Why is it taking so long to get a job?

Why is it taking so long to get a job? And what can you do about it?

If you’ve been unemployed for a while and wondering why, you’re not alone.

Usually, the first quarter of a year is a good time to secure a new job. Companies dive into the new year with vigour and determination to implement their strategic plans and find the top talent to make it happen.

But the reality in 2024 is that the job market is slowing down.

👉🏻 Redundancies are growing.

👉🏻 Employers are taking longer to make offers.

👉🏻 Many roles are being put on hold.


All of which makes it even more difficult for job seekers.

❓ So what can you do if your job search is faltering?

❓ How do you stand out in a crowded job market?


Firstly, do all of these things (really well):

·      Have a strong CV that’s tailored to every job vacancy.
·      Network like crazy – online and offline.
·      Give back, whether that’s helping others on LinkedIn and other platforms or volunteering.
·      Target jobs that play to your strengths and capabilities.
·      Have a great online profile with a clear description of what you have to offer employers.
·      Use the open-to-work banner on LinkedIn.
·      Sign up for alerts on job boards, LinkedIn, company websites, etc.
·      Focus on the quality of applications over quantity.


And if that’s not working, here’s another ten things to try:

1.   Stop what you’re doing – review your job search strategy. Assess what’s working and what you could change or do differently.

2.   Clarity – prepare a clear Job Search Goal.

3.   Think partnership – build mutually beneficial relationships with recruiters and headhunters who operate in your field or industry sector.

4.   Target employers – make connections with companies you’d like to work for.

5.   Get a foot in the door – take a temporary, part-time or contract role with an employer.

6.   Increase speculative activity – send a well-crafted letter or email to a list of companies that match your Job Search Goal.

7.   Show employers what you can do – offer ideas, write a proposal or do a project for a company you want to work for.

8.   Get creative – make a video application. 

9.   Invest in yourself – learn a new skill or explore other ways of making money.

10. Ask for help – talk to others about your approach to job searching and get their advice.


📣  I’ll be taking an in-depth look at each of these in future posts.



It’s tempting to stick to what you know and what you’ve always done. Change is often difficult.

But as with many aspects of life, if you do only what you know, it limits growth, development and possibly success.

So try something different if your job search is stalling. It might not work at first, but tenacious job seekers often get the job.