New research commissioned by recruitment consultancy Eden Scott reveals evolving candidate expectations of the job interview process. The research, which polled 1035 UK workers, showed that 52 per cent candidates are reluctant to attend more than two interviews to receive a job offer.
27 per cent were willing to attend up to three interviews, while only 12 per cent were open to participating in four or more. On average candidates indicated they would lose interest in a job opportunity if required to wait nine days or more for a post-interview response, with workers aged 45+ losing patience after just eight days.
Speaking of the findings, Michelle Lownie, CEO at Eden Scott said: “We’re witnessing a shifting dynamic in the employer-candidate relationship. Despite challenging economic conditions, it’s still a candidate’s market, with skills gaps and remote working opportunities contributing to a competitive employer landscape. As a result, candidates are entering interviews on more equal footing – they expect more from companies, starting with a better interview experience.”
Beyond excessive interview rounds, further ‘red flags’ for candidates included: frequent interruptions (59 per cent), the interviewer arriving late (28 per cent) and hearing the company culture described as a ‘family’ dynamic (24 per cent).
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) were turned off by overly-personal questions, while just under a quarter (24 per cent) said they’d be uncomfortable if it was obvious their interviewer hadn’t properly read their CV. A further 68 per cent said a confrontational interviewer style would put them off a job opportunity.
Michelle added: “To be in with a better chance of attracting the right candidates, employers should make the interview experience as positive as possible. Most of the important work, including accurate job descriptions, sourcing suitable candidates and carefully screening them, should be completed well in advance of the interview, with the interview itself an opportunity for a productive discussion between both parties.”
Eden Scott has compiled a summary of the research findings plus additional insights for employers in its new guide, “The Art of the Interview”, available at bit.ly/eden-scott-interviews
