It’s taking longer and getting harder for job seekers to hear “You’re hired.” These sweet words seem harder and harder to come by in the digital age.


Statistics indicate that employers in the United States are taking an average of 25 days to fill vacant positions, which is much longer than in the past. In fact, it’s a 13 year high, according to the Dice-DFH Vacancy Measure, which is an index created by Chicago economist Steven Davis of the University of Chicago.


Companies with 5,000 employees or more take even longer than the 25 day average, and sit comfortably at 58.1 work days. According to this specific index, any day between Monday through Saturday is considered a work day.


Both employers and economists state there is definitive answer the slow hiring process, but perhaps the lag is representative of lack of confidence in the economy. However, though the economy is showing major signs of recovery-job openings hit 4.7 million in June, the highest in nearly 13 years-employers are still leery and find it difficult to commit to potential candidates.


Usually, longer times between employers posting a position and selecting a candidate is indicative of a thriving economy, and suggests there are more positions available than people to fill them. However, with a whopping 10 million Americans unemployed, this is clearly not the case. Additionally, employers have become more selective and have raised the credentialsneeded to even be considered for many positions.


Surprisingly enough, technology may also be playing a role via social media. Networking platforms such as LinkedIn allow employers to woo potential candidates that are already employed at corporate competitors, though they are not technically on the job market. Though social media platforms give employers access to more potential hires, attempting to lure these candidates away from their current positions takes much longer than selecting a candidate who is actively job searching.


On the other hand, other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can work as a hindrance to job seekers. In fact, more and more employers are silently screening candidates by trolling their social media outlets in hopes of obtaining a larger, more personal picture. Therefore, maintaining a positive online presence is essential for job seekers in any industry.


Though this is undoubtedly controversial for many reasons, including legal, it is a reality. Most applicants who do no hear back after submitting an application will never that is due to their latest Facebook post. To be on the safe side, job seekers are encouraged to separate their personal and professional online presence, and abstain from posting controversial material.


However, some job seekers have taken matters into their own hands, and use social media to market themselves or to even create their very own position, such as blogging. In fact, many people are now working out of the comfort of their own home, in positions such as virtual assistants. Technology has fueled the telecommuting niche.


The trend continues with no signs of slowing down. It’s estimated that by 2020, the majority of consumers will manage nearly 85% of their interaction with businesses without ever having to personally interact with a human. Many businesses now take advantage of voice commands for things such as “pay by phone”.


The times have definitely changed, and job seekers are eager to meet the challenge head on.