At Westray Recruitment, our mission is to put people at the heart of the recruitment process. To do that, we know it’s vital to listen to the voices of those who matter most: our candidates. Recently, we conducted a survey to uncover what truly frustrates job seekers when they’re looking for their next opportunity. The results were eye-opening and they offer a clear roadmap for how employers can do better.
The most significant frustration reported by 53% of respondents, was a lack of communication and feedback throughout the hiring journey. This is a sentiment alot and it’s not hard to see why. When candidates invest time and effort into crafting applications, preparing for interviews and sharing their career stories, silence on the other end can feel not only discouraging but also disrespectful. The uncertainty that comes from waiting for an update can create unnecessary anxiety and for many, it leads to a negative perception of the company or recruiter involved.
In a candidate driven market where top talent often has multiple options, a lack of timely communication can mean the difference between securing the perfect hire and losing them to a competitor. Moreover, candidates who feel ignored are far less likely to recommend a company or recruitment agency to others, which can have long-term implications for employer branding.
The second most common frustration highlighted in our survey was the experience of being asked irrelevant questions during the recruitment process. Many candidates expressed that they were often faced with questions that seemed unrelated to the role they were applying for. This not only wastes valuable time but also leaves candidates feeling that their skills and experience are not being properly considered. In some cases, it can even lead to confusion or disengagement, making candidates question whether the company truly understands what it needs in a new hire. When interviews focus on topics that don’t relate to the job at hand, it’s easy for candidates to lose confidence in the process and ultimately, in the organisation itself.
While lack of communication and irrelevant questions were the top concerns, candidates also mentioned issues like:
So, what can be done to improve the candidate experience? For employers, the answer starts with prioritising clear and timely communication at every stage of the recruitment journey. Even a simple update can go a long way toward building trust and goodwill. Providing constructive feedback, even when a candidate isn’t successful, shows respect for their effort and helps them grow. Interview questions should always be relevant to the role and designed to uncover the qualities that matter most for success in the position.
At Westray Recruitment, we’re committed to raising the bar for both candidates and clients. We believe that a positive recruitment experience benefits everyone involved, from job seekers to hiring managers and the wider business community. If you’re a candidate who’s tired of being left in the dark, or a client who wants to stand out as an employer of choice, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to create a recruitment experience that’s open, engaging, and built on genuine communication.
Contact us today on 0191 492 6622 or email: info@westray.co.uk.
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