Three fifths (62%) of Brits describe the overall hiring process as negative, with almost a quarter (22%) finding the process ‘stressful and soul-destroying’.

This comes as three in five (58%) UK professionals have been ghosted by a prospective employer during the interview process, with two in five (39%) having been ghosted more than once. This new insight signals that the recruitment process could be becoming as savage as dating, where four in five single Brits have experienced ghosting.

Red flag to a Brit

Against the backdrop of a skills shortage and difficulty attracting new talent, more than half (57%) of UK professionals declare that a lack of communication is the biggest red flag that gives them a negative impression of an employer during the hiring process. Additional warning signs include a disorganised or unprepared interview process (56%), the job description being misaligned with the actual role (48%) and excessive – four or more – rounds of interviews (46%).

According to HiBob’s research, almost a third of UK workers (31%) find waiting to hear the outcome of the interview the least enjoyable part of the hiring process because it is lengthy and drawn out (23%). As a result, two fifths (41%) are unlikely to accept a job if they are left with a negative impression from their interview experience.

The tempting trifecta for Brits: Money, manners, mindfulness

The three practices that give employees a positive impression are clear communication throughout the interview process (61%), a prompt follow-up after the interview (57%) and providing a clear overview of the role and growth opportunities (50%). The top two things employees would change about the hiring process are clearer communication (45%) and faster timelines from application to final outcome (45%).

Beyond the traditional elements that create positive hiring experiences, more than one in ten UK workers said that being paid for their time at interviews (12%) and being provided with free transportation and accommodation for in-person interviews (11%) would create a positive hiring experience.

The negative online viral spiral

With much of our lives lived online and the proliferation of social media and websites dedicated to reviews of companies, Brits are emboldened to share their negative hiring experiences with almost half (48%) believing it is acceptable for these to be shared online. As a result, the risk of negative reviews regarding the hiring experience is rapidly increasing for employers.

This culture of sharing hiring experiences on social media could leave companies exposed and have an impact on their success in recruiting top talent, as one in ten (10%) UK professionals say reading about negative experiences would always deter them from applying. Further, more than a quarter (27%) say reading about negative experiences would make them hesitant to apply to a company when job hunting.

Ronni Zehavi, CEO and Co-Founder at HiBob comments, “It’s no secret that the hiring landscape is more competitive and complex than ever. Characterised by talent gaps, skills shortages and ever-changing market conditions, it’s a challenging time for HR leaders and hiring teams.

“To attract and retain top talent, companies need to ace the very first interaction. It is essential that the hiring process is treated as seriously as employee onboarding, ensuring the process is smooth, positive and cohesive to align with candidates’ expectations. There are some great HR tech tools out there that can take the administrative workload off HR leaders, giving us more time to focus on the human element of our job.”