A lack of advertised salary information has put seven out of 10 people off applying for jobs, according to a survey conducted by recruiter FRS Recruitment.

The employment insights survey also shows that 57% of 1,300 people who participated in the study last month believe there will be more opportunities available to them in 2022 than last year.

Some 82% believe they would secure new employment in less than three months if they lost their job, up from 68% last year, while 60% of employers are looking beyond Ireland when it comes to sourcing staff. However, 62% said that rising inflation has affected their outlook on recruitment.

Salary is the most important priority when seeking a new jobs, with 65% saying it was a factor, followed by the job itself, which had been the top choice for the past two years, benefits and work-life balance.

Around 71% of employees said they expect to receive a pay raise this year, while 46% would be willing to consider a pay cut if their job was at risk, down from 60% in the 2021 survey.

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“In that environment it should come as no surprise that candidates want to see salary information included in a job advertisement," said Lynne McCormack, general manager at FRS Recruitment.

"This is a common refrain we hear from candidates, they want to get a better idea as to what package is on offer before they even begin the application process these days. 

"There is also a growing belief amongst candidates that they will have no difficulty securing alternative employment as there are plenty of options out there so more will opt for the role that provides the type of information they are seeking."

Two-thirds of employers noted more attrition in their workforce this year, but nearly half said they had received fewer job applications in 2022.

“It highlights just how difficult it is becoming for companies to find the right talent," McCormack added. This is also illustrated by the increased focus employers are putting on sourcing talent from overseas.

"All of this highlights the importance of finding and retaining key talent and we expect this, along with the wider inflationary issues in the economy, will put further pressure on salaries as the year progresses."

Excel Recruitment's 2022 salary guide, published in March, showed wages are increasing across a number of industries and specialised roles and even in junior roles.

(Pic: Getty Images)