How long were you looking before you got your current job?

[maggiethemagpie]

I've always been able to get jobs quite quickly but not necessarily the right jobs. I'm not the world's most patient person. But I am trying to be. I am on the look out for a new job and getting frustrated as there's only really been one or two I've seen that have been worth applying for in the six weeks since I decided to start looking. One, I got to second stage interview for and rejected. The other, they had a brief tele interview with me and then nothing.

So I'm realising this may take some time. Just interested in how long other people were job hunting for and did you have many 'nearlys' before you got to yes?

I think it just depends on what you do.

It is harder for me these days yet it was pretty easy for DH when he left his company of 10 years.

4 months, applying for at least 8 a week. Ive had 5 interviews out of all of those and got the last one. 90 % didn't bother responding to me, it's actually soul destroying!

maggie someone with very transferable skills who can apply for a range of different roles will likely find a job quickly as they can spread their net wider. And if they live in an area where there is a big supply of jobs including full time, Fixed Term contracts and temping will have a lot of choice i.e. They could get several interview opportunities without a long wait.

All I'm saying is don't feel despondent about your situation if it feels a bit "slow" - it may just be the circumstances at the time you're looking. Can you maximise your transferable skills so you can widen your job search. That may mean a few internet courses you can fit around your current job.

Ive just passed a professional qualification doing self-study and a computer-based exam. 3 months of time investment + £200 for the books and exam has significantly improved my job chances. Now just have to see what I can find

About a week, but I am a science teacher! But I am aware that as I get older and more experienced it will get harder. I will have to keep adding to my skills (training to teach physics to A-level is my next goal). Getting older = more money and being less "mouldable" in education, which I am sure is the same in other industries too. Good luck!

Literally mins, I sent a speculative cv and they rang me straight away to offer me a job. But I'm very over qualified and not to fussed about a low wage, as I just need something flexible to fit round my studies.

I think the main problem is I'm not sure what I want. my current role is very very flexible - working from home with travel 1-2 days a week, which I LOVE but the role itself isn't working any more for various reasons - it's actually less responsibility than when I started due to an extra layer of management being put in.

I would ideally like a multi site / travelling around role again as I can feel like a battery hen in an office environment, but I also want career progression. The travelling around roles don't come up every day so if I did get one it would most likely be at a similar level to where I am now (or at least what I was before the job had less responsibility ) but where I really want to be and feel I have the ability to be is the next level up.

So I'm confused whether to go for the career development, maybe through an interim role ... and lose the working from home/travelling around element. Or wait for a travelling around job to come up even though that may mean waiting a while - and probably forgoing the development in favour of that.

Sooo confused.. career development versus a more flexible working style and not being in an office all the time. That's my choice basically.

I think your approach may limit your chances tbf. If you are prepared to wait indefinitely then fair enough, you can afford to be choosey regards the career dev v travelling. Those characteristics narrow the field.

My best opportunities have come from targeting a company that is likely to offer opportunities in the future, even if the role itself isn't brilliant. It has been "Get foot in door, do job well and make a name". Then look for options in the company.