A significant skills gap is emerging as a major obstacle in the Irish job market, with more than two-thirds of job applications being rejected due to a lack of relevant qualifications, according to new research from recruitment platform IrishJobs.
The findings come from the latest Recruiter & Jobseeker Survey, which analysed responses from 553 recruiters and 738 jobseekers across Ireland. The survey sheds light on growing frustrations among employers and applicants alike amid shifting hiring trends and economic uncertainty.
According to the report, 78% of employers expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of applications received, citing a frequent mismatch between candidate skills and job requirements. Additionally, over 20% of applicants are being turned away due to poor formatting in their CVs and cover letters.
From the jobseekers’ perspective, more than three-quarters said they found job descriptions vague or unclear about role expectations, making it more difficult to tailor applications appropriately.
Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, which operates IrishJobs, noted the ongoing difficulties businesses face in attracting qualified candidates. “Despite global economic uncertainty and a likely slowdown in employment growth, unemployment in Ireland remains near historic lows. However, many employers continue to struggle to find the high-calibre talent required to drive growth,” Mr Dooley said.
He added that the influx of applications from underqualified candidates is contributing to delays in the hiring process and placing extra strain on HR teams.
The survey also highlighted an emerging trend among jobseekers seeking to improve their chances. An increasing number of applicants are turning to digital tools to polish their submissions, with 35% now using technology to enhance the formatting and language of their CVs and cover letters.
The research underscores the growing disconnect between employer expectations and candidate preparedness, pointing to a need for clearer job advertisements, better alignment of skills training, and more targeted recruitment strategies.
As competition for talent intensifies, the study suggests that both employers and jobseekers must adapt quickly to address these mismatches and ensure a more efficient hiring process across the Irish labour market.
