Job Market Efficiency Has Declined Globally
Indeed CEO highlights a broken cycle of high application volumes and reduced recruitment staff.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Job Search
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Indeed CEO Hisayuki Idekoba described the global hiring landscape as a vicious cycle characterized by soaring applicant volumes and fewer recruiters. This environment has left both employers and job seekers frustrated as the system struggles to manage AI-generated content.
Why it matters
The surge in AI-generated applications and fake identities has made it difficult for employers to identify qualified candidates. Meanwhile, fewer recruiters are available to filter these large applicant pools, further slowing down the hiring process.
Applications per job increased 111% between 2022 and 2025, while the number of recruiters fell 56% during the same period. Additionally, research shows that 70% of successful hires at Google involve an internal advocate.
The players
Hisayuki Idekoba
He serves as the CEO of Indeed, a global employment website that facilitates job searches.
Daniel Chait
He is the CEO of Greenhouse, a recruiting software company that tracks hiring data.
Scott Galloway
He is a professor and public speaker who tracks hiring trends and workplace dynamics.
Sanjay Beri
He is the CEO of Netskope, a cybersecurity firm currently valued at $7 billion.
The details
Job seekers are increasingly using AI to generate resumes and cover letters to increase visibility, while companies are turning to AI tools to manage the influx of submissions. These automated tactics often lead to high volumes of applications and fake identities, which significantly complicate the task of finding legitimate, qualified candidates.
Timeline
Between 2022 and 2025, job application volume surged while recruiter staffing levels dropped.
On September 21, 2026, Indeed CEO Hisayuki Idekoba identified the hiring process as a cycle.
Market Landscape
The current hiring process follows a pattern set by the 2022-2025 labor market contraction, continuing the trend of reduced recruiter support. This shift reflects a broader systemic struggle as traditional recruitment models fail to keep pace with AI-driven volume.
Job seekers should prioritize finding internal advocates to bypass automated filters and stand out in a crowded field. Meanwhile, applicants should expect longer wait times and more frequent reliance on automated communications throughout the hiring process.
The takeaway
Success in today's job market relies more on human networking and internal recommendations than on high-volume cold applications. Job hunters should shift their strategy from mass-applying toward cultivating personal connections within their target organizations.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving hiring trends in our Job Search section.
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Do you trust that submitting online job applications is an effective way to get hired?
