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Depending on the company and field you are interested in, job boards are impersonal, and when used alone they can be a less-effective method of getting a new job. Part of the reason is that human resources departments tend to post a “one size fits all” description. According to a job statistic in Elma Mrkonjic’s blog on <anchor>goremotely.net</anchor>, you have “a 40% better chance of getting hired” over other applicants if you have a referral. Also, without a personal contact within some companies, your unique skills might not be recognized on paper.
30 Most Interesting Job Searching Statistics
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30 Most Interesting Job Searching Statistics

# 30 Most Interesting Job Searching Statistics

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Written by

Elma Mrkonjic

Last Updated

March 16, 2022

Getting a better insight into various job searching statistics is an excellent way to begin the job-hunting process. As we all know, finding a job is not always an easy task, and more often than not, the experience will prove to be challenging, if not frustrating.

The time it takes you to land a job will greatly depend on your qualifications, the industry you are looking to work in, the opportunities available in your vicinity, and in some cases, even a well-written resume.

To prepare you for what to expect and to help you start your job-hunting journey, we’ve compiled a list of the most useful job hiring statistics.

## Top Job Searching Statistics (Editor’s Choice)

- 75% of resumes are rejected before even reaching a hiring manager.
- The average job hunt in the US takes five months.
- The unemployment rate in the US is 5.4 % as of July 2021.
- For 49% of job hunters, compensation is the most relevant factor when accepting a new job offer.
- Referrals account for 30 to 50% of all hires in the US.
- 77% of US recruiters rely on LinkedIn.
- Twenty million manufacturing jobs will be lost to robots by 2030.
- 85% of job positions are filled through some form of networking.

### Job Market Statistics

COVID-19 has shaken the world economy, and some industries are still recovering from its impact.

The following statistics will help you better understand the current economic state in the country and prepare you for what to expect when looking for a job.

#### 1. The unemployment rate in the US is 5.4 % as of July 2021.

The unemployment rate increased from 3.5% in February 2020 to 14.7% in April of the same year, only to gradually decrease to 6.7% in November 2020. COVID-19 has significantly impacted the world’s economy, and some industries have suffered much more than others. The latest job market statistics show that the US economy is slowly but steadily recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

#### 2. The average job hunt in the US takes five months.

You should not be discouraged if it takes you several months to land a job. Job seekers will also apply even for jobs they don’t think they will get. A study found that 49 percent of American applicants are ready to apply for jobs they realize they are not qualified for. Finding one that fits your skillset, qualifications and aligns with your future career plans can take up to five months or even longer, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

#### 3. Twenty million manufacturing jobs will be lost to robots by 2030.

According to an estimate by Oxford Economics, the rise of robots is set to boost economic growth and productivity. However, it will also mean fewer jobs for humans. With technology taking over jobs, statistics suggest that the global stock of robots will multiply and reach 20 million by 2030, with 14 million robots in China alone.

#### 4. Top candidates are hired within ten days.

While it can take months for job seekers to find a job, companies actively recruit top talent. According to Workonic, it takes only ten days for businesses to recruit top candidates. Many people simply apply too late - sometimes companies find their perfect candidates within the first few days of recruitment, so make sure you apply for a job as soon as you see the advertisement.

#### 5. The average US worker changes 12 different jobs between the ages of 18 and 54.

The survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics was conducted on the “baby boomer” generation, first in 1979 and most recently in 2018/19.  Numerous job change statistics show that it is quite common to switch jobs due to better pay, company culture, or simply because a new commute route is more convenient. According to the study, nearly half of the 12.4 average jobs that Americans held between the ages of 18 and 54 were done by the survey participants while they were between 18 and 24 years of age.

#### 6. 70% of the global workforce consists of passive talent, not actively searching for a job.

While we don’t have hiring statistics for 2021, LinkedIn’s older survey is still very illuminating. Approximately 70% of the world’s workforce isn’t actively searching for a new job, and only 30% of people who are currently employed are actively looking for a job change.

### Job Application Statistics

Even though applying for a job is only the first step towards getting hired, it is also one of the most essential ones. Here, you can find what job seekers find important when looking for a job and the tools that help them in the job searching process.

#### 7. 50% of candidates wouldn't work for a company with a bad reputation.

Companies with good reputation attract better talent, and many of the surveyed candidates reported they would refuse a job offer from a company preceded by its bad reputation. Half of them wouldn’t switch jobs even for a pay raise. On the other hand, 92% would consider leaving their current jobs if offered one in a company with a good reputation.

#### 8. According to Google, Indeed is the top online job searching site.

We live in an era where it takes only a split of a second to connect with someone across the globe, so finding a job has never been easier. In fact, there are numerous top online job sites that can help you find work, such as Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, or Robert Half.

For example, Glassdoor is fantastic for employer insights, while LinkedIn is great for networking and directly connecting with recruiters. Each site has its advantages, so you should check out several options when looking for a job. Nevertheless, Indeed seems to be Google’s favorite, popping up first in its search engine when looking for job search sites, no doubt due to the sheer number of job postings and useful information for employees available on the site. Zety and many other websites agree, ranking Indeed ahead of the pack.

#### 9. Employers reject 54% of applicants based on their social media profiles.

Various social media recruitment statistics reveal that using social networks is becoming increasingly popular among hiring managers. Numerous organizations already rely on social media to recruit new candidates or learn more about their applicants.

However, companies don’t just hire people through social media; they also reject them solely based on their social media profiles. The prime examples include finding provocative pictures or proof of drug use on the potential candidate’s social media profile or even controversial posts regarding politics or religion.

#### 10. 41% of US employers plan to use text messages to schedule job interviews.

For most people these days, cell phones have become second nature. This is especially true with young people, who do everything, including job searching through their mobile phones and tablets. With that in mind, more and more companies are planning to allow applicants to make use of their smartphones during the application/hiring process.

In fact, job interview statistics by Career Builder show that nearly half of the employers plan on using text messages to arrange job interviews, and we can only speculate this number will increase in the future.

#### 11. 80% of job seekers say they wouldn’t reapply to a company that didn’t notify them of their application status.

Feedback is an essential part of the hiring process, and 80% of job seekers said they wouldn’t reapply to a company that didn’t notify them about their application status. On the other hand, people are four times more likely to consider future offers by your company if provided with constructive feedback (even if they didn’t make the cut).

#### 12. Six in ten millennials in the US say they are open to different job opportunities.

Millennials and Gen X comprise the world’s largest workforce, and most millennials are always on the lookout for new opportunities. Software engineer, data analyst, and data scientist are some of the most sought-after positions. According to the latest job searching statistics by Gallup, six out of ten millennials reported openly considering accepting new job offers.

#### 13. For 49% of job hunters, compensation is the most relevant factor when accepting a new job offer.

A chance for further professional development is the second most relevant factor (33%), followed by being able to achieve a better work/life balance (29%). According to CMD Recruitment, the other two relevant factors are work-associated benefits and the commute route.

### Job Interview Statistics

Landing an interview means that you are that much closer to getting hired. However, it is also when you have to do your best and leave a lasting impression that will secure you the job. Here are some valuable statistics that can shed light on what hiring managers expect from an interviewee.

#### 14. The average interview process takes up to 27.5 days.

To be clear, we are talking about the entire process here, from first drafting a job advertisement to finally hiring your chosen employee - not the average interview time. Businesses will often arrange multiple interviews during the hiring process, whether online, via a phone call, or in person, and narrow down the list of possible candidates before extending their favorite candidates a job offer.

#### 15. US job applicants over 40 are far less likely (46% to 68%) to receive a job offer than younger candidates.

Research conducted by professor David Neumark shows the age-blind hiring procedures gave 40+ candidates the same chance for getting hired as their younger counterparts until their age became apparent in person (at which point they were 46% less likely to get hired). Those who had to divulge their age right away had even slimmer chances - 68% lower than those of younger candidates, according to Neumark’s study.

The odds of getting a job decrease as we grow older, and while the chances of getting a job at 55 aren’t great, the unemployment rate for anyone aged 55 or older is only 5.8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

#### 16. 91% of US employers prefer candidates with work experience.

While landing your first job might prove challenging, you shouldn’t shy away from changing industries, especially if a good opportunity presents itself. Approximately 91% of employers prefer candidates with any work experience, while 65% strongly prefer hiring candidates with relevant work experience.

#### 17. Only 7% of meaning is communicated through the spoken word.

Various human resource statistics reveal that hiring managers often look for applicants with excellent verbal skills. However, according to psychology professor Albert Mehrabian at the University of California, only 7% of meaning is communicated through the spoken word.

55% of communication occurs through body language, while 38% is reserved for the tone of the speaker’s voice. Therefore, make sure that you are confident, maintain eye contact, and communicate clearly during the interview.

### Networking and Referrals Statistics

Not every job position is filled through online job boards, and the chances of getting a job through referral or via networking are relatively high. Additionally, companies will often hire internally without even posting a job application.

The following statistics outline the importance of networking and maintaining a good and professional relationship with your former employers.

#### 18. Referrals account for 30 to 50% of all hires in the US.

Referrals who land an interview have a 40% better chance of getting hired than other applicants. According to a paper published by MIT and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, only 6% of applicants were referred by another company. However, despite the small percentage, more than a quarter of new hires were referrals.

#### 19. 85% of job positions are filled through some form of networking.

Networking plays a major role in virtually every business and the percentage of jobs found through networking is at a staggering 85%. For both active and passive job seekers, networking was by far the most common job-hunting strategy, well ahead of standard job applications.

### Getting a Job After College Statistics

College education is a stepping stone towards a better-paying job for nearly everyone. However, having a diploma doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a job, and it may take a while before you get hired.

If you’re fresh out of college and looking for a job, the following statistics may help you with what to expect and prepare you for the job hunting experience.

#### 20. Only 67% of US college graduates receive training from their first employer.

When talking about getting a job after college, statistics reveal that only 67% of 2015/16 class graduates received training from their first employer, according to a Gen Z study conducted by Accenture in 2017.

Even though 78% of 2017 college graduates completed an apprenticeship or an internship, 97% of them reported that they would need additional training to further their careers.

#### 21. 68% of US employees believe they are overqualified for their current job.

One of the reasons many employees leave work in pursuit of different opportunities is because they feel like the current position isn’t challenging enough for them. According to a State of the American Workplace study by Gallup, nearly 70% of US employees believe they are overqualified for their current job and have more knowledge and education than is required by it.

#### 22. 10% of full-time students in the US work for more than 35 hours every week.

Having a job can help students pay for student classes or living expenses, which is why both full-time and part-time students often opt to work while enrolled in a college. Various working while in college statistics reveal that 17% of full-time students spend 20 to 34 hours working per week while 10% work for more than 35 hours.

Unsurprisingly, part-time students spend even more time working. Approximately 24% of them work 20 to 34 hours per week, and 47% do so for 35 hours or more.

#### 23. The average time to get a job after graduation is three to six months.

Not all college students work while enrolled at a college because they need additional cash. Some of them are employed solely for the work experience and to improve their chances of getting hired since it can take three to six months to land a job after graduating. Approximately 53% of college graduates are unemployed or working jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree.

### Resume Statistics for 2021

Writing a resume is one of the first steps that you should take when looking for a job. Even if you already have one, you should ensure it is updated to match industry standards and features all the relevant information.

The following statistics highlight the importance of having a properly written resume and reveal why a good resume is essential for landing a job.

#### 24. 75% of resumes are rejected before even reaching a hiring manager.

So how many average applicants per job in the corporate sector are there? Around 250, according to Glassdoor. To ensure that only the most promising resumes reach hiring managers, many companies use applicant tracking systems. These are great when you need to quickly narrow down the list and filter through hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes.

Most of the resumes get denied by the ATS before they even reach a hiring manager, which is why you should ensure that your resume maintains a professional tone, includes only the relevant information, and has no grammatical errors.

#### 25. A professionally written resume boosts your earning potential by 7%.

In addition to being able to help you land a job interview, job search statistics reveal that a professionally written resume can even increase your earnings.

It goes without saying that all the information written on your resume should be truthful, as companies that decide to verify the information on a resume will automatically reject applicants caught lying.

#### 26. 75% of recruiters use applicant tracking software to improve their hiring process.

According to research conducted by Capterra, 94% of HR professionals reported that ATS helped them improve their hiring process. Only 5% of them said that their process had been hurt by the software, and 1% claimed it had no impact at all.

### LinkedIn Recruiting Statistics

LinkedIn is a fantastic tool that can help anyone get the job they are looking for. It is great for networking as it allows employers to get in touch with potential candidates quickly. It also enables job seekers to communicate with hiring managers directly.

Here are several statistics that show you why you should be using LinkedIn when looking for a job and how growing your LinkedIn network helps you in the long run.

#### 27. 77% of US recruiters rely on LinkedIn.

According to social media recruitment statistics gathered by Jobvite, LinkedIn is the most popular job searching engine, followed by Facebook with 63%. It is excellent for networking, and it allows job searchers to find exactly the job they are seeking quickly.

Recruiters often use the platform to find potential candidates, so having a properly set up LinkedIn profile is just as important as having a well-written resume.

#### 28. Online job boards are the top job-searching channel for 60% of job hunters.

According to LinkedIn’s job board statistics, online job boards are a way to go when hunting for a new job. Additionally, 56% of job searchers use professional social networks, while word of mouth was the go-to method for 50% of the interviewees.

#### 29. InMail messages sent on Saturdays are 16% less likely to get a response.

If you are using LinkedIn to look for a job, you should send InMails during workdays. According to LinkedIn’s best practices, the ideal time to send InMails is on workdays between 9-10 AM.

#### 30. Referencing a former employer increases your chances of getting an InMail response by 27%.

LinkedIn’s recruiting statistics show that you can increase your chances of getting an InMail response by 27% by merely referencing a former employer. Naturally, this is one of the reasons you should always remain professional in your line of work and try to nurture good relationships with former employers.

### Job Search Statistics - Main Takeaways

Even though it can take a while, finding a job today is easier than ever. To help you land a job, you can always rely on multiple tools at your disposal, from online job boards to business-oriented social media platforms like LinkedIn.

However, to improve your chances of getting a job even further, you should ensure that you come prepared by learning more about the company you are applying to. You should also keep working on your resume while practicing and improving your communication skills. Good luck!

## Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of job applicants are unqualified?

Approximately 42% of applicants do not meet the skill requirements. However, this should not dissuade you from applying for a job you are not ideally suited for. As many as 84% of HR managers reported that their company is willing to train candidates as long as they can sense some potential.

What percent of job offers are accepted?

According to PageUp research, organizations average a 94% offer-acceptance rate, with top organizations reaching 99%. It’s a good metric for job hunters, too - companies with phenomenal rates are clearly very popular with job seekers, so they must be doing something right.

What percentage of applicants get an interview?

There are 250 applicants per job posting on average and, out of that number, only 2-3% are called in for an interview.

Keep in mind that the percentage of applicants who get an interview will greatly depend on the correlation between a few different factors: the number of people who applied, the number of available positions, and the number of applicants who are actually qualified for the job.

What are the top 5 job career search sites?

The top five job career search sites are Indeed, CareerBuilder, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Monster. It is important to note that each of these sites excels in a specific area. For example, LinkedIn is great for networking and connectivity, while Glassdoor provides the best employer insights to job seekers.

Instead of relying on a single site, you should always explore multiple options to increase your chances of finding a job that best aligns with your career plans.

How long is the average job search?

The average time to get a job greatly depends on the state of the economy and your personal qualifications. Job seekers spend 11 hours per week on average looking for a job, and it can take them up to five months to get hired. At the same time, companies, on average, take only ten days to hire top talent.

What percentage of job openings are published?

According to Wall Street Journal, around 80% of job openings never get published, leaving us with just 20% that do. Companies most often hire employees internally or through networking and referrals, especially when hiring for senior positions within the company.

How long does it take to get an interview?

The newest job searching statistics show that it can take anywhere between five business days to two weeks to get an interview. If a hiring manager likes your resume and considers you a good candidate for the job, you will most likely receive a call for a phone interview within a few business days. If everything goes well, you will then be called in for an interview in person.

### Sources

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