The job market in Germany has turned around: employers have a stronger position again, applicants for jobs are no longer spoiled for choice. The result: ghosting, like in dating sites.
“The majority of applicants do not receive any response to their applications,” says a representative survey by the Appinio Institute on behalf of the job exchange Indeed. Between March 9th and 11th, 500 men and women between the ages of 16 and 66 were surveyed.
Poor recruitment
63.5 percent of applicants said they had not received any feedback on their applications in the last year, and ghosting had increased for almost 80 percent of those surveyed. “HR departments are under significant pressure in times of economic instability,” said Indeed CEO Frank Hensgens. “However, changing market dynamics should not be an excuse for poor recruitment practices.” Ignoring applicants undermines trust in the job market.
In addition to the lack of communication, the effort involved in applying is also a deterrent. When asked about the biggest hurdles and stress factors, time and bureaucratic effort came first in the survey at 41.5 percent. Some complicated forms would have to be filled out by hand. Fear of rejection or the feeling of having to pretend were also mentioned as hurdles in the survey.
More transparency regarding earning potential
63 percent of those surveyed wanted more transparency in job advertisements, especially when it came to salary information. According to Indeed, only 11.5 percent of job advertisements have so far included relevant information.
Managing director Hensgens sees the results of the survey as a problem for the entire economic structure. Frustration increases stagnation. “Unsatisfied skilled workers stay in unsuitable jobs longer because they are worried about the application hurdles,” he emphasized. “This reduces overall productivity and hinders the necessary transfer of knowledge.”