Why is it Taking Longer Than Ever to Get Hired?

After submitting a job application or resume, it's not uncommon for a few weeks to pass before you hear back from the employer. This frustrates anxious job candidates, who often feel like it takes too long to get hired. According to the employment website Glassdoor, the average hiring time, from the moment a candidate submits a resume to the day he receives an offer, is 23 days. Why does the hiring process take so long?

Slow-Growth Industry

If you're seeking employment in a slow-growth industry, such as publishing, jewelry or interior design, it can take a while to hear back from employers after submitting your resume. Don't let the job advertisement fool you. In slow-growth industries, job recruiters sometimes post ads for jobs they don't plan to fill for many months. This helps them gauge the interest of the public and quality of potential candidates. Also, slow-growth industries are usually experiencing a slump in business. If the business isn't in high demand and sales are low, there's no urgency to hire someone new once a position becomes vacant. The industry you're in has a lot to do with how quickly you get hired, which is important to keep in mind during your job search.

Exploring Their Options

If you're seeking employment in a booming industry, such as information technology or health care, the long hiring process is likely due to the abundance of applicants in those job fields. Oftentimes, recruiters in fast-growing industries need software to help them narrow down the number of resumes and cover letters they receive from people looking to get hired. It's also important for employers in high-demand industries to thoroughly explore their options before choosing a candidate for a position, and this process takes time.

To get hired faster in this scenario, you must sell yourself. Create a customized resume and cover letter for each job that uses the same keywords found in the job description. At the top of your resume, type a powerful statement that tells the employer exactly how you plan to contribute to the organization. Expound on your statement in your cover letter. If the employer feels like it needs you, it'll likely contact you as soon as possible.

You're Not the Perfect Fit

You won't get hired right away if the employer doesn't think you're the perfect candidate for the job. You might have the necessary skills and credentials, but there might be something specific lacking that the employer can't overlook. Employers often interview candidates who aren't the perfect fit if they really need to fill the position and can't find a more qualified applicant. In this case, the long wait time is likely due to the employer's lengthy search for additional candidates.

You might feel like it's taking forever for you to get hired, but employers have solid reasons for their lengthy hiring processes. It's important to be patient throughout your job search. However, if you consistently find that it's taking too long for employers to get back to you, consider updating your resume and cover letter. Documents that grab and keep the recruiter's attention more likely end up near the top of the interview pile.

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