5 Surprising & fascinating recruiting facts
- LabourGains Staff
- Sep 14, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 27, 2023

Hiring and recruiting may not seem like an exciting and interesting field on the service. But so much of it is a science, and an art, about human motivation and impulses. It really is a game of cat and mouse. Here's 5 facts that you'll want to share during an awkward moment at your next Zoom meeting:
The Goldfish Attention Span
Fact: The average attention span of a goldfish is believed to be around 9 seconds. Surprisingly, the average attention span of a job seeker reviewing job postings is even shorter, at just 8 seconds.
Recruiting professionals face the challenging task of capturing a candidate's attention in an incredibly brief window. This statistic emphasizes the importance of crafting concise and compelling job postings that immediately convey the key benefits and opportunities of the role.
2. The "Millennial" Workforce
Fact: Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) now make up the largest generation in the U.S. labor force, representing over 35% of all workers. Surprisingly, avocado toast consumption in the workplace has not increased proportionately.
As millennials become the dominant demographic in the workforce, recruiters must adapt their strategies to attract and engage this generation. This often involves offering flexible work arrangements, emphasizing company culture, and providing opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
3. The Rise of Mobile Recruiting
Statistic: In 2020, 83% of job seekers used their mobile devices to search for jobs, and 45% of them applied for jobs through their mobile devices.
The proliferation of smartphones and mobile apps has transformed the way job seekers search for and apply to positions. Employers who optimize their recruiting processes for mobile platforms are more likely to attract tech-savvy candidates and streamline the application process.
4. The Power of Employee Referrals
Statistic: Employee-referred candidates are 55% faster to hire compared to candidates sourced through career sites, and they have a 32% higher retention rate after one year.
Recruiting fact: Employee referrals are a highly effective method for finding quality talent. Employees are more likely to recommend candidates who they believe are a good fit for the company culture, leading to quicker hiring decisions and better long-term retention rates.
5. The Cost of a Bad Hire
Statistic: The cost of a bad hire can be as much as 30% of the employee's first-year earnings.
Recruiting professionals are under constant pressure to make the right hiring decisions. This statistic highlights the financial implications of a poor hiring choice, including the cost of recruiting, training, and lost productivity. It underscores the importance of thorough candidate evaluation and screening processes. Want to know more about the true cost of a bad hire and how to avoid it? Click here for more!
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