Searching for a job can be a frustrating and challenging experience, especially so if you're not sure what to expect in the process of a job search. These job search statistics will shed a little light on why the process is so difficult and give you the insight you need to make the experience easier.
60 percent of jobs are found through networking — not online
While websites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter are certainly helpful tools for your job search, it's important to look beyond these online job boards.
Oftentimes, job seekers make the mistake of devoting all their job search time to applying only to job boards. Why is this ineffective? This is because a majority of jobs are not posted online as employers fill them internally or through referrals. In fact, 60 percent of jobs are being found through networking instead.
Therefore, reevaluate how you are spending your job search hours, and ask yourself if you are devoting enough time networking and looking for opportunities through your connections?
75 percent of resumes are rejected before they reach the hiring manager
That's right — most resumes don't get past the applicant tracking system (ATS), meaning they aren't seen by human eyes. This is because the ATS collects, sorts, scans, and ranks the resumes it receives for open positions, rejecting the “least-qualified” candidates based on format and content.
It also eliminates resumes that don't match up with the job description due to a lack of keywords.
Take the time to thoroughly read the job description of each application and note all the keywords that stand out. Then add them to your resume to help it get into the hands of the hiring manager.
The average job search takes 5 months
The reality is that job hunting can be a long process. While some professionals can find a new job right away, others take months to find a fit. You can expect to apply to many job postings and interviews, and often not hearing back from many job applications.
But remember that this is part of the process of looking for work, and the key is to keep moving forward, and not get hung up over one rejection or opportunity.
With the average search lasting five months, that's a lot to think about in terms of your daily life, finances, etc. I get it — no one has infinite time to spend on their job search. That's why it's important to continue to network with other professionals who could help you, brush up on your interviewing skills, do your research, and create a polished resume that highlights your value.
By paying attention to job-search statistics like these, you can more readily prepare yourself for success and make the job search easier on yourself. The insights contained within these statistics give you a blueprint for how to position yourself to stand out more prominently among the job-search noise and land the job of your dreams faster.
