Looking for a job? 84% of applicants feel ignored in the Middle East, survey finds
Do you feel like hiring agencies do not pay enough attention to you? If yes, then you are not alone - almost 84% of jobseekers in the Middle East feel that their applications are ignored. A surge in population within the region, as per a survey conducted by global talent solutions firm Robert Walters, seems to be leading to an increase in job applications, which subsequently is slowing down the hiring processes in the area.
In consideration of the findings, the astounding increase in the volume of applications being received is too much for hiring managers, which results in these longer wait times and response times, leaving candidates in a void of uncertainty.
About 55% of hiring managers conceded that there is an increase in applications received which leads to delays. These delays stem from prospective candidates not even coming close to the minimum acceptable standard for the position. The survey showed that a staggering 39% of jobseekers admit to sending more than 20 applications a week.
“Mass outreach” job applications are troubling, according to Jason Grundy, managing director of Robert Walters Middle East. “This can result in candidates missing key details of job postings or failing to tailor their applications to the role,” he added. “In turn, employers are seeing a higher rate of applications that miss key experience or skills requirements.”
44 percent of hiring managers deemed a lack of relevant experience a top reason for rejecting applicants, while the rest listed other equally concerning issues. In addition, 37 of employers admitted to manually reviewing and managing applications within their applicant tracking system (ATS). This incessant flow has caused some competent applicants to be overlooked, leading to them being deemed unqualified.
While speaking at the KT Future of Work summit last month, recruitment specialists noted that the focus of the skill-based hiring in the UAE job market was coming from the organizations, rather than being job-centric.
AI in Career Search
These trends are also visible in the rest of the Middle East, with 59 percent of individuals in the region stating they utilize AI as part of their job search, while 16 utilizing it regularly.
But, 67 percent of all hiring managers say they are able to recognize the moments when AI has been used to generate a CV or cover letter for them, primarily because the language is impersonal along with the flawless structuring, with a striking 41 percent claiming that the use of AI technology would adversely impact their perception of the candidate.
Grundy remarked that although AI can assist automate ‘quick applications’ scenarios, recruiting officers often stress "authenticity" and “a true representation” of who the applicant is. “Most people believe that utilizing AI to craft their CV is an advantage, however, employers recognize the language or the excessive polish in formatting that tends to undo all the work,” he stated.
Ghosting hiring manager
The recruiting challenges report indicates that there is a relationship between the increase in AI use in job applications with the number of candidates who fail to complete the application process. Put differently, potential employees abandon the hiring manager.
Almost 62 percent of job seekers with CVs will indicate that they will not apply for the position if they perceive that it involves tedious application steps. Grundy observes that in order to reduce candidate disengagement and ‘ghosting,’ organizations need to focus on fostering a great and straightforward interview process.
“He emphasized that it is important to actively listen throughout the process, respond in a timely manner, and resolve any candidate problems immediately.” He noted, “Furthermore, focusing on corporate culture, vision, and values is crucial to engaging and retaining motivated candidates who can drive the organization toward sustained growth.”
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