RESEARCH REPORT
2026 Candidate Experience Report
Insights from 2500+ Job Seekers
Candidate expectations are shifting fast, driven by AI, rising competition, and changing workplace norms. Download the 2026 Candidate Experience Report for data-backed insights from 2,500+ job seekers worldwide and practical takeaways to help you win over top talent.
Why This Report Matters
Candidate experience matters, no matter what the economy looks like. In a market flooded with applications and fueled by AI, organizations must rethink how they evaluate talent, communicate with candidates, and design hiring processes that are both efficient and human.
This report provides data-driven insights to help you:
- Move beyond over-reliance on resumes
- Reduce ghosting and build trust
- Navigate AI use ethically and transparently
- Align your hiring strategy with evolving candidate expectations
The organizations that win in 2026 will be the ones that balance technology with humanity and design hiring experiences that candidates actually want.
Key Insights
A sneak peek of what you'll find in the report.
Competition for jobs is at an all time high.
70% of job seekers customize their resumes.
74% of job seekers are open to ditching the resume all together.
34% of job seekers have used AI to apply for jobs.
Get Your Copy
If you want to build trust, move beyond resume overload, and adapt to AI-driven hiring, this report is your roadmap. Get the insights you need to create a hiring experience candidates actually value.
About Criteria
Criteria empowers organizations of all sizes to hire and develop top talent with science-backed assessments, structured interviewing, and employee development tools. With over 20 years of expertise, we’re committed to helping companies identify true candidate potential - so they can build stronger, more successful teams.