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Indeed launches Premium Sponsored Jobs to help employers tackle slow hiring

The offering lets employers connect directly with quality candidates, use AI features for faster screening, and display an “urgently hiring” label.

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Indeed has launched Premium Sponsored Jobs in the UK as more employers said they needed to hire quickly because of economic uncertainty. 

Research from Indeed found 53% of employers said hiring urgency had increased over the past year, but many still struggled with delays. 

Almost two-thirds (67%) said it took too long to find quality candidates, while 65% had a hard-to-fill role open for at least two months.

Half (50%) of employers said they lost good candidates because their hiring process dragged on. 

Jobseekers agreed, with 61% saying the process took too long and 64% admitting they had abandoned applications for the same reason. 

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41% of jobseekers said they would not apply again to a company that failed to respond, and nearly a quarter (23%) said they assumed an unresponsive employer was not a good one.

More than half (55%) of jobseekers said they were put off applying for roles if they thought the process was too time-consuming, especially when already working. 

78% said they were more likely to apply if they knew the employer, and 60% if the listing showed the company was urgently hiring.

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Matching remained a challenge. 

84% of jobseekers said they would apply for listings that matched their skills, but 33% of employers said many applications were a poor fit. 

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Over one in five (22%) said more than half their applicants missed the mark. 

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82% of employers said being able to directly reach out to matching candidates would speed up hiring, while 81% of jobseekers said they would be more likely to apply if invited directly.

55% of employers said they are already using artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up hiring and 68% want to use it more. 

80% said AI could streamline communication and help build a better candidate pool, and 79% agreed that targeted matching tools were essential in specialised sectors like tech. 

Among jobseekers, 64% believed AI could speed up applications and 66% said it could recommend better-matched jobs, though only 37% were currently using AI in their job search.

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Premium Sponsored Jobs aims to address these issues. 

The offering lets employers connect directly with quality candidates, use AI features for faster screening, and display an “urgently hiring” label, which drives 84% more applications. 

Listings can also feature company logos and images to build recognition and access specialist talent pools through Indeed’s tech network. 

This network gives employers a 2.7x increase in relevant applications from skilled candidates in the UK. SMS messaging and priority placement in search results are also included.

The report found Premium Sponsored Jobs attract 24% more applicants than standard posts, and roles with the premium plan move forward with 2.7x more applicants compared to non-sponsored jobs. 

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74% of employers said Premium Sponsored Jobs helped reduce cost per hire by filling roles faster.

Conor McCarthy, vice president at Indeed, said: “In a competitive hiring landscape, employers need to move quickly to secure the best talent, but inefficient processes are slowing them down and frustrating candidates. 

“The pace of change, coupled with rising expectations from jobseekers, means companies can no longer afford to rely on outdated hiring practices. 

“Our research shows that both sides want the same thing: speed, clarity and stronger matches.”

McCarthy added: “Premium Sponsored Jobs brings together technology and human connection to create an efficient, personalised experience.”

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