5 Most Effective Responses To “How Is Your Job Search Going?”

For jobseekers, there is probably no question more daunting than “how is your job search going?” If you have been asked this question a lot lately, then you are not alone. As the Malaysian economy continues to recover post-pandemic, many people are looking for jobs. These include fresh graduates as well as people who are transitioning to new jobs or even new industries.

The job market is perhaps more competitive than ever, especially with new jobs being created because of digital technology. Upskilling is also becoming a more viable career strategy for many, whether you just graduated college or already have past work experience. Jobseeking is understandably challenging. Getting asked about it frequently can get tiring, but when handled well, it can also be constructive.

So, how is your job search going? If you feel like you have run out of answers to this question, then we offer you some useful responses that can hopefully save you from some painful and awkward conversations.

1. “I have some promising prospects, and I’m still waiting for their responses.”

Like many jobseekers out there, you may have already sent out several applications to different companies by now. Waiting for responses from prospective hirers can get agonising for some, and getting asked about it might make the experience more difficult.

The key is to not be defensive. It is highly unlikely that the person asking about your job search is judging you or your situation. It is more likely that the person is concerned about you and just wants to see you succeed. By giving this answer, you can project a more positive vibe. It shows that you are still approaching your job hunt with optimism and confidence in your own qualifications and abilities.

This answer is especially useful during job interviews. The interviewer may ask about the status of your job search to know if you may have active offers that they might compete with. They may also just want a peek into your overall attitude. Seeing how people react differently when asked, "how is your job search going?" can already reveal a lot about the candidate, and this is a big reason why employers ask this question.

2. “I have sent some applications, but maybe you know some other leads?”

When answering this question, it pays to be honest. Do not be embarrassed to admit that you have not yet received any favourable job offers. You should also not be ashamed to ask for help.

Instead of feeling pressured by the question, you can use it as an opportunity to ask the person for any job leads they may have. By asking about your job search, they have already opened the subject matter and possibly expressed interest in your job prospects. You can flip the question around and ask them if they can help you. Ask them if they know of any job openings in your industry or if they know any practitioner, manager, or decision maker in a company you are interested in.

Establishing and widening your network is essential in improving your career prospects. Getting asked about your job hunt should be treated as an opportunity to do so. You should seize this every chance you get.

3. “It’s going well, but maybe you can offer some more insights on this new role I’m applying for?”

This answer is twofold. First, you are saying that things are going well, which opens the conversation in an upbeat manner. This is important because it welcomes the other person into your world, which cannot be achieved by sounding dejected or embarrassed. Secondly, you are asking for their help, but not in a desperate way. You are essentially asking them for insight, which means you value their perspective and look to them as a consultant.

When given a chance, make the most out of someone’s expertise, especially if it is in the field you are interested in entering. They can give you helpful insights that you can take to your application. This answer is most useful for people planning on joining a different industry. It can prompt the person asking to share valuable insight on which jobs to seek, what skills to hone, and how to approach your job search in general.

4. “It’s taking longer than I expected. Can I share my resume and cover letter, and maybe you can give me some notes?”

"How is your job search going" is a question that invites many opportunities to seek guidance and help. One of the aspects of your job hunt that could benefit from outside input is your resume and cover letters. When someone is especially close or more inclined than usual to read your resume and cover letter, take the chance immediately. The fact that they are asking about your job search could mean they are curious to read them.

Having a new set of eyes go through what you have written could be a huge help. Maybe you have seen your resume and cover letter too much to have any objectivity and can no longer see flaws or areas of improvement. On the other hand, other people can offer a fresh perspective and see what works, what to enhance, and what is probably not working. They may give you tips or notes on what to improve based on what worked in their own job seeking experience.

5. “I have yet to get the offer I want, but I am not discouraged at all.”

More than getting an opportunity to seek help, maybe the question is also an opportunity to examine your own resolve. When asked about how your job search is going, try giving this answer. It will impress the person asking and plant a seed of optimism in your mind.

Sometimes talking to someone is really telling yourself a story you want to hear. Do you want to hear a sob story? Do you want to listen to a story of how you are a victim of circumstance and how everything is unfair? As a jobseeker, you want to hear stories of possibility.

So, when talking to someone curious about your job search, you do not need to tell them a success story. Behind every success are untold stories of determination and resilience in the face of failure. Maybe it is time to tell these stories. And perhaps these are the stories you need to say to yourself so you can eventually get the job you want.

Summary

Job searches are tough and sometimes take more time than you expected. This is all the more reason to keep sticking with it. "How is your job search going?" is a question that should not be taken as a taunt or a judgement. It should be taken as much needed reflection. Through interrogation and examination, things often get better. In the end, that is what job seeking is all about: grabbing the chance to get better in every way you can.

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