Are you struggling to receive job applications? Wondering why you’re not getting any job applications? Check 5 reasons why job seekers aren’t applying to your job posting and how you can fix it.
Are you gearing up to fill a vacant position and kickstart your hiring process? Finding the right candidate should be easy, considering you’re a reputable organization offering an amazing opportunity, don’t you think?
Yet, despite your confidence, perhaps you’re not seeing the flood of qualified applicants you expected after posting the job online. It’s left you scratching your head, wondering why. You’re starting to grasp that, in today’s competitive job market, simply posting an opening may not be enough to attract attention.
As you ponder this dilemma, you realize that myriad great companies out there have numerous job openings, all vying for talent. Standing out requires a bit more finesse. But what exactly do job seekers look for, or avoid, in job postings?
To tackle this question, we surveyed recent job seekers as part of our 2023 Applicant Expectations Report. Their responses shed light on common job posting pitfalls that might be hindering your applicant pool.
Keep reading to learn the reasons why job seekers aren’t applying to your job posting and boost your chances of securing the perfect addition to your team.
5 Reasons Job Seekers aren’t Applying to Job Posting
Why do job seekers get excited about applying for jobs?
Let’s discuss the qualities that most influence a job seeker’s decision to apply and what they look for in a job posting. According to our survey, job seekers prioritize certain factors when considering job postings. Here’s what we found:
What most excites job seekers to apply to job postings?
- Company-offered benefits and perks: 56%
- Stated compensation range: 46%
- Availability of remote or flexible work options: 45%
These insights offer valuable guidance for enhancing your job postings. By addressing what might be lacking, We can look into the reasons behind job seekers’ lack of interest in your available roles and discuss potential solutions.
Why aren’t more people applying for my job?
1) You’re not providing benefits and perks
Leading with benefits and perks is crucial. Job seekers consistently emphasize the importance of these offerings alongside competitive pay. They expect this information upfront, even before applying or interviewing, as they prioritize transparency. Failing to do so risks losing their interest. A job seeker highlighted, “Employers should prioritize what matters most to applicant’s salary, benefits, and work conditions right from the start, rather than disclosing them after a taxing interview process.”
2) No compensation is mentioned
The absence of listed compensation can deter potential applicants. 46% of job seekers prioritize knowing the salary when considering job postings. While competitive pay is crucial, transparency about compensation upfront is equally vital. Without it, you risk missing out on qualified candidates. Job seekers value their time and effort and hesitate to apply when unsure of the offered salary.
Moreover, including compensation information aids in candidate self-selection, saving time and resources. Pay transparency is increasingly mandated by law in various regions, with major job boards enforcing this requirement. Failure to disclose compensation may explain a lack of expected applicants for your job posting.
3) No opportunities for flexible or remote work
An inability to work remotely or with flexibility may discourage applicants. A study conducted by FlexJobs found that 65% of respondents preferred full-time remote employment, while 32% preferred a hybrid work approach. Our survey demonstrates that job candidates find remote and flexible work arrangements appealing.
Ensure that job descriptions clearly state these details if your company offers remote or hybrid employment opportunities. Consider additional options to increase flexibility if working remotely isn’t an option, such as having extensive time off policies or using scheduling applications to switch shifts. To draw in talent, it’s imperative to express your support for a flexible work environment.
4) Your employer brand isn’t exceptionally compelling
It may be more difficult to draw candidates if your company’s brand is weak. Candidates are drawn to job advertising on job boards that present a positive image of the organization. When faced with a plethora of possibilities, job searchers tend to favor organizations with a good reputation.
Building an employer brand begins with fostering a supportive work environment. Satisfied employees are more inclined to share positive experiences, which can be showcased through compelling testimonials on your careers page. Additionally, prioritizing positive candidate experiences during the hiring process contributes to your reputation.
Further enhance your employer brand by actively managing your online presence on platforms like Glassdoor and JobSage. A stellar reputation sets you apart from competitors, increasing the likelihood of attracting applicants and securing their acceptance throughout the hiring process.
5) Your job posting does not provide enough attention to the skills
Insufficient focus on skills in your job posting can impact its attractiveness to job seekers. When we asked job seekers to express what appeals to them in job postings, a recurring theme was the preference for skills-oriented hiring. This approach prioritizes skills and capabilities over rigid criteria such as specific degrees or experience.
Including a comprehensive list of required skills in your job description encourages job seekers to identify with the role and feel more qualified. For instance, while someone might not apply due to a specific degree requirement, highlighting the need for “strong communication skills” or “leadership experience” may resonate better with potential candidates, leading them to perceive a better fit with the position.These were the 5 main reasons job seekers aren’t applying to job posting.
Attract more candidates to your job openings
Your job listings can be improved to draw in more applications now that you have a better understanding of what job searchers are looking for.
According to our survey, job seekers are most excited about positions that include income, benefits, bonuses, and flexible work schedules. In addition, they favor businesses with a strong employer brand and a skills-based hiring policy.
By understanding these important factors, you can improve the number of applications you receive for your available positions and potentially find your next fantastic hire!