Marvin OnumonuTwo-fifths (40%) of UK hiring managers were overwhelmed by high application volumes, according to Robert Walters.
Nearly a third (31%) struggled to find candidates with the right skills.
Ghost job listings added to frustrations for jobseekers.
44% of UK professionals said their time had been wasted, and 35% reported losing trust in hiring processes because of these ads.
Lucy Bisset, director of Robert Walters North, said: “AI tools have made it easier for professionals to submit mass applications, but this is putting existing hiring processes under strain – leading to higher volumes without improving application quality.
“Ghost jobs represent a lingering ‘bad apple’ in the UK job market – disrupting job hunts and damaging trust between employers and professionals.
“While some may result from overwhelmed hiring teams struggling with AI-driven application volumes, others reflect poor recruitment practices that must be addressed.”
Over half (54%) researched employers more, 23% applied for additional roles, and 17% tracked every application.
Bisset added: “Recruitment must evolve to keep up with the ways people apply for jobs today.
“Using AI to assist with initial screening or partnering with specialists to manage high application volumes can help employers identify the right talent while protecting jobseeker experience.
“A job listing is often a professional’s first impression of a company.”
She said: “When the experience is poor, it doesn’t just harm employer brand but can reduce application quality over time and deter strong candidates from applying in the future.
“Although not every unresponsive vacancy is a ghost job, it reflects the need for hiring processes that prioritise transparency and human communication at every stage.”
