Job Application Overload: 88% of job applications go ignored

• 88% of jobseekers feel their job applications are often ignored

• 58% of jobseekers send out more than 5 job applications in a week, with 32% sending out more than 10

• 61% of jobseekers would be put off by a long application process

• 69% of employers cite the lack of relevant experience as the most common reason to reject job applications

• 54% of employers shared that their hiring processes have slowed down due to an increase in job applications

88% of jobseekers in Singapore feel that they are often ignored in their job search process, while a shortage of talent with relevant experience is driving companies to reject job applications. 

The survey findings, based on an online poll of 308 employers and professionals, conducted by Robert Walters in Singapore, revealed a snapshot of hiring challenges faced currently. As jobseekers continue to send out a significant volume of job applications, companies are overwhelmed with applications that may not be relevant, hence slowing down their hiring processes. Challenges such as candidate ghosting and longer hiring processes may therefore emerge. 

Quality and quantity of applications affecting response timings

69% of employers shared that the lack of relevant experience is the most common reason for rejecting applications, while employers also faced overqualified candidates (24%) and incomplete applications (7%). 69% of employers are also seeing “a lot more job applications, but some miss the criteria” slowing down their hiring processes noticeably (54%) or slightly 15%). 

Among jobseekers, 58% shared that they send out more than 5 job applications per week, with one in five (19%) sending out over 20 applications weekly. There is a sense of frustration among them, with 88% feeling that their job applications are “very often” ignored, and the rest (13%) feeling that “sometimes” their applications go unanswered. 

59% of jobseekers shared that they frequently or occasionally use AI/automation tools to aid their job applications. 52% of employers are able to identify that a candidate has used AI to create a resume or cover letter based on the language used, while 24% shared that they could see it based on the formatting of the document. 

Kirsty Poltock – Country Manager, Robert Walters Singapore comments:

"The findings show an increasing strain, on both jobseekers and companies, to find the right fit. Candidates are using AI to help them submit applications, which may make it difficult for them to stand out from the competition. They need to put themselves out there, look towards recruitment agencies for help, connect with hiring managers via social media platforms or get a referral to get an edge. Hiring managers will also need to consider strategies, such as increasing transparency in terms of who will or will not get a reply."

The Robert Walters hiring challenges report – released in April – cited a trend of candidate ghosting as one of the hiring challenges faced globally. With 61% of jobseekers sharing that they will be put off by a long application process, the importance of investing in effective recruitment strategies companies can consider to avoid costly mishires and reduce the number of candidates from whom they do not receive a response from in the middle or towards the end of the hiring process. Tips include highlighting company stability, offering flexible work arrangements, and demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing to attract motivated candidates who are seeking a secure and fulfilling career.

Other challenges faced by companies, as cited in the report include: 

• Cultivating workforces that are not only skilled but also resilient

• Sourcing for talent with AI skillsets 

• Adapt to the changing expectations and values of the workforce, particularly Gen Z

• Using skills-based hiring to find and hire the best candidates.