Timing Your Job Search

They say timing is everything. For example, you could walk into a company and fill out an application on the same day that they post a job fitting your qualifications. Unfortunately, it could also be the day that they have already extended an offer to another candidate for your perfect job. It is important to time your job search strategically, and know the best when to apply for a posted job.

WHEN TO START A JOB SEARCH WHILE YOU ARE EMPLOYED

The key to answering this question depends on what your situation is. This flowchart should help:

Assuming you are in a stable job situation but want to perform a clandestine stealthy job search, there are several factors to consider. Assuming you don’t want to burn your bridges with your current employer, considerations need to be made. If you have a role in the organization that only you can do, it may be a good idea to document processes and procedures. Consideration ought to be given if you can or cannot hand off your responsibilities in a two-week period once you have given notice.

“AT-WILL” EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Of course, many states in the US for example are “at-will” employers. At-will is a euphemism for “fire your ass anytime I want for any reason I want.” In the US, all states are at-will employment states except for Montana, although most states have exceptions / protections for workers. The states of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Nebraska, Maine, New York, and Rhode Island do not allow any exceptions, however.

Public sector employment, union CBA’s, employment contracts and a few mitigating factors usually override at-will employment. For more information on at-will employment see this link.

One can make the argument that “at-will” ought to work both ways. If you can be fired with little notice for little reason, then you ought to be to leave on your own terms as well. However, I don’t think it is a good idea to burn bridges and each situation is different. Be it a professional, personal relationship or an acquaintance, it is always good to try and leave things on amicable terms.

Some jobs have a “busy” time of the year and seasonal considerations ought to be given. For example, if you are a tax accountant you may will probably want to time your application in the fall before tax season. If you work for a waterpark, don’t apply in the Fall.

Concerning whether to burn a bridge or not.

TIMING, TIMING, TIMING

If you have a target date that you would like to be able to have a new job, I recommend beginning your job search at least 1 month before that date. The hiring process is going to take at least 2 weeks and that is quite rapid these days. Many jobs will be posted for at least 2 weeks before a Hiring Manager will even begin to screen resumes. Candidates will also have to be called and screened via telephone interview. First, second and maybe third interviews will follow over the next few weeks.

Generally, the larger amount of responsibility that a job has will most likely have a longer hiring process. If it is a job with high turnover in the industry, then you can probably expect a two-week process. If it is a managerial job then expect a four-week hiring process minimum. As a general rule, the more specialized, managerial or experienced the position, the longer you can expect the hiring process to take.

More time might be needed if you are relocating for a job as well, as relocation is not a very easy, short or painless process.

WHEN TO APPLY FOR A JOB

One of the most important details on a job listing is the posting date. Many employers will purchase an ad for a fixed amount of time. As a result, some jobs may linger well after the position has been filled on some boards.

If a job has been posted for over a month, it may not be worth taking the time to author a Cover Letter. However, there is nothing wrong with shooting off an e-mail to the employer or calling to ask if the position is still open. Some job listings do not list company names or contact information. Therefore, you may have to do the legwork and potentially waste some time on a potentially fruitless endeavor.

It is important to note that some jobs do stay open more than one month. It is possible that the company may have gone through the process and made an offer; and, after four weeks, their target accepted a different position or took their current employer’s counter-offer.

In areas that are more rural that seek more experienced or specialized people, there may be fewer applicants and the job may be posted for a longer time. Some rural or economically distressed areas have a hard time drawing and retaining people.

Certain areas have seen a “brain drain” over the last few decades as college graduates and professionals have flocked to the cities for better job opportunities or ambience. However, some of these areas are also a lot lower cost and companies may be willing to pay more since your skills may be a scarce resource.

CONCLUSION

Time your job search carefully if you are still employed giving consideration to your current employer. Pay attention to the dates that job posting are listed and don’t waste your time on really old ones. Other considerations are seasonality, geography and how specialized the job requirements are.