One of the most common questions candidates ask is when they should start looking for a new job and how long the process will take. The reality is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it depends on your own expectations and what employers are looking for in a candidate.
Looking for a new job is never as simple as sending out a few applications and waiting for the offers to roll in. The process often takes longer than expected, requires more flexibility than most people assume, and benefits from an open-minded approach. Understanding these realities upfront can help make the experience smoother and lead to better results.
The recruitment process – Understanding what employers value
One of the most important things to keep in mind during your job search is that employers aren’t just looking for a checklist of qualifications. They are seeking a mix of skills, experience, and attributes that fit the needs of their business and the personalities of the staff they already have. Some roles, especially technical ones, require highly specific experience or expertise. For example, a Engineer working on a complex project may need to have experience with particular construction methods.
But there’s another side to the equation – adaptability and attitude. Employers often value candidates who show they can grow into a role, learn quickly, and work well in a team. For instance, a Project Manager who has proven experience in managing high-rise residential projects might not have specific experience with commercial properties, but their adaptability and problem-solving skills could make them a great fit for an employer.
When approaching your job search, think beyond your qualifications and consider what employers might value in terms of your approach to work and willingness to learn or adapt. For example, a Contract Administrator might be great at managing contracts and deadlines, but if they also show a willingness to adapt to new systems or technologies, they can position themselves as a more attractive candidate.
Understanding what employers are prioritising, and where you meet with those priorities, can help you make better decisions in your search and keep you moving in the right direction.
The recruitment process – It may take longer than you think
Most people underestimate how long a job search takes. Even when things seem to move quickly, delays happen. The hiring process involves multiple steps: reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, waiting for feedback, and sometimes additional rounds of interviews. Then there’s contract negotiation, background checks, and notice periods.
Many roles are tied to business needs that shift unexpectedly. A hiring manager might be ready to move forward, but budgets change, priorities shift, or internal approvals take longer than planned. Even in a strong job market, finding a suitable role is rarely instant.
It helps to go into the process with realistic expectations. If you’re hoping for a new job within a month, it’s worth considering that it might take three or more. If you’re waiting to hear back from an interview, following up is fine, but silence doesn’t always mean rejection. Processes slow down for reasons outside your control.
The best approach is to keep searching, even if a role seems promising. Waiting for one opportunity to work out can lead to wasted time. Keeping momentum in your search means you won’t be left in limbo if one opportunity falls through.
Employers want someone now, not months from now
One of the biggest misconceptions candidates have is that companies are planning months ahead for hiring. Most of the time, they’re not. When a role is open, it usually means the business needs someone as soon as possible. Hiring managers are looking to fill a gap now, not six months down the track.
But here’s the part that often gets overlooked, just because a job is available ‘now’ doesn’t mean you can step into one straight away. The recruitment process still takes time. Even if a role is available immediately, it can take weeks to get from first conversation to job offer. That’s why it’s more the exception than the rule when someone moves directly from one job into another without any downtime.
So, do expect, for instance, that if you wait until June to start looking, you might not have a new job lined up until August or September. Factoring in these timelines can help avoid gaps between jobs.
If you have a specific timeframe in mind, starting earlier than you think is wise. Employers move at their own pace, and the opportunity you’re after might come up sooner than expected. The more prepared you are, the smoother the transition will be.
Flexibility makes a big difference
One of the biggest challenges in job searching is balancing what you want with what’s available. It’s easy to get attached to a specific salary, job title, or location, but the more rigid the criteria, the longer the search tends to take.
Some of the best opportunities aren’t exactly what people had in mind at the start. Maybe a role is slightly outside your preferred location but offers a better career path. Maybe the salary is a little lower than your goal package / remuneration but comes with strong growth potential.
Many hiring managers value candidates who show flexibility. If two candidates have similar experience, the one willing to adjust their expectations is often the one who gets the job.
Being flexible doesn’t mean settling for something you don’t want. It means considering roles that may not match your exact criteria but still offer a good path forward. Being open to conversations, even about roles that aren’t a perfect match, can lead to unexpected but worthwhile opportunities.
Speeding up or slowing down the process
The pace of your job search depends on how open you are to different opportunities. If you want to speed things up, being less specific about job title, salary, and location will help. The more roles you consider, the more chances you have to find a match quickly.
On the other hand, if you have a long list of requirements, the process will naturally take longer. If a particular title, company, salary, or work arrangement is non-negotiable, expect to wait longer for a role that meets your needs. The more specific you are, the smaller the pool of opportunities, and the longer it will take to find one that meets all your expectations.
Neither approach is right or wrong – it just depends on your priorities. But if you’re in a situation where you need a job soon, widening your search criteria can make a big difference.
Keep an open mind
A narrow job search can lead to frustration. Sometimes the ideal role isn’t the one that looks best on paper. People often focus on specific job titles or companies, but the best move might be in an unexpected direction.
A sideways move can be just as valuable as an upward one. If a role offers new skills, exposure to a different part of the industry, or a better long-term career trajectory, it’s worth considering. Career growth isn’t always about climbing a ladder in a straight line.
Talking to industry contacts, specialist recruiters, and hiring managers can give a better sense of what’s available. Sometimes a role that didn’t seem appealing at first becomes more attractive after learning more about it. The key is being open to conversations and possibilities.
Final thoughts
Job searches come with ups and downs. There can be long waits, roles that don’t work out, and moments of uncertainty. The process can be unpredictable, but knowing what to expect makes it easier to navigate.
Expecting delays, staying flexible, and keeping an open mind can make the search less stressful and lead to better results. Instead of focusing on finding the perfect job as quickly as possible, focusing on the right opportunity leads to a stronger career move in the long run.
Looking for your next construction job? Search our current construction roles here, or to chat with our team about securing your next opportunity, get in contact with us through our Contact Us page.
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