The recruitment index of Jobnet and Civi AI for July 2026 presents a labor market that continues to move even during the summer, but does so with greater caution: More resumes entered recruitment systems, more candidates progressed through screening stages, and more new employees were onboarded into organizations. However, at the same time, companies opened fewer new positions and even increased the number of positions that were closed or frozen.
The index is based on thousands of job postings published on the Jobnet website from the Walla group by companies and organizations across a variety of sectors in the economy, alongside data from the Civi AI system, where tens of thousands of recruitment processes are managed every month. It should be noted that the index is currently being published for the first time, and is expected to be published once a month from now on to present an up-to-date picture of the labor and recruitment market in Israel.
More people started to work
According to the index, a comparison between June and July showed an increase of about 6% in the volume of applications and resumes received by organizations across all recruitment channels. At the same time, the number of advanced recruitment processes rose by about 5%. In other words, not only did more candidates enter the systems, but more of them were matched to specific positions and progressed beyond the initial stages of the process.
The most notable increase was recorded in the number of candidates who began working, which grew by about 10% within a month. The combination of data points indicates that the recruitment market did not stop during the summer: More applications were received, more candidates progressed, and more processes concluded with job onboarding.
At the same time, the number of job openings created in July fell by about 3%, while the number of positions closed or frozen rose at a similar rate. The gap between the increase in applications and the decline in new job postings could intensify competition among job seekers. When more resumes are sent but the number of new positions does not grow accordingly, more candidates compete for every opportunity that opens up.
The summer did not stop the recruitments
Despite vacations and the different pace that typically characterizes the summer months, the activity of recruitment teams using the system actually expanded. The volume of actions performed by users rose by about 6% in July, alongside the increase in advanced processes and work start dates.
The data show that recruiters did not limit themselves to processing incoming resumes, but continued to advance candidates, conduct interviews, and finalize hiring processes. Nevertheless, this heightened activity does not translate into a broad opening of new headcount.
According to Gilad Ayalon, CEO of Jobnet, "The joint recruitment index of Jobnet and Civi AI shows that even during the summer months, the labor market continues to be active. The 10% increase in the number of candidates who started work and the 6% increase in applications are encouraging figures, but the drop in job openings teaches us at the same time that competition for every position is growing."
He added: "Organizations are continuing to recruit, but they are doing so in a more focused and cautious manner. For job seekers, the meaning is that it is incorrect to assume the market has gone on vacation. It is worthwhile to remain active, track positions, and respond quickly to suitable opportunities."
Recruiters are using AI more than ever
Another trend emerging from the index is the strengthening use of artificial intelligence tools in recruiters' routine work. The volume of use of built-in AI tools in the Civi AI system rose by about 12% in July compared to June.
The tools are used, among other things, for drafting job descriptions, summarizing resumes, and assessing the fit of candidates for various positions. As the number of applications grows and hiring processes become more complex, technology allows recruiters to shorten operational tasks, maintain continuity of care, and dedicate more time to professional decisions.
According to Shai Bechor, CEO of Civi AI, "July's data present an active, but more focused recruitment market. Organizations continue to hire and even manage to bring more candidates to the stage of starting work, while simultaneously examining the opening of positions and headcount with greater caution."
He added: "In such a reality, the challenge for recruitment teams is not only to attract candidates, but to properly manage the volume of resumes, quickly identify suitable candidates, and maintain continuous contact and a good candidate experience throughout the process. The rise in the use of AI tools in the recruitment system shows that recruiters are adopting faster and smarter ways of working. A good recruitment system does not replace a recruiter's discretion, but assists in making better decisions in a shorter time, and ensuring that no suitable candidate is forgotten along the way."
Ultimately, the July figures present a market that is not at a standstill, but is also not operating without constraints. Organizations continue to recruit, advance candidates, and onboard new employees, while at the same time maintaining caution regarding opening additional positions. For job seekers, the implication is clear: Opportunities still exist, but the path to them is becoming more competitive and focused.