The Impact of a Poor Hiring Process on Your Recruitment Success
According to a new report by HiBob, around a quarter of Australians have admitted they were turned off from an organisation due to its hiring process. The survey among 1,500 Australians revealed that 24% had rejected a job offer because the application process was wrong. Another 26% also said they abandoned a job application because the process was “cumbersome.”
Critical Issues in the Hiring Process
The survey highlighted several key issues experienced by applicants who proceeded with their applications despite difficulties:
- Extended Waiting Periods: 34% reported waiting weeks for employers to decide after a final interview.
- Poor Communication: 32% felt that overall communication during the hiring process was inadequate.
- Rescinded Offers: 25% of experienced job offers were rescinded just before they were about to start.
- Lost Applications: 21% said their applications got lost.
The Importance of a Well-Defined Hiring Process
Damien Andreasen, VP APJ at HiBob, noted that these issues often stem from companies’ need for a well-defined hiring process, a lack of buy-in from hiring managers, or insufficient tools and systems. He acknowledged the huge challenges organisations face in managing a high volume of applications.
“Talent acquisition is not easy at scale, particularly in sectors affected by economic conditions and reductions in force,” Andreasen said.
First Impressions Matter
The job application process is crucial as it forms potential employees’ first impressions of an organisation. The poll found that:
- 35% of respondents view the application process as an insight into a company’s culture.
- 33% consider it a significant factor when deciding whether to accept a job offer.
- 32% believe it is the best way to evaluate any potential employer.
Recommendations from Employees
The job application process also impacts employees’ willingness to recommend their employer. Nearly 40% of employees said they would happily recommend a company to a friend if its job application process were smooth.
The Role of Workforce Planning
Andreasen highlighted workforce planning as a critical element often overlooked in the hiring process. “Not having the right data to support the volume, type, and timing for each hire will cause significant issues with processes,” he said. Managing open roles on a spreadsheet without adequate data can lead to a painful hiring process.
Conclusion
Refining the hiring process is essential for organisations aiming to attract and retain top talent. A streamlined, communicative, and well-managed recruitment process improves the candidate experience and enhances the organisation’s overall reputation. By addressing these common pitfalls, companies can make a positive first impression and secure the best candidates for their roles.