Three ways to handle job search strain

By Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster.com

You’ve heard of doom scrolling, but what happens when it’s doom searching? You’re applying to jobs, interviewing and ready to crush that first job out of school and bam…the process may feel stalled and excruciatingly slow.

As a former recruiter, I witnessed this first-hand. Whenever I spoke with job seekers and the timing came up, they all wanted a new job yesterday. This is normal. HIring managers also wanted to extend job offers yesterday. Suffice it to say, both parties want to move forward expeditiously. 

In reality, that’s not always the case. If you want to land a new job within the next two months, for instance, timing alone for the first round (screening), then second and third with the decision makers, especially during the summer and holidays, can potentially drag onto six weeks or more. Factor into securing the offer, clearing the background check, and getting set up in their system, you can tack on up to two additional weeks, give or take. 

When hiring lead times are lengthened, an ideal best case time scenario is also delayed and when you want to land that new job ASAP, it can feel like it’s taking forever. 

This can particularly feel like a gut punch because expectations are high. According to Monster’s 2026 State of the Graduate Report, 79% believe they’ll land a job within three months of graduating. Hiring times are taking longer than typical, so it’s important to adjust your expectations. If you don’t secure full-time employment by Labor Day, it’s not necessarily a reflection of your candidacy.

Some job seekers are reporting lengthy delays. According to new data from the Monster Research Institute, 1 in 4 job seekers say they’ve been searching for more than a year and nearly 1 in 2 job seekers reported searching for at least three months.

Patience and persistence are vital to your success. Here are four ways to handle the job search strain as time marches on.

Expand your search

Due to job search strain, many job seekers are wisely widening their search by applying to a broader range of roles. As college graduates, you have the upper hand since you don’t have years of experience on your resume. The skills you’ve gained during previous internships and coursework can position you to pivot from one area to another.

Create multiple resumes and have them at the ready. For instance, one can be in marketing, another one in sales. Many candidates are prioritizing landing a new role even if it’s not a perfect match.

 As your first job out of college, think of this stage of employment as your stepping stone to greater roles ahead! Getting your foot in the door with a fantastic company can position you well for future job opportunities even if your current one isn’t spot on to what you were originally seeking.

Stay open to skill building opportunities

As you apply to various roles and begin interviewing, ask about the skills you’ll be able to develop. Similar to how you’re evaluating companies just as they’re assessing you during a job interview, when you start working there, you’ll be giving your all toward your job. In turn, the employer should support you with resources to not only succeed in your role, but also give you wings.

Ask about skills-based training opportunities to roll up your sleeves and learn the job and then beyond that, ask about upskilling opportunities once you’re proficient in the role.

While you’re job searching, look at the bigger picture. If the job isn’t a stellar match, but does offer opportunities to learn and grow, then it can be a strong contender.

Continue networking

If you have a side hustle while you’re job searching (and even if you don’t), continue networking. Reach out to people in your network, maintain those relationships, and ask who they know to introduce you for informational interviews.

Social connections can toggle into professional ones, too. Especially during summer months when you might be outdoors more than usual and have various barbecues, softball games, beach outings, the works, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open with a professional lens for new people you meet. You never know where or when you’ll make that next valuable connection!

Although today’s job search is becoming longer for many candidates, it’s important to stay adaptable and focused. You got this!