Job Application Overload: 77% of job applications go ignored

• 77% of jobseekers feel their job applications are often ignored 
• 61% of jobseekers send out more than 5 job applications in a week, including 15% who sending out more than 10 
• 20% of jobseekers would be put off by a long application process 
• 60% of employers cite the lack of relevant experience as the most common reason to reject job applications 
• 73% of employers shared that their hiring processes have slowed down due to an increase in job applications 

77% of jobseekers in Vietnam feel that they are often ignored in their job search process, while a shortage of talent with relevant experience is driving companies to reject job applications. 

The survey findings, based on an online poll of nearly 150 employers and professionals, conducted by Robert Walters Vietnam, revealed a snapshot of hiring challenges faced currently. As jobseekers continue to send out a significant volume of job applications, companies are overwhelmed with applications that may not be relevant, hence slowing down their hiring processes. Challenges such as candidate ghosting and longer hiring processes may therefore emerge. 

Quality and quantity of applications affecting response timings

In Vietnam, six in ten employers (60%) point to a lack of relevant experience as the primary reason for turning down candidates - followed by poorly formatted resumes (15%), overqualification (15%), and incomplete applications (10%). 82% of employers are also seeing “a lot more job applications, but some miss the criteria” slowing down their hiring processes noticeably (73%) or slightly (9%).

Among jobseekers, 61% shared that they send out more than 5 job applications per week, with 15% sending out between 11 and 20 applications weekly. There is a sense of frustration among them, with 77% feeling that their job applications are “very often” ignored, and the rest (17%) feeling that “sometimes” their applications go unanswered. 

46% of jobseekers shared that they frequently or occasionally use AI/automation tools to aid their job applications. 89% of employers are able to identify that a candidate has used AI to create a resume or cover letter based on the language used, with formatting no longer seen as a clear indicator.

Phuc Pham - Country Manager, Robert Walters Vietnam comments:

“These figures highlight the growing pressure on both jobseekers and companies in Vietnam to find the right match. While AI can help candidates save time in their applications, it can also make it harder for them to stand out in a sea of similar profiles. Candidates should focus on building a personal brand, seeking guidance from recruitment experts, and leveraging professional networks to connect directly with hiring managers. Employers, on the other hand, should consider adopting more transparent and timely communication strategies to maintain candidate engagement throughout the hiring process.”

The Robert Walters hiring challenges report - released in April - cited a trend of candidate ghosting as one of the hiring challenges faced globally. With 20% of jobseekers sharing that they will be put off by a long application process, the importance of investing in effective recruitment strategies companies can consider to avoid costly mishires and reduce the number of candidates from whom they do not receive a response from in the middle or towards the end of the hiring process. Tips include highlighting company stability, offering flexible work arrangements, and demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing to attract motivated candidates who are seeking a secure and fulfilling career.

Other challenges faced by companies, as cited in the report include: 

• Cultivating workforces that are not only skilled but also resilient
• Sourcing for talent with AI skillsets 
• Adapt to the changing expectations and values of the workforce, particularly Gen Z
• Using skills-based hiring to find and hire the best candidates.