How Long will it take you to find a Job?

Lisa Johnson • July 27, 2020

It’s the critical question on every job applicant’s lips, and no recruiter is going to give you a definitive answer because there are simply too many factors in play that affect the process. These include:
  • How many interviews or steps are in the process

  • How long it takes to arrange interviews with hiring managers

  • How long it takes a hiring manager to make decisions

  • How quickly can the recruitment verification steps be completed eg references, background checks, psych testing and medicals
AND, it also depends on you! What skills you have, what your salary or wage expectations are and your availability to attend interviews and undergo the required steps in the process.

I have looked at a snapshot of some general statistics about the average time ( in days) it took for someone interviewed in 2018 to accepting a job offer. The results are a bit of a reality check for (some) job seekers – overall, it appears that there is an average wait of over a month between applying for a job and accepting an offer. There are some variations between job disciplines, but the results are generally, pretty consistent.

Of course, sometimes you are offered a job within days, (sometimes the same day!), and sometimes, if you have niche skills, it can take months – but you can, depending on your circumstances, to wait a month, on average.

So, don’t panic if your job search seems to be taking longer than expected, the recruitment process can take time.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia
   I    United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

Recent articles

By people2people UK December 8, 2025
As job hopping becomes more common, organisations can take practical steps to reduce unnecessary turnover while supporting a modern, flexible workforce.
By people2people UK November 30, 2025
More UK workers are requesting salary advances and calling for flexible pay options as financial pressures intensify. Discover the latest trends shaping employee pay preferences across the UK.
By people2people UK November 23, 2025
Discover why communication gaps between generations are increasing in UK workplaces and how HR can bridge these divides through shared experiences, team activities, and stronger human connection.
By people2people UK November 18, 2025
A clear guide for UK employers on conducting fair, transparent and legally compliant redundancies during rising unemployment and economic uncertainty.
By people2people UK November 9, 2025
UK employers face mounting challenges in 2026—from recruitment and retention to rising costs, AI adoption, and new employment laws. Discover how HR leaders can stay resilient and build workplaces that attract, engage, and retain top talent.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us