HONOLULU (KHON2) — The job search in 2024 was more challenging than it seemed despite the U.S. labor market declaring its favor for job seekers.

A new study examined how long it took for job seekers to find employment or a better paying in 2024. What they found provides an in-depth look at how long it takes to find a job and the factors affecting the process.

They found that in 2024 it took job seekers longer to land jobs and that many are experiencing a tougher job search due to new obstacles like “ghost jobs” and AI automated resume screenings.

Key findings from the report:

It takes longer to find a job: Job seekers in 2024 were taking an average of 247 days (about eight months) to land a job. This is slightly longer than previous years. The findings show that competitive job markets, especially in tech, are contributing to this delay.

Job applications are increasing: From 2018 to 2024, job seekers had to apply to an average of 221 jobs before getting hired. In 2024, this number increased significantly, with 294 applications needed on average. The labor market is more competitive, especially in fields like tech, where job seekers must compete against a large pool of applicants.

Best times to apply: For job seekers, timing matters. The report found that the best time to apply for a job is between 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST on weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Applications sent during these hours are more likely to be noticed by recruiters. On weekends, timing doesn’t have much of an impact.

Sending more applications helps: The report showed that job seekers who applied to 20 or more jobs per week got more interviews and landed jobs faster. However, sending more than 30 applications per week leads to diminishing returns. This suggests that quality applications are more effective than sheer quantity.

Non-citizens face extra challenges: Job seekers who require sponsorship, like H1B visa holders, often face a longer job search. Though they apply to more jobs, their chances of landing a job can be lower than that of U.S. citizens due to additional barriers like the need for employer sponsorship.

Competition is increasing: In-demand roles like software engineering are competitive with many job seekers vying for the same positions. The 2024 job market was not only difficult because of a high number of applicants, but also because companies are increasingly using AI automation to screen candidates. This means that without a perfectly optimized resume, many applicants might get overlooked.

Job seekers in Hawaiʻi: While the report doesn’t focus on Hawaiʻi specifically, it highlights general trends that apply nationwide, including Hawaiʻi. Given that Hawaiʻi has a smaller job market compared to states on the continent, job seekers there may face unique challenges such as fewer job postings or more competition for positions. The best approach is to apply strategically by targeting specific roles that align with one’s skills and interests.

Role-specific insights: Some roles take longer to fill than others. For instance, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) jobs, such as software engineering, may take longer due to high demand and competition, while marketing roles could have lower entry barriers. In Hawaiʻi, like other places, demand for tech jobs may be lower than in larger states; but they still tend to be competitive when available.

Why job seekers struggled in 2024: The report discusses several factors that have made job searches more difficult. One of these is the prevalence of “ghost jobs”. These are job postings that employers don’t intend to fill or have already filled. Another factor is the growing use of automated systems (ATS) to filter resumes. These systems make it more difficult for applicants to get their materials seen by a human recruiter.

How to improve your chances: For job seekers in Hawaiʻi and elsewhere, the key is applying efficiently and effectively. The report emphasizes the importance of networking, applying to many jobs (at least 20 per week) and sending a personalized email with each application to increase the chances of getting noticed. The study also suggests optimizing your job search materials, like resumes and portfolios, to stand out in a competitive market.

Finding a job in 2024 was harder and took longer than in previous years. It’s became more common for job seekers to apply to hundreds of jobs before landing an offer, especially in competitive fields.

However, there are strategies that can help job seekers land a job faster, such as applying in the best time frames, sending quality applications consistently and networking effectively.

You can click here to read the report.

For those in Hawaiʻi, it’s important to focus on jobs that match your skill set, be patient and use best practices to improve your chances in a challenging job market.