Candidate-Centric Hiring Is the Key To Staying Competitive
The Impact of the Current Job Market on Candidate Experience
Our Q1 2025 survey found workers largely optimistic about their chances of finding quality work. As the year progressed, this optimism waned as the effort required to find a new job increased. Recent findings highlight a growing challenge for job seekers, as many anticipate submitting more applications before securing employment. Our Q4 2025 survey reveals a six percent increase in the perceived difficulty of finding a job, reflecting the heightened competition and complexity in today’s job market.
Furthermore, the duration of job searches has lengthened significantly over the past year. In Q1 2025, 16 percent of respondents experienced searches lasting six months or more, this figure increased to 31 percent in our latest survey.
There is also a distinct shift in job seekers’ expectations regarding the number of applications they expect to submit before securing a position. 52 percent of candidates now expect to be hired after submitting 25 applications or fewer — a 12 percent decrease from Q1 2025. Meanwhile, 23 percent of job seekers now expect to submit 100 or more applications before being hired, representing a 10 percent jump. This growing expectation underscores the urgency for organizations to adapt their hiring processes, ensuring they remain efficient and communicative. As application volumes rise, candidate experience — from streamlined applications to clear, timely feedback — becomes even more vital in attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
Risks of Ignoring Candidate Experience
When companies fail to adapt to increased application volume, it can create additional challenges that impact their ability to hire top talent. First, this failure can overwhelm existing recruiting capacity, leading to slower response times and frustration among applicants. The hiring process is often a candidate’s first impression of a company, and a poor experience can negatively impact the employer’s brand and long-term retention. In our Q3 2025 survey, 43 percent of respondents stated that a lack of communication from employers is the most negative aspect of interviewing for a job. Not updating applicants of their status or completely “ghosting” them can erode trust and deter qualified candidates from accepting offers.
As application numbers rise, employers must streamline hiring to maintain a positive candidate experience. A slow, rigid process could cause employers to miss out on top talent.
Strategies for Adapting to Increasing Application Volume
To efficiently address the increasing volume of job applications while maintaining a high standard of experience for candidates, employers can adopt the following strategies:
• Refine Job Descriptions: Clear and precise job postings help reduce irrelevant applications, making it easier for recruiters to focus on qualified talent.
• Invest in Automation and AI Tools: Leveraging technology for prescreening and scheduling can streamline high-volume processes, but it’s crucial to maintain human touchpoints throughout the journey.
• Prioritize Communication: Proactive, transparent communication protects employer brand and fosters candidate trust, especially as application volumes rise.
In today’s competitive market, adapting to increased application volume is not just about efficiency — it’s about creating a positive, engaging hiring experience that attracts and retains the best candidates. Employers who embrace these changes will be better positioned to build strong teams and maintain a reputable brand.