At TXP Talent, we spend a lot of time thinking about the candidate experience—how it’s evolving, what candidates expect, and how organisations can build hiring journeys that are not just efficient, but meaningful.
Last week, we decided to ask our network a simple but revealing question:
“What’s your preferred way to apply for jobs?”
The response was clear, and the numbers speak for themselves:
- LinkedIn Easy Apply – 50%
- Company Website – 25%
- Recruitment Agency – 18%
- Job Boards – 7%
On the surface, it may look like a straightforward preference poll. But beneath those percentages lies a compelling narrative about how candidates want to engage with employers—and what organisations like ours must do to stay ahead.
This isn’t just data. It’s direction.
Convenience Is No Longer a Luxury—It’s an Expectation
That 50% result for LinkedIn Easy Apply is more than a preference; it’s a signal of a broader shift in the hiring landscape.
Candidates today are navigating a world of:
- Increasing job mobility
- Heightened digital expectations
- Limited time
- Greater reliance on tech-led experiences
They value speed, simplicity, and immediacy. When half of candidates choose a method that takes seconds rather than minutes, it tells us something very important:
Recruitment processes that create unnecessary friction risk losing top talent before they even begin.
At TXP Talent, this reinforces our commitment to streamlined application paths. We’re continually evaluating how we can reduce friction points—from overly long forms to unclear job descriptions—so that talent can focus on what matters: showcasing the value they bring.
The Enduring Power of Employer Brand
Despite the popularity of quickapply options, 25% of respondents still prefer applying through a company’s website.
This is significant.
It tells us that while speed matters, so does credibility. Candidates want to dig deeper. They want to understand:
- Who we are
- What we stand for
- The employee experience we offer
- The culture they might be joining
In other words, the employer brand is still a major influence in the decision-making process.
A careers page isn’t just a portal, it’s a touchpoint that shapes trust. This aligns with our philosophy at TXP Talent: a strong candidate experience isn’t just about technology; it’s about clarity, transparency, and authenticity.
The Human Element Isn’t Going Anywhere
With 18% opting for recruitment agencies, it’s clear that human guidance remains a valued component of the job search.
This highlights an often overlooked truth:
Technology may streamline the journey, but human connection elevates it.
Candidates still turn to professionals who can:
- Translate job specs into real conversations
- Provide tailored advice
- Offer support through complex hiring processes
- Advocate on their behalf
In a talent market where AI, automation, and digital tools dominate the conversation, this result is an important reminder: the future of talent isn’t tech or people—it’s both, working together.
This hybrid approach is exactly where TXP Talent operates. We leverage technology for efficiency but rely on human insight for connection, fairness, and quality of hire.
The Decline of Job Boards: A Shift in Candidate Behaviour
Only 7% of respondents prefer job boards, suggesting that traditional platforms are losing ground to more personalised, interactive, and insight-rich environments.
Candidates want:
- Real-time updates
- Employer transparency
- Insight into company culture
- Meaningful networking opportunities
And they find that more naturally on platforms like LinkedIn or through direct employer engagement channels.
For businesses, this means rethinking how roles are advertised and ensuring visibility where candidates are truly active, not just where they used to be.
What This Means for the Future of Talent at TXP
These poll results may reflect current preferences, but they also illuminate the path forward:
1. Applications must be intuitive and accessible.
Users expect friction-free processes that take minutes, not hours.
2. Employer brand must work harder than ever.
Candidates invest time where they feel aligned with values and culture.
3. A balanced approach to technology and human connection is key.
Efficiency attracts, but empathy retains.
4. Organisations must meet talent where they are.
And right now, that’s increasingly on social platforms and direct channels.
At TXP Talent, these insights reaffirm our mission: to build a hiring experience that empowers candidates, strengthens our brand, and supports the long-term growth of our people and organisation.
Get in touch today, to start your personalised career search with us.
