According to a survey of more than 2700 jobseekers by Flat Fee Recruiter, 37% of candidates are routinely applying for more than 20 roles as part of an average job search. This is a dramatic increase compared to the period immediately post-Covid, when most typically applied to just 1-5 roles at a time.

This trend is largely driven by a more competitive job market, which has seen the number of available vacancies steadily decrease over the past two years, while unemployment rates have risen.

Challenges for Employers: Quality vs. Quantity

The average application rate for Flat Fee Recruiter vacancies has more than doubled, from 61 in 2022 to 140 this year.

For employers, the surge in applications brings new challenges. Many candidates are now taking a chance on positions that might not completely align with their skills or experience, leading to an increase in unsuitable applicants.

As a result, shortlisting qualified candidates has become more complex and time-consuming, making it harder for employers to identify the right fit among the growing number of applications.

Navigating the Flood of Applications

In this employer-led market, efficiently managing the high volume of applications is crucial.

The challenge lies in adapting to the heightened competition for talent. Employers must move quickly to identify and engage top candidates while ensuring their advertising and screening processes are strong.

This means crafting engaging advert content and providing a straightforward application process. It also means that employers need to put more emphasis on communicating with candidates.

Regular contact throughout the selection process is not just good manners. Candidates may drop out for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is that the process feels like it’s taking a long time because they are not being kept updated.  A quick phone call or email can mean the difference between a successful hire and a ghosted interview!

Flat Fee Recruiter’s 2024 Candidate Experience report provides actionable strategies, based on data provided by candidates, to hire the most relevant talent quickly and cost efficiently. Click here to read now.