Employers say they cannot find qualified talent. Job seekers say they cannot get a response. How can both be true at the same time?
Recent reporting suggests that today’s hiring challenges are less about a shortage of talent and more about a breakdown in the hiring process. A 2023 iHire survey found that 70% of employers cited a talent shortage or lack of qualified candidates as their biggest recruiting challenge, while 63% reported receiving too many unqualified applicants. At the same time, 53% of job seekers said their biggest frustration was being “ghosted” by employers after applying.
National media outlets have highlighted another contributing factor: technology. The Wall Street Journal reported that automated applicant tracking systems often screen out large numbers of candidates before a human ever reviews a résumé, even as employers insist they need more workers.
Meanwhile, CNBC has documented the rise of so-called “ghost jobs,” positions that remain posted even though companies may not be actively filling them. According to reporting that cited workforce intelligence firm Revelio Labs, the number of hires per job posting has declined significantly in recent years, creating confusion for candidates who invest time applying for roles that never lead to interviews.
The result is a frustrating paradox. Employers see an abundance of applicants but few who appear to meet their requirements. Candidates see hundreds of openings but receive little or no feedback. Both sides leave the process believing the other is the problem.
Organizations that streamline hiring, communicate consistently with applicants, and focus on transferable skills rather than perfect résumés may be best positioned to bridge this growing talent acquisition disconnect. The talent is often there. The challenge is making the connection.
SDEA will be conducting our Talent Acquisition & Interviewing webinar on Tuesday 9/22 and Thursday 9/24 from 9:00 – 10:30 (two days to complete the course) as part of our Transforming Leadership program. In this course, participants will learn about the legal ramifications in interviewing and selecting candidates, as well as best practices to fill positions quickly and effectively. Click here to register.