More than two-thirds of job applications rejected due to lack of relevant skills
More than two-thirds of job applications are rejected due to a lack of relevant skills, according to new research from hiring platform IrishJobs.
The Recruiter & Jobseeker Survey gathered insights from 553 recruiters and 738 jobseekers in Ireland to identify changing attitudes and actions on hiring processes.
The study showed that 78% of employers are not satisfied with the quality of job applications received for open positions, while more than one in five job candidates are rejected due to poorly formatted applications.
More than three quarters of jobseekers said role expectations were not clearly outlined in job adverts.
The research shows that a growing number of jobseekers are turning to AI to improve their applications.
According to the survey, 35% of candidates are now using AI to optimise the formatting and language quality of their applications, CVs and cover letters.
"Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, we can expect a slower pace of employment growth in Ireland over the coming months," said Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland with responsibility for IrishJobs.
"Despite this evolving environment, the rate of unemployment in Ireland remains close to historic lows, with many employers still struggling to navigate a highly competitive market for talent and attract the high calibre talent needed to unlock future growth," he said.
"It's clear from the findings of the IrishJobs Recruiter & Jobseeker survey that the quality of job applications received by employers in Ireland is having a direct impact on recruitment," Mr Dooley said.
"A high volume of applications from candidates without the relevant skills for roles is creating challenges for many employers, resulting in a slower pace of hiring and the need for additional resources to manage the hiring process," he added.
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RTÉ News
30-05-2025
- RTÉ News
More than two-thirds of job applications rejected due to lack of relevant skills
More than two-thirds of job applications are rejected due to a lack of relevant skills, according to new research from hiring platform IrishJobs. The Recruiter & Jobseeker Survey gathered insights from 553 recruiters and 738 jobseekers in Ireland to identify changing attitudes and actions on hiring processes. The study showed that 78% of employers are not satisfied with the quality of job applications received for open positions, while more than one in five job candidates are rejected due to poorly formatted applications. More than three quarters of jobseekers said role expectations were not clearly outlined in job adverts. The research shows that a growing number of jobseekers are turning to AI to improve their applications. According to the survey, 35% of candidates are now using AI to optimise the formatting and language quality of their applications, CVs and cover letters. "Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, we can expect a slower pace of employment growth in Ireland over the coming months," said Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland with responsibility for IrishJobs. "Despite this evolving environment, the rate of unemployment in Ireland remains close to historic lows, with many employers still struggling to navigate a highly competitive market for talent and attract the high calibre talent needed to unlock future growth," he said. "It's clear from the findings of the IrishJobs Recruiter & Jobseeker survey that the quality of job applications received by employers in Ireland is having a direct impact on recruitment," Mr Dooley said. "A high volume of applications from candidates without the relevant skills for roles is creating challenges for many employers, resulting in a slower pace of hiring and the need for additional resources to manage the hiring process," he added.
Irish Times
30-05-2025
- Irish Times
Lack of skills, badly formatted applications: survey reveals why job candidates are rejected
More than two-thirds of job applications are rejected by employers because they lack the relevant skills for the role, new research has found, with others binned because applications are badly formatted or due to unexplained gaps in employment. The survey, which was carried out for hiring platform IrishJobs, found that 78 per cent of employers are dissatisfied with the quality of job applications received, making it slower and more resource-intensive for employers. Meanwhile, 77 per cent of jobseekers say job adverts do not clearly outline expectations for roles. The IrishJobs Recruiter & Jobseeker survey spoke to 553 recruiters and 738 jobseekers in Ireland. READ MORE It found only 25 per cent of candidates make it to the interview stage, with the risk of strong candidates being missed due to the manual screening process. 'Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, we can expect a slower pace of employment growth in Ireland over the coming months. Despite this evolving environment, the rate of unemployment in Ireland remains close to historic lows, with many employers still struggling to navigate a highly competitive market for talent and attract the high-calibre talent needed to unlock future growth,' said Sam Dooley, country director of the Stepstone Group Ireland with responsibility for IrishJobs. 'It's clear from the findings of the IrishJobs Recruiter & Jobseeker survey that the quality of job applications received by employers in Ireland is having a direct impact on recruitment. A high volume of applications from candidates without the relevant skills for roles is creating challenges for many employers, resulting in a slower pace of hiring and the need for additional resources to manage the hiring process.' [ How AI is generating a 'sea of sameness' in job applications Opens in new window ] From a jobseeker perspective, their last jobs search revealed a lack of certainty from adverts, with expectations and responsibilities of open roles not clearly outlined. Twenty per cent said they would decline a job offer after an interview if expectations differed significantly. Half of candidates said they were less likely to apply for jobs that failed to include a salary range, while 44 per cent were deterred by unclear job titles. A rising number of jobseekers are using AI to improve their applications, with 35 per cent using it to polish the formatting and language quality of their documents. That means employers should adjust their hiring processes to ensure a more holistic approach. 'Developing clearer and more detailed job advertisements is one of the steps employers should consider in addressing these challenges and enhancing the quality of job applications,' said Mr Dooley. 'From salary and benefits to flexible working arrangements, jobseeker expectations are evolving at pace and leading to a growing disconnect between employers and candidates. Addressing these shifting preferences and providing a clear breakdown around the requirements and responsibilities of open roles can help to enhance the efficiency of the recruitment process and support employers to better secure the high-calibre talent that meets their future needs.'
RTÉ News
20-05-2025
- RTÉ News
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