Hiring 2 people out of 40 applicants is ‘good’?
Understanding Recruitment Metrics: Is Hiring 2 Out of 40 Applicants Considered Success?
Navigating the hiring process can often be a challenging and sometimes discouraging experience. Recently, I had an insightful conversation with a recruiting firm about our current hiring efforts, which prompted me to reflect on what constitutes a successful recruitment outcome.
Our Current Hiring Landscape
At my organization, the responsibility of recruiting primarily falls on my shoulders and one other team member. I handle various tasks—from posting job listings on platforms like Indeed, screening applications, scheduling interviews, to onboarding new hires. Over the past week, I reached out to approximately 40 applicants. Among these:
– Ten responded positively to initial contact.
– Of those ten, five attended scheduled interviews.
– From those interviews, we ultimately hired two new team members.
While the outcome—hiring 2 out of 40—may seem modest, it’s important to contextualize these figures.
Insights from Our Recruiting Partner
Our conversations with a recruiting firm revealed that such metrics are, in fact, quite common across many industries. The recruiter assured us that hiring 2 individuals from around 40 applicants is considered within the typical range; in some cases, a 5-10% conversion rate from application to hire is seen as excellent. This underscores how challenging the recruitment process can be, especially when assessing candidate quality and engagement.
Reflecting on Recruitment Realities
These numbers highlight a broader reality: the pool of applicants is often larger than the number of truly qualified, responsive candidates. Many applicants may apply en masse or may not follow through with their applications, phone calls, or interviews. This means that, despite seemingly low yield rates, the pool of genuinely interested and qualified candidates is smaller than it appears.
Advice for Job Seekers
For those seeking employment, understanding this process can be encouraging. When facing fierce competition or seeing large applicant pools, it’s tempting to feel discouraged. However, the reality is that many applicants may not respond or follow through. Responsiveness, professionalism, and a proactive attitude can significantly improve your chances. Showing up prepared and punctual can set you apart from the crowd.
Final Thoughts
While the hiring process may sometimes seem opaque or discouraging, the key takeaway is that a modest success rate doesn’t mean failure. Employers often expect to interview many candidates before making a hire. For job seekers, understanding these dynamics can be empowering—your attentiveness and professionalism can make all the difference. Patience and perseverance, combined with a proactive approach, are your best tools in securing that next opportunity.
Navigating recruitment metrics can be complex, but with the right mindset and approach, both employers and candidates can find success amid the challenges.