No matter what you do, a job search never seems to be as quick as you’d like. It’d be nice if we could just go to a sort of job search vending machine, put our money in, and out rolls the new position of our dreams.

Unfortunately that isn’t possible (yet). And anyway the real currency for that job search vending machine would be time not quarters. Lots of time. But just because a job search eats time up doesn’t mean it should take
forever. If your job search is dragging out longer than it seems like it should, take a look at the following common job search killers.

Expectations Are Unreasonable
How long is too long for a job search? There is no absolute answer. So if your search seems to be taking too long, maybe you’re expecting too much. For one thing, it can vary widely from person to person. What’s more, it’s different depending largely on what level you’re at in your career. Generally, the higher up the ladder you are, the longer it’ll take to move to a different position. But even that isn’t an absolute. It’s not unusual for those in very prominent upper-level positions to be so visible that they never really engage in a job search — jobs often come looking for them instead of the other way around. Nonetheless, don’t be surprised if a middle- to upper-level management job search takes at least six months. And a year or more for such a search isn’t unusual.

Shooting Too High
Maybe you’re asking too much of your limited experience. You may very well be an excellent candidate for any number of jobs — just not as high up as you’re hoping for. And don’t make the mistake of shooting high in your job search and hoping the hiring manager will be impressed and bring you in for a lower position. It happens, but it’s not very common. Be honest with yourself. Get others’ opinion as to what jobs you should be looking for.

Not Focused Enough
A lot of people think that by spreading their job search goals wide they open up the maximum number of opportunities. But it doesn’t really work that way. By aiming at one very specific range of positions, preferably in one industry, you dig deeper. You find more connections and more opportunities. Narrowing down typically adds better possibilities in the long run.

You Haven’t Clarified Your Goals
Maybe your job search has stalled because you’re not really sure what exactly you’re searching for to begin with. It can be tempting to race through the first step of evaluating and strategizing, so you can get right to sending out resumes and actively searching. But it makes it a lot harder to find what you want when you don’t know what you want.

Ineffective Search Methods
Are you sending out mass resumes without direct contacts in companies? Not very effective. Are you depending on recruiters to find jobs for you? They only do that for a few very exceptional candidates. Are you ignoring networking in favor of online postings? Then you’re only skimming the surface of job possibilities. Look at your methods and focus on the most effective means of getting a job.

Resume Problems
If you’re not getting many calls for interviews, there’s a very good chance your resume is at fault. No matter how great your career may be, you aren’t going anywhere if you don’t convey those successes effectively. And if you have problem spots in your past — limited experience, gaps in employment etc. — the need for a great resume quadruples. Have a professional check your resume over. Many of them offer a free consultation. The money you spend on the work of a quality resume writer is sure to pay back many times over.

Interviewing Problems
Are you getting interviews but no job offers? That’s a sure indicator that your interviewing skills are sub par. But don’t be discouraged. Interviewing is a skill that can be learned just like any other. There are loads of books on the subject. Even more effective is to get professional one-on-one interview training through a career coach or counselor. Your job search will improve dramatically with such training.

Poor Use of Time
No matter what you do, a job search takes time. I know, not everyone has 40 hours or more a week to devote to it. But the less time you spend on it, the more days, weeks and months your job search will take. That said, the most important thing is to set up a regular schedule and stick to it. Even if it’s only an hour or so a day, it’s more important to be consistent and disciplined in your use of the time you have.

There are countless ways your job search can be sabotaged and lengthened, but these are some of the most common reasons. Ask yourself these tough questions and keep tuning your job search for maximum efficiency and power.

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