The New Basics of the Job Hunt

Searching for a new job isn’t easy. Whether you’re leaving your employer willingly or were laid off or fired, the process of finding new employment is taxing, frustrating, and can become a full-time job in itself.  

The time it takes to get a job offer has been increasing steadily since pre-pandemic. Users of one AI resume builder reported that in 2023, their job searches lasted between 21 and 89 days, with a median duration from the first application to the first offer of 44 days.

Here at Korn Ferry Advance, we’ve polled some of our expert career coaches for their top nuggets of advice for anyone hunting for a job this year.   

Focus your energy.

The job search can become a full-time job if you let it, so doing some self-reflection at the beginning to figure out what you want, at what kind of company, can help you focus your time and energy on things that are most likely to be a good fit for you and the organization.  

“Once you have a clear picture of your goal, communicate that to your network and get in front of a human for an interview as quickly as possible,” says Michaela Buttler, a career coach at Korn Ferry Advance.

Work backwards.  

“Getting hired is the objective of a job search. Interviews are key to getting hired. Networking is key to getting interviews,” says Val Olson, a career coach at Korn Ferry Advance.

Your job search will probably go faster if you start looking where your network is. A referral or introduction from someone who likes and trusts you already will speed you to the interview stage faster than putting your resume in a pile with a bunch of other anonymous applicants.  

Be resilient.  

Rejection is real in the job hunt, and it stings. It’s important not to take the “nos” personally—but do take any constructive feedback on board to improve your approach going forward.  

“You’ll rarely get the answer you desire in the job seeking process, so keep your chin up and keep moving forward,” says Tiffinee Swanson, a career coach at Korn Ferry Advance.

Treat it like a marathon. 

Whether you’re still employed while you search or not, it could take a while. Don’t expend all your energy up front, burning the midnight oil and devoting all weekend to the process. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.  

“Never give up! Stay the course without getting thwarted by rejection or lack of response is essential. It’s a challenging job market, so keep seeking new opportunities and people to network with and you’ll get there,” says Sunny Levitt, a career coach at Korn Ferry Advance.

Have compassion for yourself.  

“Remember the job search is a process, and it can be mentally exhausting,” says Angela Galle Sylvester, a career coach at Korn Ferry Advance. “It will feel like an emotional rollercoaster ride, with highs and lows. Lean on your support system and find a balance that works for you.”  

Putting yourself through a process where you’ll get turned down or ignored over and over takes courage and makes you stronger, so give yourself the credit you deserve.