Why Fewer People Are Applying to Your Job Ads…and How to Fix It

If your job ads used to bring in solid candidates but now barely get a trickle, you’re not alone. The market has shifted.

Here’s what might be going wrong:

1. Your ad looks like everyone else’s.
   Generic listings with vague responsibilities and no mention of hours, pay, or location get ignored.
2. You’re on the wrong channels.
   Job boards still work - but only for a slice of the market. Many skilled workers now look to social media, WhatsApp, or word of mouth.
3. You’re not fast enough.
   Candidates apply and hear nothing for a week. By then, they’ve taken another role.
4. Your offer doesn’t stack up.
   If the job pays €1 more an hour elsewhere, or offers better hours or local work, you’ll lose the right people.
5. You’re not building a pipeline.
   Only targeting active jobseekers means you miss the bulk of the market, the people who aren’t applying but would move if the right offer came up.

So what’s the fix?

At DGR, we do more than just post and hope. We tailor the job ad, pick the right channels, and actively reach out to candidates who fit, not just the ones who click “apply.”

If your ad isn’t working, the market is telling you something. We’ll help you adjust fast, before your job goes unfilled.