If you’ve read the ProQuest Recruitment blog before, you’ve probably seen us talk about the candidate shortage. In the aftermath of the pandemic, Brexit, and widespread economic uncertainty, it felt impossible to find the people you need to fill roles.

The causes were complex. Shocked by the pandemic, we all took job security a little more seriously. Suddenly, the imperfect role you’re in was better than the new role that might be out there. At the same time, clients shifted rapidly from hiring with abandon to near-zero recruitment. And then they shifted back in the other direction, making concerted efforts to scale up, grow, and rebound with confidence.

In the past twelve months, though, it would be tempting to think that the candidate shortage had passed and recovery was marching on. According to our clients, that’s not the case.

The candidate supply is objectively rising

Workforce data is the fastest way to understand and analyse the ongoing candidate shortage. But this objective data shows without a doubt that the number of candidates is rising.

The total number of available candidates increased for six straight months over the first half of 2023. Meanwhile, the number of vacancies across the market has been steadily decreasing over a similar period.

In theory, every recruiter should find a long line of candidates ready to take on every new role. But that’s not the experience our clients are telling us about.

What clients say about the candidate shortage

Over the past few months, several clients have told us that the candidate shortage continues despite reports to the contrary. Finding the right people is a significant challenge – and getting them excited and engaged about a role feels difficult.

While data may show there are more candidates in the market, recruiters are still dealing with the same issues they have been since the candidate shortage began. This may be the result of new pressures on the market, including the ongoing cost of living crisis. In many ways, we’re seeing a different problem leading to the same symptoms as the pandemic: a strong need for job security, some fear of change, and a great deal of caution.

A shortage is contextual, but some skills are evergreen

As it stands, our clients feel that the candidate shortage is ongoing, while industry experts say it has been finished for some time. Both things can be true.

Any candidate shortage will always be contextual – not just to current events, but also the unique needs of recruiters in specific sectors and geographic areas. Undoubtedly, the past few years have made the hiring environment more volatile.

In a candidate shortage, there are the tools that will help you get out there and find the people you need. And, if you’re happy with the number of candidates in your reach, they’re tools that will help you ensure no stone is left unturned – and the best people are always in reach.