Man isolated on yellow background showing thumb down, disappointment concept

The job search process isn’t living up to candidate expectations. According to a new report by PeopleScout, less than 20% of candidates would rate their experience as “excellent.”

The data show that the majority (two-thirds) of candidates research companies on social media. But one-third of employers aren’t posting career-related content on their sites regularly. Candidates are looking to make an emotional connection with prospective employers. But less than half of companies share their mission, purpose, and values on their career site. And 35% don’t feature real employees in recruitment material.

Candidates also want to know that the application process is worthwhile — 21% would drop out of the application process if there was a lack of information about next steps, but less than 20% of employers provide these details.

Simon Wright, PeopleScout’s Head of Global Talent Advisory Consulting, commented: “In my conversations with talent acquisition leaders, it’s clear organizations understand the importance of the candidate experience, yet our research reveals that employers have a long way to go to meet candidates’ expectations.”