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How long does it take on average to find a job in 2025? I'm reentering the job market after moving to a new city and leaving the military years ago. As for landing a job that is unlisted through networking. Would that be possible for me? What are interviews usually like for people?
Is interviewing more like talking between two people who just met?
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4 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Krystal !
There will be many factors that may determine your marketability for the job market and you have not provided the information for advice that would be pertinent to you specifically. Information such as your credentials, education and qualifications, the field of work applying for, work experience and how long of a gap you've had between leaving the service and now while not employed. Still, you do need to be informed of the employment process and the best way would be to be interviewed in person at an employment services center or your local Veterans Administration where they have counselors that can assess your specific needs and assist you accordingly.
Regardless of what year it is, the employment process is not based on a time limit or deadline so no one can tell you how long it would be for you to obtain a job, especially when advisors do not make that decision, employers do in their own time. This is something everyone never knows, but the more places that you apply to, the more your chances may increase for getting an interview. Cover a lot of ground.
I am not sure why you are not familiar with how interviews are conducted. Let's discuss the employment process from the beginning. The first step is to obtain the employer's contact information to send your application materials. This can be done online at an employment website, from referrals or applying to companies randomly that you'd like to work at. Before applying, read and/or understand the job description and job duties, education requirements so you can apply to jobs that you qualify for. If you don't meet the employers' stated requirements, you most likely will not hear back from that employer. Once you send the requested application materials, it's just a matter of waiting to hear back. It's normal to not hear back from every place you apply to. Nothing about the employment process is specific but most employment notices do contain the important information you'd need to know before applying.
An interview is a meeting between an applicant and a company so that the company's hiring staff can decide if the person is right for the job. The staff may ask you questions about your education, work history, experience and skills. They will evaluate you to also get a feel as to the rapport and chemistry and how well you may fit in at the place. All employers are different and evaluate different things so this can't be generalized. There are some interviews at which there may be more than one person interviewing you (depends on the field of work) or you may be asked to return for a one on one interview with a different staff person at that place. If you do not understand what an interview is, you can do a search online for descriptions but make sure to gear your search to the type of work you are looking for.
The best thing to do is to obtain information in person at the Veteran's Administration. Your Veterans Center is located in the San Francisco VA Medical Center at 4150 Clement Street. One on one discussion about your concerns may be more effective in making the process seem less elusive to you. Inquire at the VA about support groups and employment services groups also. This is the route which will give you the best understanding and perhaps a starting point in your new city.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
There will be many factors that may determine your marketability for the job market and you have not provided the information for advice that would be pertinent to you specifically. Information such as your credentials, education and qualifications, the field of work applying for, work experience and how long of a gap you've had between leaving the service and now while not employed. Still, you do need to be informed of the employment process and the best way would be to be interviewed in person at an employment services center or your local Veterans Administration where they have counselors that can assess your specific needs and assist you accordingly.
Regardless of what year it is, the employment process is not based on a time limit or deadline so no one can tell you how long it would be for you to obtain a job, especially when advisors do not make that decision, employers do in their own time. This is something everyone never knows, but the more places that you apply to, the more your chances may increase for getting an interview. Cover a lot of ground.
I am not sure why you are not familiar with how interviews are conducted. Let's discuss the employment process from the beginning. The first step is to obtain the employer's contact information to send your application materials. This can be done online at an employment website, from referrals or applying to companies randomly that you'd like to work at. Before applying, read and/or understand the job description and job duties, education requirements so you can apply to jobs that you qualify for. If you don't meet the employers' stated requirements, you most likely will not hear back from that employer. Once you send the requested application materials, it's just a matter of waiting to hear back. It's normal to not hear back from every place you apply to. Nothing about the employment process is specific but most employment notices do contain the important information you'd need to know before applying.
An interview is a meeting between an applicant and a company so that the company's hiring staff can decide if the person is right for the job. The staff may ask you questions about your education, work history, experience and skills. They will evaluate you to also get a feel as to the rapport and chemistry and how well you may fit in at the place. All employers are different and evaluate different things so this can't be generalized. There are some interviews at which there may be more than one person interviewing you (depends on the field of work) or you may be asked to return for a one on one interview with a different staff person at that place. If you do not understand what an interview is, you can do a search online for descriptions but make sure to gear your search to the type of work you are looking for.
The best thing to do is to obtain information in person at the Veteran's Administration. Your Veterans Center is located in the San Francisco VA Medical Center at 4150 Clement Street. One on one discussion about your concerns may be more effective in making the process seem less elusive to you. Inquire at the VA about support groups and employment services groups also. This is the route which will give you the best understanding and perhaps a starting point in your new city.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi, Krystal! The time it takes to find a job in 2025 can vary widely depending on factors like your industry, location, experience, and how actively you’re searching. On average, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months—especially if you’re reentering the job market after some time away and adjusting to a new city. It’s normal for the process to take some time as you reconnect with your network and get to know the local job market.
While finding jobs that aren’t publicly listed is often possible through referrals and personal connections, it’s just one part of the overall search. Applying broadly, researching companies, and staying organized can also help you uncover opportunities.
Interviews often feel like a conversation between two people meeting for the first time but with a clear purpose. Although interviews usually follow some structure, many interviewers aim to create a comfortable environment where you can openly share your skills and experience. It’s also a chance for you to determine if the company and role are a good fit. Preparing ahead by practicing common questions and thinking about your own questions can make interviews feel more natural and less stressful.
Overall, the job search can take time, but staying patient and prepared will help you navigate it successfully. Best of luck!
While finding jobs that aren’t publicly listed is often possible through referrals and personal connections, it’s just one part of the overall search. Applying broadly, researching companies, and staying organized can also help you uncover opportunities.
Interviews often feel like a conversation between two people meeting for the first time but with a clear purpose. Although interviews usually follow some structure, many interviewers aim to create a comfortable environment where you can openly share your skills and experience. It’s also a chance for you to determine if the company and role are a good fit. Preparing ahead by practicing common questions and thinking about your own questions can make interviews feel more natural and less stressful.
Overall, the job search can take time, but staying patient and prepared will help you navigate it successfully. Best of luck!
OK. I understand what you are saying. I have found some of your advice to be true since starting my job search. Your advice about interviewing was just what I needed. Thank you.
Krystal
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
The job market is a little rough right now, you may be looking for a role for a little while. I highly recommend connecting with people and your network. As you look at jobs, you might want, you may be surprised to find you have connections in those fields or even at specific companies.
When it comes to the interview, it’s mostly like a conversation between two people, but you also want to be aware of what you are saying and only sharing things that show you in a positive light in relation to the role. I have done some interviews where people open up about their whole life and it becomes a little too much.
Wishing you luck in your search
When it comes to the interview, it’s mostly like a conversation between two people, but you also want to be aware of what you are saying and only sharing things that show you in a positive light in relation to the role. I have done some interviews where people open up about their whole life and it becomes a little too much.
Wishing you luck in your search
An interview is like a professional friendly conversation. As for the job market, it looks like it has been rough for years. Would you say that is right?
Krystal
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Krystal,
Nobody can tell you how long it will take YOU to find a job, especially since we have no information whatsoever about you.
Consider using a job coach to optimize your resume and practice interviewing. Check what resources the VA can provide.
You first need to take stock:
What formal qualifications do you have (degrees, certificates)? Did you get an education before you joined the military that is still usable? Did you get training in the military that would be valuable in the civil world?
What job experience do you have? Maybe you acquired skills in the military but don't have a civil certification for it? Can you easily get those skills documented or certified?
What transferable skills do you have? You certainly needed skills like teamwork, leadership, organisation, time management etc. in your military job. Make sure to list those on your resume.
What kind of job would you like and/or what is feasable? Do your qualifications and experiences translate to a particular job sector? Should you start over?
What qualifications and experiences do you need for jobs you want to aim for? How can you get those qualifications and experiences? If you can afford it or get assistance, consider going back to school. An associates degree is only 2 years away. Some licenses can be obtained even faster.
Can anyone in your network help? You moved to a new city, so maybe you don't have much of a network where you are, but you can build one.
The good news is that you are in San Francisco, so there are options around. The bad news is you are in San Francisco, and life in the bay area is expensive.
I would try to get employed and/or go to school as soon as possible (I know, easier said than done). It's always easier to find a job when you have a job, ANY job.
Sectors I would look at if your previous qualifications and experiences don't lead anywhere:
Hospitality or tourism: restaurants, tour operators or hotels hire without formal education.
Healthcare is always short-staffed. There are some very accessible licenses to get started and you can work your way up to higher positions. A CNA, e.g. requires only 50 hours of classroom and 100 hours of clinical training plus a licensing exam in CA. Phlebotomy is also a fairly short program. If bedside care is not your thing check medical coding or pharmacy assistant.
Look at temp agencies too. They usually need jobs filled fast, you can get work experience (and reference letters) and if they like you, you might even get hired in a permanent position.
For the short-term, look for jobs like delivery driver, house sitter, dog walker, etc.
If you are not yet working/studying, volunteer. Pick a cause close to your heart or close to jobs that you might want to have and offer your services. You'll get out of the house, build confidence, meet people (network!) and even build skills.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Nobody can tell you how long it will take YOU to find a job, especially since we have no information whatsoever about you.
Consider using a job coach to optimize your resume and practice interviewing. Check what resources the VA can provide.
You first need to take stock:
What formal qualifications do you have (degrees, certificates)? Did you get an education before you joined the military that is still usable? Did you get training in the military that would be valuable in the civil world?
What job experience do you have? Maybe you acquired skills in the military but don't have a civil certification for it? Can you easily get those skills documented or certified?
What transferable skills do you have? You certainly needed skills like teamwork, leadership, organisation, time management etc. in your military job. Make sure to list those on your resume.
What kind of job would you like and/or what is feasable? Do your qualifications and experiences translate to a particular job sector? Should you start over?
What qualifications and experiences do you need for jobs you want to aim for? How can you get those qualifications and experiences? If you can afford it or get assistance, consider going back to school. An associates degree is only 2 years away. Some licenses can be obtained even faster.
Can anyone in your network help? You moved to a new city, so maybe you don't have much of a network where you are, but you can build one.
The good news is that you are in San Francisco, so there are options around. The bad news is you are in San Francisco, and life in the bay area is expensive.
I would try to get employed and/or go to school as soon as possible (I know, easier said than done). It's always easier to find a job when you have a job, ANY job.
Sectors I would look at if your previous qualifications and experiences don't lead anywhere:
Hospitality or tourism: restaurants, tour operators or hotels hire without formal education.
Healthcare is always short-staffed. There are some very accessible licenses to get started and you can work your way up to higher positions. A CNA, e.g. requires only 50 hours of classroom and 100 hours of clinical training plus a licensing exam in CA. Phlebotomy is also a fairly short program. If bedside care is not your thing check medical coding or pharmacy assistant.
Look at temp agencies too. They usually need jobs filled fast, you can get work experience (and reference letters) and if they like you, you might even get hired in a permanent position.
For the short-term, look for jobs like delivery driver, house sitter, dog walker, etc.
If you are not yet working/studying, volunteer. Pick a cause close to your heart or close to jobs that you might want to have and offer your services. You'll get out of the house, build confidence, meet people (network!) and even build skills.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP