Technology & Innovation

Are you applying for jobs but hearing nothing back? You're not alone. A new survey by global talent solutions firm Robert Walters reveals that a staggering 84% of jobseekers in the Middle East feel ignored during the hiring process.

This growing frustration among applicants is tied to a dramatic increase in the number of job applications submitted across the region. According to the survey, this surge has overwhelmed hiring managers, delayed recruitment timelines, and led to a rise in qualified candidates being overlooked.

Application Volume Leading to Delays

More than half (55%) of hiring managers admit that the sheer volume of applications has slowed down their processes. Many applications fail to meet basic criteria, and 39% of jobseekers reported submitting over 20 applications per week, often without tailoring them to specific roles.

Jason Grundy, Managing Director of Robert Walters Middle East, explained that mass applications can backfire. “Candidates often skip key job details or fail to customise their applications, resulting in submissions that don’t meet the role's requirements,” he said. The most cited reason for rejecting applicants? A lack of relevant experience, according to 44% of hiring managers.

AI on the Rise in Job Hunting

The job hunt is also becoming increasingly tech-driven. Around 59% of jobseekers in the region say they use artificial intelligence to support their job searches, and 16% do so regularly. However, hiring managers remain skeptical. Nearly 67% say they can spot AI-generated CVs and cover letters—often due to impersonal language or overly polished formatting. Alarmingly, 41% say the use of AI negatively impacts their perception of a candidate.

Grundy warned that while AI tools may streamline the process, authenticity still matters. “Hiring managers value a true representation of the individual behind the application,” he said.

The Rise of ‘Candidate Ghosting’

Interestingly, the report also highlights a growing trend of jobseekers dropping out mid-process—a phenomenon referred to as "ghosting" hiring managers. The correlation? The increased use of AI in applications seems linked to candidates who are less engaged throughout the hiring journey.

In fact, 62% of jobseekers admit they would abandon a job application if the process is too long. To address this, experts at the recent KT Future of Work summit advised employers to prioritise skill-based hiring and simplify application procedures.

Grundy emphasized that transparency and communication are key to improving the candidate experience. “Timely feedback, open communication, and promoting company culture are essential in attracting and retaining serious candidates,” he said.

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive and digitalised, both employers and jobseekers must adapt—balancing technology with a human touch.

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