When a recruiter asks in an interview: “Why have you been looking for a job for so long?”, it can make you feel uncomfortable, nervous, or embarrassed.
1. Giving a soft answer
Most people try to give a nice answer, like: “I want to find a job that really fits me and where I can use my skills.”
• This sounds good, but to the recruiter, it’s too vague and doesn’t give details. It can seem like you are being picky or expect too much.
2. Getting angry
Some people get upset and say: “Honestly? Because recruiters don’t know what they want! They take months and then stop answering!”
• This makes you look angry or unprofessional. Recruiters might think: “If he reacts like this in the interview, how will he handle problems at work?”
3. Avoiding the question
Others say: “The job market is hard right now, there aren’t many good jobs.”
• This sounds like you don’t want to take responsibility or try harder.
The important thing to remember is: the recruiter is not just asking how long you’ve been looking, but also how confident and active you are in your job search. If you don’t believe in yourself, the recruiter won’t believe in you either.
So, when the recruiter asks: “You’ve been looking for a long time. Why?”
Try to answer clearly and confidently:
“I’m looking for the right job, not just any job. I want to find a team and work where I can learn and contribute. I’m going to interviews, listening to feedback and improving my skills. That’s why when I find the right company, I’ll stay for a long time.”
Good luck with your interview!
