Average Time to Find a Job by Industry (2025 Statistics)
In this report, we estimate the average time it takes to find a job.
To do so, we analyzed data submitted by job seekers through our platform. Specifically, we measured the time between completing the first mock interview and receiving a job offer.
Knowing these figures can help you set realistic expectations during your job search.
Key Findings and Statistics
- It takes 15 weeks (3.5 months) to find a job
- It takes longer (6.5 months) to find a new job after being laid off
- There is a great disparity depending on industry and job titles
Average time to find a job (by industry)
Although it takes an average of 15 weeks to find a job, the range varies between 8 and 22 weeks depending on the sector of activity.
For example, due to high specialization and strict credential requirements, it takes 22 weeks (5 months) to find a job in the legal industry and 21 weeks to find a job in education.
We also estimate that it takes 19 weeks to land a management position.
Engineering jobs take about 18 weeks (4 months) to secure, while information technology positions take about 17 weeks.
It only takes 15 weeks to get a job in logistics or transportation.
Due to high staff turnover, it takes only 12 weeks to land a job in the hospitality industry, 11 weeks in nursing, 10 weeks in retail, and 8 weeks in customer service.
Average time to find a job (by job title)
Even within the same industry, the specific job title you pursue can affect how long it takes to land a job.
More senior job titles, such as directors experience the longest job search period, averaging 24 weeks.
Software engineers take 20 weeks to find a job, while product managers typically take 19 weeks.
Data Analysts need about 18 weeks to land a job, and financial analysts generally need 17 weeks.
DevOps engineers take 14 weeks to switch jobs, closely followed by UX/UI designers at 13 weeks.
Sales representatives usually spend about 10 weeks searching for a job, which is noticeably shorter than most other roles.
AI/ML Engineers have the shortest job search, averaging only 8 weeks. This short timeframe reflects the high demand for talents in the AI sector.
It takes 27 weeks (6.5 months) to find a new job after being laid off (BLS)
Although our platform data shows an average of 15 weeks for all users, unemployed job seekers tend to search for jobs longer than actively employed candidates who change positions.
According to a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it takes 27 weeks (6.5 months) to find a new job after being laid off.
A closer look at the data shows that 25% of unemployed job seekers find a job in just 5 weeks, but the overall average is skewed by a group of unemployed job seekers who take between 16 and 25 weeks to find a job.
It takes 31 weeks (7.5 months) to find a first job after college
Data from your interview platform indicates that it takes 31 weeks (7.5 months) for recent graduates to find their first job after university.
Job searches take longer because new graduates have limited work experience and no professional network.
Knowing this timeframe can help recent graduates set realistic expectations and seek proactive strategies, such as internships or networking, to bridge this gap and ease their transition to the job market.