{
  "id": 8949586,
  "title": "Indeed CEO says the job market is stuck in a ‘vicious cycle’ if 1,000 qualified candidates can’t get hired: ‘Something’s wrong’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/indeed-ceo-says-the-job-market-is-stuck-in-a-vicious-cycle-if-1-000",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-21T15:07:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fortune",
    "slug": "fortune",
    "url": "https://fortune.com/2026/09/21/indeed-ceo-hisayuki-idekoba-broken-hiring-process-ai-fake-applicants-recruiter-struggles-cant-find-right-talent/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The job market in 2026 is described as being caught in a \"vicious cycle,\" according to Indeed CEO Hisayuki Idekoba. The issue stems from a slowdown in job openings alongside a surge in applicants vying for each position. This has left many qualified job seekers applying to numerous jobs without receiving any response. On the employer side, companies are struggling to sift through a deluge of AI-generated applications and face difficulties verifying the legitimacy of candidates, particularly with the rise of scams involving false applicants, including those from North Korea.\n\nIndeed’s CEO criticizes the growing reliance on AI in the hiring process, noting that it exacerbates the problem rather than solving it. The number of applications per job has increased by 111% between 2022 and 2025, while the number of recruiters has dropped by 56%, leading to a significant imbalance that disadvantages both job seekers and employers. To address these challenges, Indeed has implemented AI tools to combat the influx of fake applications and ensure genuine candidates and employers connect.\n\nHowever, the situation is further complicated by the use of AI by job applicants themselves, who employ AI tools to craft tailored resumes, cover letters, and enhance their competition for job openings. This creates an additional layer of complexity within an already strained hiring environment, which the CEO characterizes as an \"AI doom loop.\"\n\nJob seekers are advised to look beyond prominent companies with high visibility and apply to lesser-known firms that align with their skill set and career aspirations. Business experts suggest that networking plays a crucial role in securing employment, as it can provide advocates within companies and increase visibility beyond traditional application processes. Successful networking, according to experts, can be the key to standing out in a crowded job market where recruiters often only consider the top 20 qualified candidates out of hundreds of applications.",
  "summary": "Applicants are sending resumes into a black hole as hiring managers sift through AI-generated and fake applications. Indeed’s CEO says it's a perfect storm",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}