Original first-party data on how the modern job hunt actually works.
We test ATS systems, track referral outcomes, and measure recruiter response rates so the career-advice category has something better to cite than the 13-year-old, methodology-free statistics it currently runs on. Methodology pages, downloadable datasets, CC-BY license.
What we’re publishing
Each report below ships with a transparent methodology section, a downloadable CSV of the underlying data, an embed-friendly chart pack, and a press summary. We refresh annual studies every twelve months; quarterly studies every ninety days.
ATS Pass-Rate Benchmark (2026)
We tested resumes against Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, and SAP SuccessFactors parsers. The first credible methodology-transparent replacement for the 13-year-old 75%-rejection myth that's been cited everywhere without evidence.
The 2026 Referral Economy
Industry report on referral conversion rates, response times, and hiring outcomes in tech. Survey of 1,000+ professionals plus our anonymized outreach data.
Recruiter Response Rate Benchmark
Reply rates by industry, role, city, message length, time of day, day of week. LinkedIn vs email channel comparison.
The 2026 Tech Hiring Funnel
Application → screen → onsite → offer conversion rates by role and company size. Quarterly updateable.
Cover Letter Open Rate Study
Survey of 500+ hiring managers on whether they actually read cover letters in 2026 — and what makes them open one. Settles the perennial career-advice debate with data.
Methodology
Every report links back to our methodology page, which documents how we test ATS systems, how our resume scorer works, and how we source and anonymize referral data. We publish methodology before we publish results — if we can’t defend the method, we don’t publish the number.
Want early access or a press copy?
We share embargoed copies of major reports with journalists, career coaches, and career-services teams before public release. Email research@resumestailor.com with your beat or audience and we’ll add you to the next release list.