The Power of a Shorter Job Application

When it comes to attracting top talent, the application process can make or break your success. A long, complex application can drive away potential candidates, leading to a smaller and less qualified talent pool. In contrast, a streamlined application encourages more applicants to complete the process, increasing your chances of finding the perfect hire.
Lengthy Job Applications Create Higher Application Drop-Off Rates
Research indicates that lengthy job applications can deter potential candidates. For instance, Indeed found that applications with 20 screener questions result in a 40% candidate drop-off rate, with higher abandonment rates as the number of questions increases.
Additionally, other studies revealed that 60% of job seekers abandon applications they perceive as too lengthy or complex.
This suggests that extensive applications may lead to missed opportunities to connect with qualified talent.
Consider this
A typical candidate spends hours crafting a resume and cover letter. When faced with an application that requires duplicating this effort by answering dozens of questions, many will abandon the process altogether. For organizations, this means missed opportunities to connect with qualified talent.
A high drop-off rate is more than just a lost application; it’s a signal that your hiring process might be turning candidates away. And in today’s competitive job market, every missed application counts.
Why Shorter Applications Work
Shorter applications address two critical pain points for candidates:
- Time: Applicants value their time and are more likely to complete an application that respects it.
- Clarity: A concise application feels approachable, reducing the intimidation factor of a lengthy form.
By removing unnecessary barriers, you create an inviting entry point for candidates, increasing the number of completed applications and improving the diversity and quality of your applicant pool.
ExactHire Solves the Problem
This is where ExactHire’s Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) comes in. We designed our ATS to help employers create optimized, candidate-friendly applications.
- Customize application forms: Tailor questions to gather only the most essential information upfront.
- Use pre-screening tools: Automate the qualification process with custom filters and screening questions, so you don’t sacrifice quality for quantity.
- Multi Step Applications: Use ExactHire Multiple Step Applications to collect the information you need to make a decision. Then get the rest of the information at a later point in time.
ExactHire’s ATS allows you to strike the perfect balance between gathering essential information and keeping the application concise, ensuring you attract and retain the right candidates.
Why Choose ExactHire as your ATS?
Choosing our ATS isn’t just about reducing drop-offs; it’s about transforming your hiring process into a competitive advantage. By leveraging our intuitive tools, you can:
- Increase applicant volume without sacrificing quality.
- Save time by reviewing qualified candidates.
- Enhance the candidate experience, boosting your employer brand.
- and more.
In a market where the best talent moves fast, your application process should never be a bottleneck. Let our ATS help you create an application experience that works for everyone.