What’s deterring job seekers from applying for jobs

CareerWallet has recently published a Global Workplace survey* showing detailed trends and insights into the UK job market. Findings from the report have revealed the top seven factors that dissuade potential candidates from pursuing roles within companies.
A new comprehensive global report* provides crucial insights into what job seekers prioritise when seeking new positions, offering employers invaluable information in attracting top talent to their organisations.
Findings from the report have revealed the top seven factors that dissuade potential candidates from pursuing roles within companies.
Bad Reviews Online (46%): Negative online reviews were the top deterrent for nearly half of all job seekers, highlighting how important online reputation is for businesses.
Lack of Annual Leave (44%): Nearly half of all job seekers said the amount of annual leave being offered was a key factor in applying for jobs –
Staff Incentives and Benefits (42%): Limited or bad staff incentives and benefits was the third highest factor in stopping job seekers from applying showing the importance of offering comprehensive schemes to attract the best talent.
Morally Dubious Industries (32%): A third of job seekers would not apply for a job in a morally dubious industry such as betting, tobacco or others showing the growing emphasis on ethical considerations in career choices.
No Hybrid Working (21%): The absence of hybrid work arrangements is a key deterrent for candidates, reflecting the increasing demand for flexible work options in the modern workplace landscape.
No Sustainability Policy (19%): The absence of a sustainability policy is a huge issue for millions of job seekers signalling the rising importance of environmental and social responsibility in corporate culture.
Outdated Sectors (18%): Job seekers express reservations about sectors perceived as outdated highlighting the significance of innovation and adaptability in attracting top talent.
By understanding the factors influencing job seekers’ decisions, organisations can proactively address concerns and position themselves as employers of choice in the competitive job market landscape.
*The CareerWallet Group

Read more

Latest News

Read More

What parenting teaches us about professional growth

15 August 2025

Employee Benefits & Reward

14 August 2025

In the race to attract and retain top talent, HR leaders are constantly reassessing how to create a compelling employee value proposition that aligns with...

Employment Law

14 August 2025

Step-by-step guide for UK employers to prepare for an employment tribunal. Learn ET1/ET3 tips, witness prep, and settlement strategies....

Newsletter

Receive the latest HR news and strategic content

Please note, as per the GDPR Legislation, we need to ensure you are ‘Opted In’ to receive updates from ‘theHRDIRECTOR’. We will NEVER sell, rent, share or give away your data to third parties. We only use it to send information about our products and updates within the HR space To see our Privacy Policy – click here

Latest HR Jobs

University of Cambridge – Department of Clinical NeurosciencesSalary: £33,951 to £39,906

University of Oxford – HR Centres of Excellence based within the Centre for Human GeneticsSalary: £34,982 to £40,855 per annum (pro rata). Grade 6

University of Bradford – Directorate of People and CultureSalary: £40,497 to £45,413 per annum Role 1 – 1 FTE September to end of January 2026.

University of Greater Manchester – Human Resources TeamSalary: £41,671 to £48,149 per annum

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE