The research focuses on three key stages of the jobseeker journey
PageUp, a global leader in Talent Acquisition solutions, has released new research shedding light on effective strategies for attracting top talent. The study, which surveyed 185,000 applicants worldwide, provides valuable insights for business leaders grappling with ongoing talent shortages and the challenges of the hiring process.
According to Mark Rice, CEO of PageUp Group, the research highlights the increasing importance of candidate experience in the current job market. With global unemployment still below long-term trends, companies are facing difficulties in attracting suitable candidates, resulting in significant pressure on productivity. Rice emphasizes the need for organizations to bridge the gap between candidate expectations and their actual hiring experience to ensure long-term resilience.
The research focuses on three key stages of the jobseeker journey: pre-application, job search, and application. It underscores the significant influence of technology, transparency, and data in optimizing the applicant journey, highlighting the value of providing candidates with an exceptional experience.
One notable finding is that 32 per cent of applications are now submitted via mobile devices, a percentage that continues to grow annually. Rebecca Skilbeck, Head of Customer Insights and Market Research at PageUp, emphasizes the crucial role of technology in scalability, streamlining processes, accessibility, and guiding candidates. However, Skilbeck notes that it’s not just about the platforms themselves but also how companies choose to leverage them, as jobseekers highly value access to information.
The research reveals that 80 per cent of surveyed applicants consider it important to have access to critical information before deciding to pursue a role. However, only 36 per cent of respondents felt satisfied that they had the necessary information. With 64 per cent of jobseekers initiating their search on careers sites, organizations have an opportunity to showcase their employer brand, provide essential information, and optimize this channel to increase applications.
Regarding job ads, jobseekers expressed a desire for clarity and transparency. Clear job titles and descriptions, a defined salary range, eligibility requirements, and necessary documentation were among the most frequently requested elements.
At the application stage, the research highlights the impact of question types on the candidate experience. Questions without proper context or those deemed intrusive had a significantly negative impact, while applicants praised companies that used clear, direct, and relevant questions.
Rebecca Skilbeck emphasizes that the candidate experience does not begin after the submission of an application but rather starts at the initial interest stage. The research aims to provide a comprehensive view of the hiring process, from initial interest through the job search to the submitted application. Skilbeck asserts that this actionable data empowers business leaders to make informed decisions and navigate the talent market successfully.
In a competitive talent landscape, the research by PageUp serves as a critical resource for organizations aiming to attract and secure top talent. By focusing on enhancing candidate experience, leveraging technology effectively, and providing transparent and informative interactions, businesses can gain a competitive advantage in attracting the best talent available.
