The end marking the beginning 

COVID-19 left no industry unscathed, impacting everything from healthcare to tourism to the tech sectors. Lockdowns and restrictions led to a tidal wave of redundancies, while at the same time, remote work became a new normal. Companies found themselves adapting to new ways of operation, but the hiring landscape perhaps took one of the most significant hits. 

Australia, like the rest of the world, faced unique challenges. Businesses had to grapple with labour shortages, while the gig economy saw a surge unlike any before. Traditional hiring processes became obsolete overnight. Gone were the days of in-person interviews and crowded career fairs. Instead, virtual hiring events and online interviews became the norms. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic gradually retreated, Australia found itself standing at a crucial crossroads. It was a time of healing, yes, but also a time for reflection, particularly in the world of employment. It became increasingly clear that the status quo of Australia’s hiring landscape had been upended. 

WorkPro's Response: Capturing Real-Time Insights to Challenge the Status Quo 

The Skill Shortage and A Unique Approach 

Recognising the pervasive skill shortage, WorkPro took a decidedly proactive approach. We sought to understand the inner workings of the job application process from those who were experiencing it firsthand. WorkPro serves over 20,000 new users each month, a sizable sample that promised fresh, "in-the-moment" insights. 

The Methodology 

Instead of collecting data retrospectively, we made a point of querying our users in the midst of their job application processes. This would offer us the most immediate and authentic view of their candidate experience.

Unveiling Hidden Issues 

The insights not only helped us navigate the issue of skill shortage but also shook the very foundations of the traditional hiring landscape. It revealed gaps in the so-called "100% transparency" of job ads and interview processes. For instance, while the global benchmark for 'time to hire' was reported as 44 days, our data questioned the accuracy of this number in today’s context. 

Technology's role in the recruitment process was overwhelmingly confirmed. Over 90% of candidates reported that technology—ranging from online skills assessments to background checks and online training programmes—was a part of their application process and their communication preferences.

The Whitepaper: "It's Not Me, It's You: Challenging the Status Quo of Australia's Hiring." 

Armed with these game-changing insights, we gathered industry experts to contribute their wisdom. The result is our whitepaper, "It's Not Me, It's You: Challenging the Status Quo of Australia's Hiring." This isn’t just a report; it's a blueprint. Recruiters, HR professionals, and Talent Acquisition teams can utilise it as a strategic guide to shake up the current hiring landscape and develop a new, more effective ecosystem for recruitment.