41+ Recruiting Statistics You Need to Know

Did you know that in order to fill just one job opening, a company will typically review an average of 250 resumes and contact around 10-15 candidates?

With so many applicants competing for every job, it’s more important than ever to make sure your resume stands out.

Recruiting someone sure seems like a daunting task and it’s certainly not easy. You need to sift through a lot of applications and resumes to find the perfect candidate.

In this blog post, we will discuss some interesting recruiting statistics that you should be aware of. So let’s dive right in!

Key Takeaways:

  • The average length of a hiring process is 36 days. (SHRM, 2017)
  • On average, job postings receive about 250 resumes out of which only 4-6 get called for interviews. (Glassdoor)
  • 77% of recruiters use LinkedIn for the recruiting process, making LinkedIn the most used platform for recruiting. (Jobvite)
  • 77% of professional candidates prefer to hear the good news via a phone call whereas, 66% prefer to hear bad news via email. (LinkedIn Business)
  • 94% of professionals wish to hear interview feedback after failing to get a job. (LinkedIn Business)
  • The top prospect candidates are off the market within 10 days. (Builtin.com)

General Recruiting Statistics

1. Only 10% of employees agree that their organization does an excellent job at onboarding new recruits

(Gallup)

Takeaway: On-boarding is important to engage new recruits. Only one in every ten employees agrees that their organization does an excellent job at onboarding new recruits, according to Gallup. This statistic emphasizes the importance of onboarding in order to engage new recruits. Furthermore, with such a low success rate, organizations need to improve their onboarding programs.

2. The average length of a hiring process is 36 days

(SHRM, 2017)

Takeaway: This statistic shows that the hiring process can be quite lengthy. Therefore, it’s important to be patient and not get discouraged if you don’t hear back from a company right away. Furthermore, this statistic emphasizes the importance of staying organized during the recruiting process. 36 days is the maximum amount of time it takes before somebody is hired to fill the position, so practice patience.

3. On average, job postings receive about 250 resumes out of which only 4-6 get called for interviews

(Glassdoor)

Takeaway: This statistic is quite staggering and it really puts into perspective how competitive the job market is. With so many applicants competing for every job, it’s more important than ever to make sure your resume stands out. You can make your resume stand out by ensuring that it is clear, concise, and free of errors. Furthermore, you should also highlight your relevant skills and experience.

4. 77% of recruiters use LinkedIn for the recruiting process, making LinkedIn the most used platform for recruiting

(Jobvite)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of having a strong LinkedIn profile. Your LinkedIn profile should be up-to-date and complete, with a professional headshot and a clear summary of your skills and experience. Furthermore, you should also connect with as many relevant professionals as possible. This statistic is proof that if you really want to stand out in the hiring process, then keep your LinkedIn updated.

5. Over 50% of recruiters reach out to potential candidates by the use of the email

(Entelo)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of having a professional email address. Furthermore, you should also make sure to check your email regularly so that you don’t miss any important messages from potential employers. Email is the most common method of communication for recruiters, so make sure you’re paying attention to your inbox.

6. 77% of professionals prefer to hear the good news via a phone call whereas, 66% prefer to hear bad news via email

(LinkedIn Business)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of remaining professional and courteous when communicating with potential employers. Furthermore, it’s also important to be responsive so that you don’t miss any important calls or messages. Contrary to the good news statistic, 66% of professionals prefer to hear bad news via email. Therefore, if you don’t receive a call after an interview, it’s likely that you didn’t get the job. They prefer email because it’s less personal than a phone call and it’s easier to deliver bad news through email.

7. 94% of professionals wish to hear interview feedback after failing to get a job

(LinkedIn Business)

Takeaway: This statistic is proof that people really appreciate feedback, even if it’s negative. Furthermore, this statistic emphasizes the importance of remaining professional and courteous when communicating with potential employers. It’s important to remember that even though you may not have gotten the job, the interviewer may be able to provide you with valuable feedback that can help you in future interviews.

8. 23% of people in the US confess that the first step in getting a job is updating your resume

(Kornferry)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of having a well-written and up-to-date resume. Furthermore, your resume should be tailored to each individual job that you apply for. This means specifying your relevant skills and experience for each position. Updating your resume relevant to the specific job post makes you a more competitive candidate and increases your chances of getting hired.

9. It takes on average 27 days to fill up a job position

(SHRM, 2021)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of being patient when job hunting. It also emphasizes the importance of continuously searching for new job postings and applying to as many jobs as possible. The more jobs you apply to, the higher your chances of getting hired. So make sure that you make full use of your 27 days window to apply on as many jobs as possible.

10. The top prospect candidates are off the market within 10 days

(Builtin.com)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of being proactive when job hunting. You should continuously be on the lookout for new job postings and apply as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the higher your chances of getting hired. So make sure that you don’t wait too long to apply for a job that you’re interested in.

Recruitment Trends Statistics

11. 73% of the job candidates are passive job seekers

(LinkedIn)

Takeaway: This means that they’re not actively looking for a new job but they’re open to new opportunities. This is good news for employers because it means that there’s a larger pool of talent to choose from. However, this also means that you have to be more proactive in your job search. You can’t just rely on job postings to find your next opportunity. You have to be networking and making sure that your resume is up-to-date so that when an opportunity does come up, you’re the first one that they think of.

12. 89% of job seekers consider their mobile phone essential in searching for new job opportunities

(Glassdoor)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of having a mobile-friendly website and job application process. In today’s day and age, people are constantly on their phones and they expect to be able to do everything from their phones. If your website is not mobile-friendly or if your job application process is not mobile-friendly, you’re going to lose out on a lot of potential candidates.

13. 16% of the job applications are submitted through mobile devices

(PageUp People)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of having a mobile-friendly website and job application process. In today’s day and age, people are constantly on their phones and they expect to be able to do everything from their phones. So make sure that your website is mobile-friendly.

14. The most frequent interview technique used by HR professionals is structured interviews, amounting to 74%

(TalentLyft)

Takeaway: This means that the questions are pre-planned and the interviewer sticks to a specific format. This type of interview is good for employers because it allows them to compare candidates more easily. However, this type of interview can be nerve-wracking for candidates because they don’t know what to expect. The best way to prepare for a structured interview is to practice your answers to common interview questions.

15. 82% of companies use some sort of pre-employment test to access the various candidates

(SHRM)

Takeaway: This statistic emphasizes the importance of being prepared for all types of interviews, not just traditional face-to-face interviews. Many employers now use online assessments as part of their hiring process. These assessments can range from skills tests to personality tests. The best way to prepare for these types of assessments is to practice, practice, practice. There are many websites that offer sample questions so you can get an idea of what to expect.

16. The most important trends for HR in the recruiting process are soft skills (91%), work flexibility (72%), and pay transparency (53%)

(LinkedIn Business)

Takeaway: The most important trends for HR in the recruiting process are soft skills, work flexibility, and pay transparency. This means that employers are looking for candidates who have good communication skills, are able to work independently, and are comfortable with transparent compensation. If you’re job searching, make sure that you emphasize these qualities in your resume and cover letter. You should also be prepared to talk about these qualities in your interviews.

17. 80% of respondents confess that soft skills are one of the most valuable assets for a company’s success

(LinkedIn Business)

Takeaway: 80% of respondents confess that soft skills are one of the most valuable assets for a company’s success. This means that employers are looking for candidates who have good communication skills, are able to work independently, and are comfortable with transparent compensation. If you’re job searching, make sure that you emphasize these qualities in your resume and cover letter.

18. 51% of companies are looking to hire temporary employees only

(Datafacts)

Takeaway: 51% of companies are looking to hire temporary employees only. This means that if you’re looking for a temporary job, you’re in luck. There are many reasons why employers might choose to hire temporary employees, but the most common reason is that they need extra help during busy periods. If you’re interested in applying for a temporary position, make sure to emphasize your flexibility and willingness to work long hours.

19. 44% of companies are looking to hire employees permanently on a full-time basis

(Datafacts)

Takeaway: 44% of companies are looking to hire employees permanently on a full-time basis. This means that if you’re looking for a full-time job, you’re in luck. There are many reasons why employers might choose to hire permanent employees, but the most common reason is that they need someone who can commit to long-term projects.

20. Around 90% of the job applicants use their mobile phones to look for jobs

(AIHR)

Takeaway: Around 90% of job applicants use their mobile phones to look for jobs. This means that if you’re looking for a job, you should make sure that your resume and cover letter are optimized for mobile devices. Many employers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes and applications. These systems are designed to scan resumes and identify keywords and phrases.

Global Recruitment Statistics

21. At the beginning of 2020, in the pre-pandemic era, 7.9 million job openings were available

(Money, 2019)

Takeaway: At the beginning of 2020, in the pre-pandemic era, there were nearly eight million job openings available. This number has likely decreased since then, but it’s still a good time to be job searching. If you’re looking for a job, make sure to take advantage of all the resources at your disposal. There are many websites and job search engines that can help you find the perfect position.

22. The global workforce consists of 70% passive job seekers and 30% active job seekers

(Pew Research Centre)

Takeaway: The global workforce consists of 70% passive job seekers and 30% active job seekers. This means that most people are not actively looking for a job, but they would be open to the right opportunity. If you’re looking for a job, make sure to target your search to companies that are likely to have positions that match your skills and qualifications.

23. By 2025, millennials will occupy 75% of the total global workforce

(Deloitte)

Takeaway: By 2025, millennials will occupy 75% of the total global workforce. This means that if you’re a millennial, you’re in luck. There are many companies that are looking to hire young people with fresh ideas. If you’re job searching, make sure to emphasize your youth and your ability to think outside the box.

24. 86% of the companies are planning to invest in intelligent sourcing software

(Entelo, 2018)

Takeaway: 86% of the companies are planning to invest in intelligent sourcing software. This means that if you’re looking for a job, you should make sure that your resume and cover letter are optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems are designed to scan resumes and identify keywords and phrases.

25. Due to the pandemic, there has been a rise of 135% in remote jobs

(MeetFrank)

Takeaway: Due to the pandemic, there has been a rise of 135% in remote jobs. This means that if you’re looking for a job, you should consider searching for positions that allow you to work from home. Many employers are now offering remote positions as a way to stay safe and avoid exposure to the virus.

26. 60% of the companies had a hiring freeze during the pandemic

(MeetFrank)

Takeaway: 60% of the companies had a hiring freeze during the pandemic. This means that if you’re job searching, you should be aware that many companies are not hiring at the moment. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t continue to look for jobs. Many companies are starting to lift their hiring freezes and there are still many positions available online as well for remote jobs.

27. Virtual recruitment has become the most common process of hiring

(Yello)

Takeaway: This means that if you’re job searching, you should be prepared to interview via video call. Many employers are now conducting initial interviews over video chat in order to save time and money. Make sure that you have a quiet place to conduct your interview and that you’re dressed professionally from head to toe.

28. Around 42% of the recent pandemic-influenced layoffs will result in permanent job loss

(University of Chicago)

Takeaway: This means that if you’ve been laid off due to the pandemic, you should start looking for a new job as soon as possible. The sooner you start your job search, the better your chances of finding a new position.

Recruitment Challenges Statistics

29. 76% of recruiters face challenges in attracting quality potential candidates

(Cmdrecruitement)

Takeaway: 76% of recruiters face challenges in attracting quality potential candidates. This means that if you’re a recruiter, you should focus on attracting high-quality candidates. One way to do this is by using an applicant tracking system (ATS). This system can help you identify qualified candidates based on their resumes and cover letter.

30. Around 41% of recruiters confess that entry-level positions are the hardest to fill

(Indeed)

Takeaway: Around 41% of recruiters confess that entry-level positions are the hardest to fill. This means that if you’re a recruiter, you should focus on filling entry-level positions. One way to do this is by using an applicant tracking system (ATS). This system can help you identify qualified candidates.

31. 17% of the recruiters are unaware of their average cost per hire

(Yello)

Takeaway: 17% of the recruiters are unaware of their average cost per hire. This means that if you’re a recruiter, you should calculate your average cost per hire. This will help you determine how much money you’re spending on recruitment and whether or not it’s worth it. There are many online calculators that can help you figure out your average cost per hire and then you can make an estimate on how much budget you want to set aside.

32. 42% of managers are worried that will not be able to find the talent they need

(LinkedIn)

Takeaway: 42% of managers are worried that will not be able to find the talent they need. This means that if you’re a manager, you should focus on finding talented employees. One way to do this is by using an applicant tracking system (ATS).

33. Around 72.8% of recruiters are struggling to find relevant candidates

(JobAdder)

Takeaway: Around 72.% of recruiters are struggling to find relevant candidates. This means that if you’re a recruiter, you should focus on finding relevant candidates. One way to do this is by conducting online and in-person tests to evaluate the attributes of the candidates.

34. Top candidates are only available for 10 days before getting hired

(Office Vibe)

Takeaway: Top candidates are only available for a short period of time before getting hired. Usually, this period is only 10 days. So to speed up the recruitment process so you don’t miss out on potential candidates, it is recommended to take a pre-employment test.

35. 50% of candidates confess that they will not work for a company with a bad reputation, even if the paycheck is raised

(Harvard Business Review)

Takeaway: 50% of candidates confess that they will not work for a company with a bad reputation. This means that if you’re a company, you should focus on building a good reputation. One way to do this is by ensuring that your employees are happy with their job. You can do this by conducting employee satisfaction surveys and acting on the results.

36. 20.8% of recruiters admit that it’s becoming challenging to keep up with the candidates’ demands

(Future of Jobs Report)

Takeaway: 20.8% of recruiters admit that it’s becoming challenging to keep up with the candidates’ demands. This means that if you’re a recruiter, you should focus on meeting the needs of the candidates. One way to do this is by understanding what the candidates want and offering them what they need.

37. Unfilled job positions make 60% of the employers very concerned

(CBS News)

Takeaway: Unfilled job positions make 60% of the employers very concerned. This means that if you’re an employer, you should focus on filling the vacant positions. One way to do this is by using an applicant tracking system (ATS). This system can help you identify qualified candidates based on their resumes and cover letter.

38. The average cost of hiring has increased to $4000

(Pivot Solutions)

Takeaway: The average cost of hiring has increased to $4000. This means that if you’re an employer, you should focus on reducing the cost of recruitment. One way to do this is by using an applicant tracking system (ATS). This system can help you identify qualified candidates without spending too much money on advertising or headhunters.

39. 45% of hiring managers claimed that they could not fill up the job positions due to a lack of quality candidates

(Career Builder)

Takeaway: 45% of hiring managers claimed that they could not fill up the job positions due to a lack of quality candidates. This means that if you’re a hiring manager, you should focus on finding quality candidates. So one way to pick high-quality candidates is to conduct a strict interview to evaluate all the attributes of the applicants.

40. On average, recruiters spend around six seconds looking at each resume

(The Ladders)

Takeaway: On average, recruiters spend around six seconds looking at each resume. This means that if you’re a job seeker, you should focus on making your resume stand out. One way to do this is by using keywords that are relevant to the job position you’re applying for.

What are good recruiting ratios?

The ideal recruiting ratio is 3:1 (3 interviews to 1 offer) or better, but a common goal is to interview 5 candidates for every job offer you give. In other words, for every job opening you have, you should be talking to at least 5 people.

Recruiting ratios are important because they help you gauge the effectiveness of your recruitment process. That includes the hours spent sourcing, the number of applications you receive, and how many people you actually talk to.

A good recruiting ratio means that you’re efficient in your sourcing and that you’re talking to a good mix of qualified and unqualified candidates.

What are the trends in recruiting?

In 2022 and beyond, the talent landscape will experience several changes. The following are some of the most notable recruiting trends:

1. Generational changes: The global talent pool will tighten as more baby boomers retire and fewer people enter the workforce.

2. Technical skills in demand: There will be an increased demand for technical skills, with a particular focus on AI (artificial intelligence), data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

3. A diverse workforce: The workforce will become more diverse, with an increase in women, older workers, and people with disabilities.

4. Rise of the freelance economy: The freelance economy will continue to grow, with an estimated 50.9% of the US workforce expected to be freelancers by 2027. (source: Statista)

Wrapping Up

Recruitment is a process that can be time-consuming and costly, but it is necessary for companies to find the best talent. By understanding some of these key statistics, recruiters can adapt their strategies to be more efficient and effective.

What do you think? Are there any other recruitment statistics that you found interesting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources:

https://www.gallup.com/workplace/238085/state-american-workplace-report-2017.aspx

https://www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/business-solutions/Documents/Talent-Acquisition-Report-All-Industries-All-FTEs.pdf

https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/50-hr-recruiting-stats-make-think/

https://www.jobvite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-Recruiter-Nation-Study.pdf

https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/202646/Entelo%27s%202018%20Recruiting%20Trends%20Report.pdf?t=1530708036795

https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-acquisition/stats-key-to-providing-great-candidate-experience

https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-acquisition/stats-key-to-providing-great-candidate-experience

https://www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/business-solutions/Documents/Talent-Acquisition-Report-All-Industries-All-FTEs.pdf

https://builtin.com/tech-recruiter-resources/how-to-sell-candidates-while-assessing-their-fit

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/can-anyone-recruiter-ben-gutkovich/

https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/resources/hr-and-recruiting-stats/

https://www.pageuppeople.com/resource/2018-recruiting-trends-our-top-10-hiring-trends-to-watch/

https://www.talentlyft.com/en/blog/article/271/what-is-the-best-interview-technique

https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/predictive-assessments-insight-candidates-potential.aspx

https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/talent-solutions/resources/pdfs/global_talent_trends_2019_emea.pdf

https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/talent-solutions/resources/pdfs/global_talent_trends_2019_emea.pdf

https://www.datafacts.com/backgroundscreeningblog/how-to-rock-your-candidate-experience-in-2019

https://www.aihr.com/blog/why-mobile-recruitment-is-a-must/

https://money.com/open-jobs-2020/

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/04/11/millennials-largest-generation-us-labor-force/

https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/202646/Entelo%27s%202018%20Recruiting%20Trends%20Report.pdf?t=1530708036795

https://meetfrank.com/blog/hr/recruitment-during-covid/

https://yello.co/blog/how-covid-19-changed-the-face-of-recruitment-overnight/

https://cmdrecruitment.com/blog/

http://blog.indeed.com/2017/11/27/employer-outlook-2018-survey/

https://yello.co/blog/recruitment-operations-statistics/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pros-cons-working-recruitment-agencies-sander-dales-1e/

https://jobadder.com/blog/how-can-a-talent-pool-improve-your-recruitment/

https://officevibe.com/blog/12-recruiting-stats

https://hbr.org/2016/03/a-bad-reputation-costs-company-at-least-10-more-per-hire

https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2020.pdf

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/job-openings-11-million-near-record/

https://www.pivotalsolutions.com/research-top-hr-trends-2020-average-cost-per-hire-hits-4000-millennials-make-up-75-of-workforce-by-2025-other-facts/

https://press.careerbuilder.com/2017-12-07-Nearly-Three-in-Four-Employers-Affected-by-a-Bad-Hire-According-to-a-Recent-CareerBuilder-Survey

https://www.statista.com/statistics/921593/gig-economy-number-of-freelancers-us/

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