iCIMS has published its second annual Talent Experience Report, highlighting that 51% of individuals are less likely to engage with a brand after a negative application or interview experience. With candidate expectations at an all-time high, recruiting teams must transition from merely managing relationships to actively building positive experiences. Many recruiters are leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, saving an average of two and a half hours each week. This strategy appears effective, as 40% of candidates describe their recent job search as quick and easy, while only 9% found it disheartening.
Key Findings from the Talent Experience Report
Informed by proprietary data from the iCIMS platform, as well as surveys of 500 U.S.-based talent acquisition professionals and 1,000 U.S. job seekers, the report sheds light on current candidate expectations and how recruiters are adapting to meet them.
A Short ‘n Sweet Experience
Nearly 70% of job seekers expect the entire job application process—from applying to receiving an offer—to take three weeks or less. Companies are meeting this expectation, with an average time to hire of just 18 days in 2024. The iCIMS ATS leverages AI-powered technology to automate recruiting workflows, enhancing recruiter efficiency and speeding up the hiring process.
Forty-four percent of job seekers anticipate receiving communication about tangible next steps in the application process. Recruiters are responding, with 45% providing status updates every two weeks, primarily through email (48%) or phone (30%). The AI-powered iCIMS CXM combines multichannel marketing campaigns with engagement scoring, enabling recruiters to connect with candidates and understand who is not only the best fit but also hire-ready.
Women and Retirees Storm the Workforce
The report reveals that 45% of job seekers know someone who has “unretired” after the age of 55. Additionally, applications from women surged by 56% between July 2021 and July 2024. In response, 72% of recruiters are actively seeking employees over 55, while nearly 80% are implementing strategies to attract female candidates.
Embracing AI in Talent Acquisition
Today’s workforce is increasingly adopting AI, and recruiters are keen to follow suit. The report outlines several key areas where AI is making an impact:
- Embracing AI Throughout the Process: Millennials (51%) and Gen Zers (55%) are utilizing GenAI to draft resumes, cover letters, and other job application queries. Interestingly, 64% of recruiters also express a desire to see further AI adoption in recruiting and talent acquisition, despite 87% being concerned about candidates using AI during applications and interviews.
- Putting AI to Work: Thirty percent of recruiters are using AI to craft job descriptions, 36% to match skills to openings, 36% to develop interview questions, and 39% to match former candidates to new roles. The iCIMS Copilot, an AI-powered recruiting assistant, supports recruiters and talent acquisition professionals in initiating tasks, unlocking hiring efficiencies, and fostering a more equitable hiring experience.
Gender Disparities in AI Usage
Interestingly, more men (17%) than women (7%) have applied for jobs where AI plays a significant role in the last six months. Almost half of women (48%) report no experience using GenAI for writing resumes or cover letters, compared to 43% of men who have utilized AI in their job searches.
“Now is the time for talent acquisition to flex that preparedness muscle and prepare for when hiring resumes,” says Laura Coccaro, Chief People Officer at iCIMS. “Whether it’s streamlining operations, nurturing company culture, or delivering a personalized and consistent candidate experience, this data empowers HR teams to proactively build a thriving workforce.”
