The Average Length of the Job Hunt
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate in December 2009 stood at 10 percent. High figures like this may make finding a job harder, but people can reduce the length of time out of work by vigilantly searching for that perfect job.
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Identification
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People over the age of 55 take an average of 29.9 weeks to find gainful employment, and those under 55 look for a job for about 21.4 weeks, according to the American Association of Retired Persons.
Considerations
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The most recent position and desired salary of the job hunter also affects the length of the search. Those looking for $40,000 to $75,000 take an average of 25 weeks to find a job, and people who expect to earn $100,000 take more than 30 weeks to land one.
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Other Factors
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External forces, such as the health of the overall economy and the industry of the job seeker, may also change the amount of time it takes to get a job.
Misconceptions
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The average length of a job hunt for any demographic should not phase someone seeking employment. Even older people can find jobs faster than younger people because they are more persist and diligent with their hunt.
Tips
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During economic downturns, people can still find good-paying jobs. Instead of networking, seekers should help others find jobs--people often reciprocate in kind. In addition, job hunters should keep a short list of what companies they want to work for.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ludovic Bertron
