The Stepstone Group

Press release
Job search becomes a challenge: Candidates send out a median of 20 applications but receive only three interview invitations 44% of candidates dropped out of at least one hiring process in the past year – unmet expectations regarding role and salary are the main reasons Recruiters themselves are under pressure: administrative tasks and rigid structures slow down efficient processes Düsseldorf, October 6, 2025 – Looking for a new job currently requires strong nerves, as a recent Stepstone survey shows: in their most recent job search, candidates sent out a median of 20 applications, but only three resulted in an interview. In other words, just one in seven applications led to a conversation.
“The situation in the labor market has become more difficult for jobseekers. There are fewer open positions, while at the same time many companies set the bar very high,” says Julius Probst, labor market expert at The Stepstone Group. “People put a lot of energy into their applications. When processes take too long or requirements are too narrowly defined, this leads to frustration – and in the end, companies lose valuable candidates.”

Many applications, many dropouts

The survey results also reveal a paradox: despite the high effort, 44% of jobseekers dropped out of at least one hiring process themselves in the past 12 months. The main reasons are unmet expectations regarding the role (34%) and salary (33%), as well as unclear or delayed communication from the employer (23%).
On top of that, 54% of respondents report that they received no response at all after submitting an application. Many candidates therefore wish for more transparency. 62% would find a status-tracking tool for applications very helpful. An overview of the results can be found in the PDF dcument linked above or in the Stepstone Newsroom.

Efficiency problems weigh on HR teams

Recruiters’ commitment, however, is not the issue. The survey shows: for one in five recruiters (21%), administrative tasks are a major or very major challenge. Another 28% see them at least as a moderate burden. According to the study, recruiters spend an average of 12.5 hours per hire on administrative activities alone. In addition, internal alignment often leads to delays.
“The survey results point to structural challenges within HR departments,” says Probst. “Recruiters are often held back by complex structures and a lack of resources. Companies should provide targeted relief for their HR teams and simplify processes. Those who recognize potential in candidates and invest in training have the chance to hire motivated people who will stay for the long term.”

Recruiters themselves estimate that only 40% of incoming applications are truly qualified. This highlights one thing above all: the perfect résumé is rare. Many companies look for a 100% match – and miss out on opportunities, says Probst: “Given the skills shortage, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find these ‘ideal profiles.’ Companies that are still only searching for the perfect résumé will no longer find talent. The key is to recognize learning potential and invest in training. With targeted development measures, candidates who may not look perfect on paper can grow into a new role – and remain with the company long term.”

About the study                                   
What factors delay hiring processes? Why do promising candidates drop out? For the “Hiring Efficiency” study, Stepstone surveyed 308 recruiters and 4,023 working professionals in Germany between June 25 and July 2, 2025, about efficiency barriers in recruiting. The candidate sample is representative of the German workforce by age, gender, and education.
About The Stepstone Group 
The Stepstone Group is a leading global digital recruitment platform that connects companies with the right talent and helps people find the right job. AI-driven job marketplaces and programmatic-powered marketing solutionsconnect about 140 million job applications with more than 130,000 employers every year. In 2024, The Stepstone Group generated revenue of over €900 million. The Stepstone Group operates in more than 30 countries - including Stepstone in Germany, Appcast in the USA and Totaljobs in the UK. The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany and employs about 3,000 people worldwide. For more information: www.thestepstonegroup.com/english  
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