19 Dazzling Job Searching Statistics

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As recruitment environments evolve, the nature of job hunting has to change in lockstep. Even in the face of socio-economic uncertainty, such as that brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, both employers and employees have to adapt if the economy is to stay intact.

Still, to know the job searching prospects in your profession is to improve your chances of getting hired. How likely are you to get hired? Are there still enough jobs in your profession? This is where job searching statistics can help you a great deal.

In this article, we are going to highlight some important facts on current employment to help you find your dream job. Let’s begin with a glance at job search statistics.

Incredible Job Search Statistics (Editor’s Choice)

  • Hospitality-based job positions and industries are proven to be the most competitive, with a single job offering 46 applications.
  • Under 17% of all recruiters will read the cover letter in an application.
  • 41% of candidates fit for a job interview get offered a job.
  • Popular job-seeking platforms are the source of roughly 50% of total incoming job applications.
  • Over 19% of applicants who reached out to the HR manager directly were successful in getting a job.
  • Only 0.14% of job seekers apply directly via the head manager.
  • In 2019, employee quality was 4x more significant than hiring costs for recruiters, according to facts about job searching.

Macroeconomics & Statistics on Job Searching

Job Searching Statistics - Recruitment

To help you see the bigger picture, we used some global economy insight on the ever-popular problem of chronic unemployment, habits of hopping jobs, and new trends in technology. 

1. The number of candidates per job opening has shrunk from 36 in 2017 to 29 in 2018. 

(Jobvite Recruiting Benchmark Report)

According to some of the most encouraging recent job search stats, the trend of lower numbers of candidates for every new open requisition marked its lowest in 2018, averaging at about 29. Reports from 2017 averaged at 36, and those from 2016 at an incredible 52 candidates.

2. As of September 2019, the US had the lowest unemployment rate since 1969 (3.5%).

(United States Bureau of Labor Statistics)

You might already know this, but it is most definitely worth mentioning. This remarkable fact implies there are reasons for celebration, as the rate will likely drop even more within the next five years.

3. Over 36 million people in the US are at high risk of losing their job by automation.

(Brookings Institution)

More and more job seeker statistics revolve around people’s concerns about possible job losses due to automation. As we enter the age of AI and full mechanization, many global workers are under the threat of losing their job within the next few years, as automation takes over positions like professional driving.

The Role of the Internet in Job Seeking

You might think most job-seeking in 2020 is taking place online. But as recruiters tend to employ fewer and fewer people via online applications, many online job platforms are facing a decrease in popularity. Here are a few online job search statistics to get a better idea of the landscape. 

4. About 85% of global job offers are not available for those browsing the internet. 

(LinkedIn) 

It may come as a surprise, but most jobs are not even posted online. Instead, they’re internal. So, even though we see lots of jobs advertised on the Web, these are just the tip of the iceberg. 

5. Recent stats about the job search say more than 70% of employers have declined candidates due to their online presence.

(Career Builder)

You’re probably being rather careful about building your social media presence, and you should continue to do so. Employers are likely to scrutinize the internet to find out as much as possible about you. So, make sure there are no embarrassing drunk photos on your Instagram from your last holiday. 

6. 76% of all resumes will end up unread and rejected due to an unprofessional, non-work-related email address. 

(Business 2 Community)

This is why you should consider getting a fresh mail domain solely for work, as close to your name as possible. And whatever you do, don’t use that [email protected] account you set up in your freshman year of high school.

7. 73% of global companies used social media to effectively seek and employ a candidate, especially a Millennial.

(Jobvite)

Social media and job search statistics are getting more impressive as time progresses. This year, nearly three-quarters of employers used social media to hire people. An engaging social media profile is likelier to attract a potential recruiter than you might think. 

8. ATS or the Applicant Tracking Systems are gaining momentum in the age of strong, bold resumes. 

(Job Scan)

This software delicately looks for certain keywords in your resume and highlights only the best, most fitting candidates. Some resume and job search statistics reveal that, due to inadequate resume keyword optimization, over 50% of candidates are instantly rejected. 

And Speaking of ATS, two of the most popular software apps for applicant tracking are Taleo, trusted by about 30% of companies, and Workday, responsible for some 16% of applicant tracking.

9. Over 82% of HR agents believe the employer’s brand is what attracts top talent.

(LinkedIn)

Online branding is absolutely crucial in hiring the creme de la creme. Statistics on the effectiveness of job search strategies suggest typical HR is no longer the way to go. As a brand owner, you will have to rely on yourself more than ever.

Job Searching Statistics - interview

The Recruitment Method that Rules Supreme: Networking

One of the most important things the latest job search online statistics highlight is how pivotal networking is.

As we previously mentioned, most jobs are never posted on online job search platforms. So, networking remains the leading way of getting a job. This technique is not simple, as it requires incredible soft skills and some patience.

Here are a few networking and job search statistics you could use. They are not only useful but might be necessary for your next job hunt.

10. 85% of people stated the main reason they were at their current workplace is networking and social media networks. 

(LinkedIn)

Networking is king! A survey of how 3,000 employed people got their current jobs tells us the vast majority used some sort of networking to land their latest jobs. Understandably, LinkedIn is especially popular, as job search via social media statistics also confirm. 

11. Devoting at least 35% of your job searching time to networking gives you solid chances of getting a job, as seen in recent most effective job search strategy statistics.

(Jullien Gordon)

According to a recent poll by Climber, most people who devote a portion of time searching for a job spend most of their time doing so on the internet. Still, people who are successfully working for more than $70,000 single out networking. Now, this can also be done in person, at conferences and various social events. 

12. 22.3% of a company’s talent hiring will eventually be attributed to the overall quality of its website, job searching statistics reveal.

(SilkRoad)

We have mentioned that if you are an employer, your brand appearance can attract talent. Another important asset is your website as a form of second-hand networking that also boosts your brand image. 

But this takes nothing away from first-hand networking. The top way of hiring was employee referral, with over 55% of those getting referred ending up hired, networking job search statistics report.

Job Searching Statistics - hiring

LinkedIn Tips

Speaking of networking, LinkedIn-published author and the founder of Performance-Based Hiring System, Lou Adler, has made a few interesting statements in his research. Most of us have tried out or even still maintain a professional profile and CV on this website. To be sure, we should since it is one of the leading platforms for listing career accomplishments and staying in touch with your colleagues. 

His statistics on how people job search shed some light on people’s behavior on LinkedIn. Out of 400 million people on this platform, he argues, you should not necessarily add people and build a network for the sake of it. Rather, what you need to do is connect with a few recognized, well-networked individuals and build a relationship with them. 

As soon as you get to see the power of meeting just a few right people, you will find your way to the top. As far as job-seeking platforms are concerned, this is one of the most important facts of a job search.

OK, back to the stats.

Diversity at Work Statistics

Most employers have focused on diversity in recent years. Having an inclusive, diverse, and wholesome work climate is among recruiters’ top priorities. And this employment model turns out to be very fruitful. 

Here are some more interesting facts about job searching.

13. About 78% of HR managers and recruiters place a focus on diversity and inclusivity above all other recruiting trends. 

(Careers International, Deloitte)

The trend was large even in 2019 but is truly coming to prominence this year. The issue of inclusivity and diversity is significant for roughly 69% percent of global leaders. With the trend highly impacting large companies this year, the next couple of years will most likely be much brighter.

14. Other job search statistics point out that companies showing excellence in strategies on how to overcome the employment gender gap have a 15% higher chance of boosting ROI. 

(EY, LinkedIn)

While 66% of global companies invest time and money into hiring diverse groups of individuals, only about 25% are committed to setting the right targets regarding gender diversity. Since women make up to 47% of America’s current workforce, it is crucial to overcome gender-based pay and employment inequality, as reported by more recent job seeker statistics of 2019.

Future Hiring Management Trends

The most recent job searching statistics are clear:

The future of job seekers looks rather bright. Staying true to your goals and devoted to nourishing your talent is fundamental for a happy, fulfilling career. Summing up recent research statistics, these are some reliable trends that give a slight glance at the years to come.

15. Candidates continue to be more loyal to employers that offer simple, yet effective additional benefits. 

(Career Builder)

In 2019, up to 31% of employers provided employees with company discounts. Some 22% are working on adding extra days off and fully paid. Finally, according to job search statistics, more than 25% will have endorsed remote work options. 

16. An incredible 72.8% of global employers have trouble finding talent to recruit. 

(ManpowerGroup, GMac)

What’s more, over 45% are missing the individuals with the necessary sets of skills. 

Work on yourself, sharpen your skills, and devote time to developing your talents, and there’s a good chance you will eventually get picked up. This lack of skilled workforce implies 56% of American companies will eventually be offering significant signing bonuses to recent business school graduates, recent job seeker stats for new graduates reveal. 

17. 55 million Americans work in a gig environment. 

(Forbes)

Some 55 million Americans, who add up to over 35% of the country’s workforce, work for gigs. By some projections, that figure is expected to reach 43% by mid-2020. The Gig Economy is gaining in popularity, especially with younger people looking for jobs while going through school and want a good side hustle. 

This is mostly due to the rise of technology and its conveniences for both hirers and hirees. Major influencers in this economy include services like Uber, eBay, UpWork, et cetera. 

18. Estimates suggest the IT industry will likely provide at least 5 million new jobs by the end of 2026. 

 (Business Insider)

The IT industry is waiting for no one and has no plans to slow down. In the era of automation and further development of artificial intelligence, this comes as no surprise at all.

19. Government-sourced facts about job search suggest STEMs (Science, Technologies, Engineering, and Mathematics) are stronger than they have ever been. 

(United States Bureau Of Labor Statistics)

So, these fields’ graduates have a much higher chance of getting employed. The upcoming decade will see a growth of employability of software developers by 30%, statisticians by 33%, and mathematicians by 29%.

 

Job Search Fun Facts

All these job seeker facts have been a bit serious, huh? Let’s look at the fun side for a bit. 

  • A standard interview will most likely take no less than 40 minutes, which is quite demanding for a sit-down session. However, you would be surprised to know that the recruiter will normally decide if they would hire an applicant within 90 seconds.
  • Recent job search statistics and length say that, on average, people look for a job for almost 17 weeks.
  • Interview statistics show that 75% of all employees will expect a thank-you card after completing an interview.
  • The most popular places where people look for jobs are at work (about 30%), in bed (more than 41%), and – you guessed it – in a restroom (an incredible 18%).
  • Passive job seeker statistics point out that recently, employee “snatching” is becoming the most popular way of employing – offering good opportunities to people who already work but might be interesting in something more.
  • Employers state that 2 to 4 weeks is how long after an interview a job offer is made on average.

Wrapup

We hope these remarkable job searching statistics gave you just the right amount of knowledge and enthusiasm to get you going towards your goal. Getting your perfect job is never easy, but it will most certainly be nothing short of fulfilling. 

Also, the perfect moment to get it is right now, so waste no time. Good luck, and never go for second best!

FAQ

A standard corporate job attracts over 250 applicants per opening, recent job seeker statistics in the USA reveal. All these resumes will be put through the ATS, and a solid portion of them will be rejected. Over the next few weeks, some 4 to 6 candidates will be asked for an interview. Ultimately, only one will get a job. This might sound discouraging, but it does not mean you should not give it a go. Remember to optimize your resume for current tracking systems, by recent job seeker confidence statistics.

Here is a list of the 5 most popular ones.

1. Indeed.com takes the cake as the most popular job-seeking platform, with thousands of employers choosing to list their job openings on this website. It lets you upload your resume, apply for certain jobs based on your skills, or get notifications for new job openings and. According to new job search frustration statistics, it is the simplest one to navigate.

2. CareerBuilder.com is another large platform, helping you receive opportunities from many employers while also providing useful data regarding possible career paths and casual job searching.

3. Dice.com is focused on listing tech-based jobs, giving many engineers, technicians, and people from tech-related industries top-notch job offers.

4. Google For Jobs is Google’s take at helping you find a perfect job. The product uses numerous sources and gathers the listings in one place for your further consideration.

5. GlassDoor.com is an entire community providing job seeker facts, job listings, interview details. Employees provided specifics and ratings of each company, and much more.

This question is never simple to answer, as it varies from individual to individual. Clouded with uncertainty, candidates who are fully unemployed anxiously approach this topic. The United States Bureau Of Labor Statistics provided some useful data in August 2019, which suggested it takes just over 22 weeks on average. A fifth of all unemployed people in the United States have been unemployed for more than 27 weeks.

As of 2019, more than 575 million people use it and, back in 2017, Fortune reported more than 10 million ongoing job listings. Now, there are some 17 million open listings. Online job search facts provided by Kinsta say that the platform reaches out to more than 260 million monthly active users.

Roughly 122 million people were asked to an interview through LinkedIn. More than 35.5 million got a job through networking, by connecting to someone on the platform. Out of all the people on the website, Kinsta reported they spend at least 17 minutes on it while searching for a job using the platform’s search engine.

The platform’s paid search job statistics say that more than 39% of its users pay for the premium option with four different price deals.