Candidate “Ghosting” and Employer Competition Are Fueling Talent Shortages, New SHRM Research Finds

Alexandria, Va. – Today, SHRM, the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace, released its new 2025 Talent Trends report, shedding light on critical workforce challenges and emerging trends reshaping talent acquisition and recruitment strategies. This report reveals persistent challenges in recruitment, with 69% of employers continuing to face difficulties filling full-time roles.

While attempting to fill these roles, 51% of organizations report a low number of applicants, while 41% say they are seeing candidates “ghosting” the organization during the interview process. Meanwhile, the research found programs such as apprenticeships, internships, and job rotations are effectively bridging skill gaps, with job rotations boasting a 92% success rate in alleviating talent shortages.

“Our latest research provides a critical lens into the dynamics shaping the future of work,” said Alex Alonso, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at SHRM. “From the increasing integration of AI in HR functions to the persistent challenges posed by skill gaps, the findings underscore the need for businesses to prioritize upskilling and adaptability. By aligning workforce strategies with emerging trends, organizations can position themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving global talent landscape.”

Other key findings include: 

• A Growing Need for New Skills:
  • 28% of organizations report job roles now require entirely new skill sets, with 47% updating existing roles.
  • The top three in-demand technology-related skills are data analysis (36%), AI (31%), and cybersecurity (21%).
• The Role of AI in HR is Expanding:
  • 43% of organizations now integrate AI into HR functions, with 51% utilizing it for recruitment tasks such as resume screening and candidate communication. 
  • However, two-thirds of organizations have not yet prioritized upskilling their workforce to work alongside AI effectively. 
• Creative Recruitment Strategies: 
  • Social media recruiting remains dominant (55%), while organizations offering flexible work arrangements and nurturing long-term candidate relationships report reduced hiring challenges. 
  • 38% of organizations are addressing hiring challenges by training existing employees to fill critical roles.
• Persistent Skill Gaps: 
  • Despite technological advancements, many organizations struggle to find candidates with crucial human-centric skills, like problem-solving and decision-making. 
  • These capabilities are viewed as essential for long-term organizational success yet remain elusive in the current job market. 

As a result of this report, SHRM found fostering inclusion, upskilling employees, and adopting a skills-first hiring approach are imperative strategies as businesses prepare for ongoing market disruptions. By creatively addressing talent shortages and leveraging both technology and human intelligence, organizations can build resilient and adaptable workforces for the future.

About SHRM

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.