Nine in ten jobseekers say their applications are being ‘ignored’

Nine in ten jobseekers say their applications are being ‘ignored’

Almost nine in ten jobseekers in the UK feel that their job applications are being ignored, according to new research.

A third (29 per cent) of jobseekers polled by global talent solutions business Robert Walters said they were sending out over 20 applications per week – averaging four per working day.

Fifty-eight per cent said they were put off by a long application process, and more than half (54 per cent) said they were using AI to help.

However, three quarters (73 per cent) of hiring managers claim they can spot when a candidate has used AI to create their CV or cover letter, mainly due to the impersonal language and perfect formatting.

More than a third (35 per cent) told researchers that a use of AI would negatively impact their opinion of the candidate.

And the survey findings reveal how the skyrocketing volume of job applications is leaving hiring managers overwhelmed, leading to longer response times and, ultimately, candidates being left in the dark.

Seventy per cent of hiring managers have noticed an increase in applications. Consequently, 57 per cent admitted that the influx in applications has caused delays, with many prospective hires not meeting the basic criteria for the roles in question.

The top cause for rejecting applications is a lack of relevant experience, with 62 per cent of hiring managers citing it as their primary reason.

Thirty seven per cent of employers said they manually review and manage applications in their applicant tracking systems (ATS), but the sheer volume has led to some qualified candidates slipping through the net and being overlooked.

Chris Eldridge, CEO of Robert Walters UK&I, said: “While AI can be helpful for quick applications, hiring managers value authenticity and a true reflection of a candidate’s experience.

“Many professionals believe tailoring their CV with AI improves their chances, but employers can often spot the language or overly polished formatting, which can actually work against them.”

Original Article: Business Biscuit

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