What candidates won’t tell you

Hiring has slowed, but people are still looking for work. With fewer openings and quit rates nearing pre-pandemic levels, many jobseekers are applying to more positions.

For a growing business, more applications don’t always mean more qualified candidates. In fact, 51% of small and growing businesses say they see few or no qualified applicants, even as application volume climbs.

AI tools can help people apply to jobs more quickly. Applications per company are up 129% since 2023, and a separate survey found that 86% of jobseekers say AI helps them apply to more roles each week. A completed application may no longer reflect the same level of interest it once did.

Candidates are also paying closer attention to credibility and transparency. In separate research, two in three have suspected a posting was fake or was never meant to be filled. Clear job details and honest communication can help build trust from the start.

We surveyed 248 people who recently searched and applied for jobs through Wizehire. Their experiences offer a useful look at candidates considering roles at growing businesses. This is not a nationally representative survey.

An interview doesn’t necessarily mean a candidate has stopped searching. Staying in touch can help keep your opportunity top of mind.

Job boards remain the most common starting point, but company career sites came second, ahead of social media and search engines. A current, easy-to-find careers page helps interested candidates learn about your business and the roles you offer.

Visiting company websites more often was the single biggest change in how candidates search. Your careers page is an opportunity to make a strong first impression and show what it’s like to work with your team.

One in five respondents had applied to more than 100 jobs. Clear information about responsibilities, pay, location, and next steps can help your posting stand out and make it easier for candidates to decide whether to apply.

AI is changing hiring for employers and candidates alike. Jobseekers use it not only to prepare applications, but also to research businesses and evaluate opportunities.

Roughly a third use AI to research companies, and 19% decide which roles are worth an application at all. Make sure the information about your business, team, and openings is accurate, current, and easy to find.

Candidates told us what pulls them into an application and what pushes them out of one. Clear responsibilities, growth opportunities, and pay information help candidates see whether a role fits. A simple application process makes it easier to take the next step.

Candidates want to know your hiring timeline. When asked what was missing from job postings, candidates mentioned hiring timelines most often, even more than pay. Sharing when you plan to interview, when you hope to hire, and what happens next is a simple way to set expectations.

Candidates’ willingness to spend time applying varies, but 46% said anything past ten minutes starts to feel too long. Try completing your own application on a phone. Remove unnecessary questions and make the essentials easy to complete.

A strong job posting and an easy application are just the beginning. What happens next, including response time, interview scheduling, and regular updates, can help keep qualified candidates engaged. Many improvements don’t require a larger budget.

Email was the most preferred method to contact respondents about their application. Consider using it for key updates while accommodating candidates’ preferences and the needs of the role.

Slow responses and inconsistent communication were the two most common reasons respondents lost interest. Clear, timely updates can help you maintain momentum.

Reminders are helpful, but candidates also value knowing what to expect. Confirm the interview details, who they’ll meet, and what comes next so they can arrive prepared.

Pay is an important part of a job offer, but candidates also consider career growth, benefits, flexibility, and the hiring experience. Growing businesses can highlight these strengths to help candidates see the full opportunity.

Almost nothing in this report requires a bigger budget. Many of the improvements in this report start with clearer job details, simpler applications, and dependable communication.

That gives growing businesses an opportunity to create a more personal, responsive hiring experience.

Wizehire helps growing businesses write clearer postings, reach candidates where they are searching, and stay connected throughout the hiring process.