Tried to find a new job lately? How’s that going for you? If you’re feeling stressed or unconfident in your job search, you’re not alone.
Confidence among active job seekers in the U.S. has been on the decline since the start of 2023, according to LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index, which surveyed more than 34,000 U.S. professionals in that time. On a scale that ranges from +100 (most confident) to -100 (gloomiest), job hunters’ outlook in May slipped to +27, down from January’s +36. In today’s economic climate, it’s much harder to find a job than it looks.
Job seekers now face numerous hidden challenges and stressors, from pushback on remote work, potentially disruptive artificial intelligence tools, and hiring freezes in once-booming sectors like tech. Additionally, lengthy and unpredictable hiring processes mean some professionals may need to apply for upwards of 50 jobs (or more) just to get hired — or simply receive a callback.
So, when a potential employer is moving the hiring process along at a glacial pace, is there anything a job candidate can do to help speed things up? The short answer is yes.
Approach No. 1: Don’t leave the interviewer uninformed
Don’t part ways with the hiring manager until you confirm that they have all the information they need from you, at least for the moment.
You want to make sure that if the employer has any potential reservations that you have a chance to address them. You might learn that the hiring manager questions whether you have the right technical skills for the position. You can provide more insight into your qualifications or explain how you plan to acquire training in the areas the employer feels you need to strengthen.
Also, make sure you know the next steps in the hiring process before you leave the meeting. This not only provides insight into what the employer is thinking but also helps you know when to follow up with the hiring manager, if necessary.
Approach No. 2: Follow up, in more ways than one
After an interview, your priority should be remaining top of mind with the hiring manager. The best way to do so is by following up, so be sure to send a thank-you note within 24 hours of an interview.
If a week goes by and you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager, pick up the phone and call. If the employer has no update for you, ask when you can expect to hear back and again stress your interest in the role.
If you haven’t been given a decision after another week passes, call the employer once more and ask if you’re still in consideration for the role. At this point, there’s no need to beat around the bush. You want to know if you’re viewed as a strong contender for the position or not. If your contact seems reluctant to hear from you — or you can’t seem to get in touch with them — that’s likely a sign you need to move on.
Approach No. 3: Make it clear that your search is moving forward
One additional way to potentially speed up the hiring process is to remind the hiring manager that you are still on the job hunt. Let your contact know you’ve received interest from and have been interviewing with other companies (only if this is the case, of course). This sends a clear signal that you’re not sitting and waiting by the phone forever — and lets the employer in question know they’re not the only business competing for your talents.
