if you need to
When our job search isn’t going the way you want it to, it can have huge impacts on your confidence and mental health. Imposter syndrome is common during a job search and when you aren’t feeling forward motion in you search, your doubts about yourself and your skills are likely to multiply. That can lead to a bad mood, situational depression, and even some trauma. When you are being vulnerable with a job search you may need to support yourself when you are feeling low. So here’s your permission to take a day or two off from applying, to get away from your inbox and put it on silent for a day, or even to simply take a small break from your computer and do something nice for yourself. When you break, commit to the length of the break and hold yourself to returning to the search, that way your break doesn't extend longer than expected. A break can be just what you need to refill your energy bank, clear your head, and gain some perspective.
Navigating the job market can be challenging, but by adjusting your expectations, trying new approaches, building strong connections, and taking care of your mental health, you can keep your search moving forward. Remember, each step you take brings you closer to that exciting ping of forward momentum in your inbox. Stay resilient, stay proactive, and above all, be kind to yourself during this journey. The right opportunity is out there, and with patience and perseverance, you will find it.
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Brittany Bishop is a Leadership & Resilience Coach, helping professionals navigate through challenging career moments, empowering them to come out the other side with clarity, confidence, and purpose.