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How long does looking for a job take?

1) In this economy, should I take any job first, while searching for an ideal job?
2) how long does a normal job hunt take?
3) How long does it take for a company to reply, if they don't, what should I do?
4) Is tracking down the HR Manager a good idea?
5) What other methods besides internet searching is a good idea now?

Asked By: heyheysg - 5/13/2009
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
Looking? not long, getting one...different story...

Before I get to the answers it is important to mention that a GOOD resume and cover letter are essential. Get a friend who does HR to help you or use a professional service. Resume formats on WORD or the basic ones college placement services give you are VERY BASIC and do not stand out of the crowd, remember if YOU can find it online, the WHOLE planet can find it online

1) Depends on your situation, any job is better than no job if you have bills, if you are at home with parents and are not in a hurry, then take your time and pick a good one, that way you don't have to look bad in one job for taking off to go to interviews on good jobs.

2) A job hunt will average 6 months per year of work experience you have, this is an ESTIMATE not a sure thing.

3) If they are interested it may be quick ina couple weeks, others may keep your resume on file for up to a year, if you really want the job, try to get a contact person and ask for the status of your application. If you get the "it has been received and we will call you if you fit the requirements" speech then don't hold your breath waiting for a call back.

4) NO, HR managers have HR supervisors, recruiters and staffers that do that work, if you contact him/her directly all you will do is get the people who work for him (and can get you the job) in trouble for not doing their job and thus wont like you too much. Find out who the recruiter or staffer is and bug them till they answer.

5) Internet is awesome way to get going, but it also helps to find the places you'd like to work and go in person, they may say go online and apply but you may get lucky and get a live person. Also staffing firms like Adecco (www.adecco.com) are a great way to try different jobs and get in the door with companies that you otherwise may not have thought about. People think temp agencies are for low level jobs, but most have very good professional placement services for people with higher education and experience (Placement of people like this is where the real money comes for these firms)

Best of luck!
Answered By: Antonio A - 5/13/2009
Additional Answers ()
Well I've been looking since xmas, applying to everything under the sun. I have a good education and I'm friendly and smart, but have not had any success. I know other people in the same situation as me, it's just depressing!
Answered By: chaos_emerald - 5/13/2009
I think that looking for a job takes a long time to do, but for some people it takes them not that much time.
Answered By: Tash - 5/13/2009
1) This depends on your personal situation. If you must have some sort of income to survive, you'll probably want to take what you can get. But if you have time and funds, be at least a little selective.

2) This can vary greatly depending on your location, and willingness to relocate. But the average job search right now is 3 months, but i've seen and read about folks that have been looking for close to 2 years! I've been looking for 9 months myself, but I live in a very economically depressed area.

3) Most companies use a 2 to 3 interview process. So it can take a few weeks from the time you apply, until you get the job. But I would say that if you haven't heard anytihng in a week, it's perfectly ok to call and inquire as to when they expect to make a decision.

4) I would say no. In this current economy, HR managers are being bombarded with applicants, and just don't have time to speak to every person that makes an inquiry. Just put in your app, and hope to be called in!

5) In my searches, I use 90?nternet...8?etworking with friends and ex-colleagues...2?alking in the door and asking if a company is hiring. (Just my personal system)

The bottom line right now is patience! I've become very frustrated after 9 months of applying for jobs I'm well qualified for, and not even getting interviews with 98?f them! But..I just try to remain patient and optimistic...because so many other people are in the same boat!

Best of Luck to you in your search!! :-)
Source(s):
School of Life !
Answered By: PantherFan - 5/13/2009
2) The rule of thumb is for every $10,000 in salary figure on one month on average. So if you are looking for a job in the $35,000 - $40,000 range then expect on average somewhere around 3 - 4 months to find a job.

1) When you are searching for a job the decision to take a job is ultimately yours. If you take a job solely due to the fact it is the first one offered and you are not 100?een on it you may find you do not like it after a few weeks. However at the same time waiting for the Eddie Griswold job may not come. Probably the best way to make your decision is by researching the company, applying for jobs that are of interest to you, and asking allot of questions about the company in the interview. So if you get an offer then you have a good idea if it is right for you.

3) Replies vary depending on the job and the company. Some ads will state the closing date and I would not expect to hear anything before the closing. Also some ads may state when you may be a reply and again wait until that date before contacting that date. If after the closing date in which no dates are given then depending on the job I would wait on average 2 - 4 weeks for a reply. For me I would wait two weeks for any job up to first line manager and four weeks for anything middle-management or higher before contact them. Finally I would state in cover letter a date in which you will contact them if you do not hear from them and again the ideal contact date should be 2 weeks from closing.

4) In regard to tracking down the HR manager in regard to an application or finding about a job my advice is no it is not a good idea. Why? It shows that you have not researched the company and you are only applying out of desperation. Companies now a days want people who fit into their company and who will stay with them. So if you need to contact anyone to follow up with an application or an interview then speak to the person on the advert. If there is not a name then call the company explain that you are preparing your resume and cover letter for the job and needed to know whom it should your letter be addressed.

5) There are three other sources: Job center, newspaper, and watching for business announcements. The more you know what is happening in your community the more likely you will find a job and find other sources than the internet.
Answered By: dancing_smurf - 5/13/2009
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