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The Urgent State of Frontline Hiring: Challenges and Solutions

The latest report from iCIMS, a leading company specializing in talent acquisition software, has shed light on the urgent necessity for frontline workers in various industries including healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail. Released on September 16, 2025, the State of Frontline Hiring Report shows a startling disconnect between hiring needs and the hiring process efficiency. With 91% of hiring managers expressing urgent need to fill roles, the report emphasizes that broken hiring processes are the real hindrance to recruiting suitable talent.

Key Findings from the 2025 Report

Conducted through surveys involving 1,000 U.S. hourly frontline workers and an equal number of hiring managers, the report outlines critical leaks within the hiring process. Alarmingly, 60% of candidates abandon their applications, primarily due to application systems being overly lengthy and complex. Similarly, one-third of hiring managers report significant candidate drop-offs happen during the interview phase.

Trent Cotton, iCIMS' head of talent acquisition insights, stated, “Hiring process friction — not candidate interest — is holding companies back from filling critical roles.” This sentiment resonates strongly in today’s work environment where quick and efficient talent acquisition is crucial.

Sector-Specific Challenges

The differences in hiring challenges across sectors are notable.

1. Healthcare: With the highest urgency (96%) to hire, healthcare also experiences significant candidate drop-off at the interview stage (33%). Notably, 52% of healthcare applicants have abandoned the application process. Key priorities for this sector include simplifying application forms, stating pay rates upfront, and optimizing communication and offer approvals.

2. Hospitality: The hospitality sector struggles with application abandon rates as high as 68%. Hiring managers cite quality of applicants as their biggest challenge (57%), while candidates emphasize the importance of team support and prompt responses. Enhancing the candidate experience should be a priority here rather than merely raising the quality bar.

3. Manufacturing: Candidate quality remains a top concern (75%), with late-stage drop-offs during interviews and onboarding being significant issues. Candidates in this sector are also more focused on pay, benefits, and the potential for advancement. Streamlining late-stage hiring processes and enhancing pay transparency could mitigate these issues.

4. Retail: Retail workers report the lowest match for job suitability (9%). Despite the urgency from retail hiring managers, poor communication remains a major factor, leading to 22% of candidates dropping off during the process. The need for better job matching and transparent postings is integral as the holiday hiring season approaches.

The Role of Technology in Hiring

Incorporating AI and automation is identified as a key strategy to overcome these challenges. iCIMS recently expanded its capabilities by acquiring Apli, an innovator in AI-driven recruitment automation, specifically targeting frontline hiring processes. This signifies a crucial step towards improving hiring speed, efficiency, and quality — crucial elements for filling roles swiftly and maintaining business momentum.

Conclusion

The 2025 State of Frontline Hiring Report serves as a wake-up call for organizations across all sectors. As the demand for frontline workers grows, employers must critically review their hiring strategies and processes to address the identified gaps. By integrating practical solutions and leveraging technological advancements, organizations can enhance their hiring efficacy and ensure they are not left behind in a competitive labor market. For further insights on how to optimize your hiring process, visit iCIMS at HR Tech 2025 in Las Vegas or access the detailed report online.