More than two-thirds of job applications are rejected due to a lack of relevant skills, according to new research from hiring platform IrishJobs.
The Recruiter & Jobseeker Survey gathered insights from 553 recruiters and 738 jobseekers in Ireland to identify changing attitudes and actions on hiring processes.
The study showed that 78% of employers are not satisfied with the quality of job applications received for open positions, while more than one in five job candidates are rejected due to poorly formatted applications.
More than three quarters of jobseekers said role expectations were not clearly outlined in job adverts.
The research shows that a growing number of jobseekers are turning to AI to improve their applications.
According to the survey, 35% of candidates are now using AI to optimise the formatting and language quality of their applications, CVs and cover letters.
“Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, we can expect a slower pace of employment growth in Ireland over the coming months,” said Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland with responsibility for IrishJobs.
“Despite this evolving environment, the rate of unemployment in Ireland remains close to historic lows, with many employers still struggling to navigate a highly competitive market for talent and attract the high calibre talent needed to unlock future growth,” he said.
“It’s clear from the findings of the IrishJobs Recruiter & Jobseeker survey that the quality of job applications received by employers in Ireland is having a direct impact on recruitment,” Mr Dooley said.
“A high volume of applications from candidates without the relevant skills for roles is creating challenges for many employers, resulting in a slower pace of hiring and the need for additional resources to manage the hiring process,” he added.