New research reveals how to attract and recruit the best candidates

Optimism, pro-activity and decisiveness are the key factors that differentiate successful jobseekers from the rest, according to ACE Research (Assessing the Candidate Experience), released today by the Guardian and Barkers.

Andre McGarrigle, Director of Research, Guardian News & Media said: ìBy tracking people through the entire job seeking process, ACE Research has given us a real insight into the minds of job seekers. It highlights the importance for better communication from recruiters from the outset and the need to keep jobseekers informed to ensure they are engaged with the process and the employer brand.î

The main findings of the research follow:

Where do people look?
Jobs sites are considered the best places to look for work by 71% of jobseekers, with over half (55%) also using print sources. Only four percent said they had ever looked for work on social networking sites.

What do jobseekers want to know?
Eighty five percent of jobseekers want clear detail about the role and core responsibilities with salary information (76%), location (66%), skills (61%) and qualifications (38%) also important to them.

One in five wants to know more on the advert
Twenty per cent of jobseekers said they would have liked to have more information at the outset, including more detail about the role, salary, benefits and hours of work.

Why do they turn down offers?
Of those jobseekers who received job offers, almost two thirds (63%) had turned them down. Over half (51%) said the reason was unattractive terms and conditions, while 20% said the role did not match the job description, reinforcing the need for recruiters to be honest and upfront in their advertising.

What frustrates them?
Jobseekers dislike filling in long application forms, whether paper based or online. They also mentioned the lack of relevant information in job adverts and not getting constructive or timely feedback.

www.guardian.co.uk/adinfo
www.aceresearch.co.uk