Between 2018 and 2019, over five and a half million job applications, processed through our Applicant Tracking System, were analysed to look for application trends. We looked at the times, days and months candidates were most likely to apply, as well as the types of application themselves.
When are candidates most likely to apply?
We have discovered, using data from our recruitment platform, that the most likely time for people to apply for a new job is during the working day. The most popular period being from Monday to Wednesday, between 12pm and 4pm, with 21% of job hunters looking for opportunities in this time. Most of those candidates apply on Monday at 2pm.
It is clear that candidates don’t like using their own time, like weekends, as shown by the data, with only 0.04% applying Friday evenings through till Sunday.
Dean Sadler, Tribepad’s CEO, said the following: “Workplace culture and happiness is a key ingredient for what makes a company able to attract and retain talent. And if you have unhappy employees, it’s clear that they’re more than happy to use your time to search and apply for jobs.”
It is a significant amount, with two thirds altogether (61%) applying during working hours, starting from 8AM and slowly dying off at 6PM, with only 27% of applications submitted again in the evening. In contrast, some 58% of applications were made during a similar period in 2018, showing that this trend is increasing.
Our data also reveals that the most popular month for applications is October with 13% of applications made during this month, closely followed by June (10%) and September (9%).
Evenings after work (Between 6PM and 8PM) is the most popular time for applicants applying outside of the working day (39% in total from midnight to 8AM and then from 6PM to 11:59PM).
Dean continues: “Being able to offer your candidates more than just a paycheck is a must. You need to invest in their wellbeing; their progression, for example, and understand that a work-life balance is extremely important. At the end of the day, you need to make sure you are taking care of your number one asset: your employees.”
How are candidates applying?
The CV is dying out as a way of assessing candidates. The number of job ads no longer requesting a CV from applicants has increased, going from 52% (half) in 2018 up to 62% (two thirds). Other methods are replacing the traditional CV, such as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), questionnaires and video interviewing.
Dean comments: “The CV is dying, and technology is taking its place – no longer do you need to ‘sell yourself’ with a handful of catchphrases. Video interviewing systems, ATS, and AI means that candidates will be able to apply for jobs anytime and anywhere; using any system they prefer.”
How does your recruitment process fair?
Companies now need to ensure they can compete in this tough hiring market and deliver exactly what their candidates need. Discover how Tribepad’s solutions can benefit your recruitment process by contacting us.
