How Long Will it Take Me to Find a Job?

Most of us underestimate the time it will take tothe economy is strong.
become re-employed. The general rule is 3-67. What is your mind-set? Are you viewing your
months for a professional or manager, regardlesssituation as an opportunity, are you angry with
of the economy or other factors. You can alsoyour previous employer, or feeling sorry for
estimate that it will take one month for everyyourself? Potential employers will pick up on your
$10,000 of salary you were making at yourattitude. Seek that positive attitude!
previous job.8. Do you have the financial strength to withstand
There are ten factors that can have an affect ona longer search? If you received a substantial
the time it takes for you to find a job.severance package, or have several months living
expenses set aside, you will not be inclined to
1. Do you know what you want to do? Takingaccept the first job offer out of the desperation
the time to evaluate your purpose, values,felt by many job seekers.
accomplishments and skills will definitely add time9. Do you have the support structure in place to
to the search, but the process is well worth yourprovide encouragement during your search? When
time.you are working within your defined priorities and
2. Are you willing to move? Being flexible canvalues, and are supported by your family and
open up your options, but make it more difficultfriends, you will find it easier to get through
to manage your contacts.difficult times.
3. Are you staying within the scope of what you10. How much effort, time and commitment are
have done before, or are you seeking a careeryou willing to expend? When you are out of
shift? The latter will most certainly add time towork, finding a job is your work! You should
your search.spend at least four hours a day looking for work.
4. How big is your network? A larger network, ifIf you are currently employed, but wishing to
used well, can give you access to morechange jobs, you should spend at least one to
unpublished openings and get you hired faster.two hours each day, and one day on the
5. Are your skills marketable? If you have notweekend
kept them up to date with continuous training,Determine how much time you can afford to
you may need to go back to school for a periodspend on your job search, and plan accordingly.
of time. This will add time to your search.Consider all avenues of support, and try to enjoy
6. What are the economic conditions? It can takethe process. It is an opportunity for positive
three to five times longer in a recession than ifchange, and should be savored.