How are jobseekers looking for new roles?

In today’s competitive job market, businesses must adapt their recruitment strategies to attract top-tier talent. According to our research, nearly half of candidates express frustration with lengthy recruitment processes, and over a third report difficulty finding companies they want to work for. This highlights the need for organisations to refine their attraction strategies and adopt innovative approaches to stand out.

Below are the top ways jobseekers are searching for new roles. By integrating these methods into your recruitment plan, you can enhance your ability to attract both active and passive candidates.

Top Ways Jobseekers Search for Roles:

1. Using Online Job Boards (75%)

   • Job boards remain the most popular tool for jobseekers. Ensure your roles are well-advertised with clear branding, including your company logo, as branded advertisements tend to attract higher-quality candidates.
      

2. Partnering with Recruitment Agencies (72%)

   • Recruitment agencies streamline hiring by connecting you with pre-vetted candidates, reducing time-to-hire and ensuring you secure top talent before competitors.
      

3. Searching for Roles on LinkedIn (59%)

   • LinkedIn is a key platform for professionals seeking new opportunities. Use it not only to advertise roles but also to research and engage with potential candidates.
      

4. Looking for Roles That Use Transferable Skills (57%)

   • Over half of professionals are open to roles outside their current industry if they can leverage transferable skills. Highlighting these opportunities in your job descriptions can help you tap into a broader candidate pool.
      

5. Working in Temporary or Contract Positions (46%)

   • Many professionals consider temporary or contract roles while searching for permanent positions. Hiring interim staff can help manage workloads while assessing whether they’re a good fit for your organisation.
      

6. Searching on Alternative Social Media Platforms (20%)

   • Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are becoming increasingly important in recruitment. Use these channels creatively to highlight available roles, showcase company culture, and reach both active and passive jobseekers.

Key Takeaways for Employers:

• Streamline Your Recruitment Process: Nearly 44% of jobseekers cite long recruitment timelines as a major frustration. A faster process can help you secure top talent before competitors.
• Promote Your Employer Brand: Over a third of candidates struggle to find companies they want to work for. Proactively advertise the benefits of working at your organisation through social media, job boards, and other platforms.
• Leverage Multiple Channels: Combining traditional methods like job boards and recruitment agencies with innovative approaches such as social media outreach ensures you reach a diverse range of candidates.
• Highlight Career Development Opportunities: Career progression remains a significant driver for candidates. Clearly communicate growth opportunities during the hiring process.
• Be Open to Transferable Skills: Recognising transferable skills allows you to access talent from outside traditional candidate pools, addressing skills shortages more effectively.

About the Research

This research was conducted in partnership with totaljobs and Jobsite, surveying over 5,000 professionals across the UK. It provides insights into key trends such as skills shortages, changing candidate expectations, and effective recruitment strategies.

For further insights or assistance with your hiring needs, please contact us at contact@robertwalters.com or visit our website at www.robertwalters.co.uk.