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While skills-based tests in job applications increase, jobseekers would like job applications to be anonymous to reduce bias.
As nearly half (46.54%) of surveyed individuals look for new job opportunities while already working full-time, over half (50.73%) of them report experiencing negative bias during the job application process.
This is one of the key findings from CVwizard’s survey, which surveyed 1,000 people aged 18-60 on the current state of the US job market.
*While the survey was conducted in the US, HRO believes the results remain relevant to our readership in Asia.
The survey included 10 questions for individuals across different genders and age groups, revealing four emerging trends for the job market in 2024 as follows.
Preferences for job search and application channels have changed
LinkedIn has emerged as the platform of choice for both job seekers and hiring managers. Over half of the respondents (51.12%) reported receiving job offers via LinkedIn within the last year.
Segmented by gender, the results saw a slightly higher percentage among males (54.21%) compared to females (47.96%). When looking by age, respondents aged 45-60 have seen a higher percentage of job offers via LinkedIn in the last year (58%), compared to 51.07% in the 18-29 age group.
A degree is still necessary, but skills-based tests in job applications have increased
The survey revealed that a significant majority across all demographics (73.21%) admitted that their jobs typically require a degree or other professional qualification. However, the demographic of respondents that seemed to require a degree less were females aged 18-29, with 70.12% who needed a qualification.
This contrasts with the highest percentage, which was among males aged 45-60, at an impressive 94.29%. The reason for this could be down to the difference in career choices between the two demographics, with age and gender being the biggest factors.
While qualifications are still a crucial requirement in recruitment, a majority (60.95%) also noted an increase in skills-based tests when applying for jobs, with a higher percentage among males (63.99%) compared to females (58.06%).
Skills-based tests in job applications also increase with age, from 57.86% in the 18-29 age group to 70% in the 45-60 age group. This suggests a growing emphasis on practical skills assessment in the hiring process, especially for experienced professionals.
Women believe they are not fairly paid
When looking at salary satisfaction, the survey found a difference in contentment levels across different age and gender groups.
According to the results, more than two-thirds (67.12%) of males feel fairly paid compared to (55.15%) of females.
The lowest satisfaction was reported by females aged 30-44, with 53.87%, The highest was among males aged 45-60, with 77.14%. This shows that middle-aged females feel like they are underpaid in their line of work even if they have the correct qualifications and experience.
Females aged 18-29 also feel like they are underpaid with only 56.71% of respondents admitting that they are fairly paid.
Anonymous job applications to reduce negative bias
The survey showed that half (50.73%) of the respondents have received negative bias when applying for jobs, due to varying reasons such as age (21.14%), race (15.93%), gender (14.10%), neighbourhood (3.37%) and more.
The lowest reported instances of negative bias were among males aged 18-29, with 39.67%. On the other hand, the highest percentage of reporting bias was among males aged 45-60, with 68.57%.
To reduce bias, a substantial (66.89%) respondents expressed a preference for anonymous job applications, with a slightly higher percentage among males (69.86%) compared to females (64.08%). This desire is also most evident in the 45-60 age group, with 78%, compared to 67.14% in the 18-29 age group.
Lead photo / 123RF
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