How long should a job search take?
It varies enormously by field and level, but a common planning figure is one month for every ten thousand dollars of target salary. Entry level and high demand roles move much faster. What consistently shortens it is contact with people rather than volume of applications.
Should I apply if I only meet some of the requirements?
Yes, if you meet most of the core ones. Postings are wish lists. Employers routinely hire candidates who meet seventy percent of the list and show they learn fast.
What do I say about being fired?
Briefly, factually and without blame: the role was not the right fit, here is what you learned, here is why this role is different. Do not lie about it; it surfaces in reference checks and ends the process.
How do I explain a long gap?
Name the reason in one line and move immediately to what you have been doing to stay current: volunteering, a course, caregiving, a certificate. Gaps are far more common than they were, and employers ask mainly to check that you have a straightforward answer.
Do I need to be on social platforms?
A single complete professional profile is useful because recruiters search them. Beyond that, no. Clean up anything public that you would not want a hiring manager to see.
Should I take a job below my level?
Often yes, if it stops the gap from growing and keeps you connected to a sector. Employed candidates are treated better in the market than unemployed ones, which is unfair and true.
Is it worth paying a resume service?
Usually not. Free help is available from workforce centers and libraries, and a resume written by someone who does not know your work is easy to spot. Spend the money on a certification instead.
Do you find people jobs?
No. This is an information site with no placement service, no job board and no staffing operation. Everything here is guidance you apply yourself, plus pointers to publicly funded services that do provide direct help.