Companies are losing out on vital new recruits by conducting unprofessional,
rude and even discriminatory interviews that leave candidates angry and upset.
At a time when unemployment is at a record low, making it difficult to
recruit, two out of three candidates are turning down jobs because an
organisation has failed to impress during the interview.
In a poll of more than 4,000 jobseekers, complaints ranged from
inappropriate behaviour and bad language, to rudeness and harassment.
One respondent complained that her potential employer tried to chat her up during
the interview and made continual sexual references – even commenting on the
size of her breasts.
Another prospective employee was seen by an HR manager who carried out the
interview using the wrong CV and calling the candidate by the wrong name.
It seems nothing was out of bounds, with people being questioned about their
appearance, weight or, even in one case, where a women was asked ‘if she still
had an active womb’.
The survey, by recruitment consultancy Reed, shows that it is now just as
important for an employer to impress the candidate at the interview as
vice-versa.
The results found that 68 per cent of people accepted jobs based on the good
impression gleaned at the interview, while 85 per cent said it was vital that
organisations made a good first impression.
What has been your worst interview experience with a candidate? Let us know.
Interview faux pas – the worst offences
– Hanging around – candidates frequently kept waiting for up to
three hours without explanation
– Bad presentation – scruffy interviewers were a major turn off
– Unread CVs – a lack of basic preparation infuriated jobseekers
– Inappropriate flirting – innuendoes not appreciated
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
– Bad language – bosses swore at staff
– Taking calls – people left the interview for phone calls
