What annoys job candidates the most

Companies often get hundreds or even thousands of job applications for every job vacancy they are trying to fill. Recruiters would have a very tough job to keep up with all the applications to not create any disappointing experiences throughout the process. How frustrated can job candidates really get?

So, what are all the behaviours and attitudes that annoy job candidates when applying for jobs?

• Lack of feedback in cancellations. Obviously, you take the time off from your current job to make it to the interview, and then they tell you that the interview has been cancelled and postponed. Understandably, everyone would feel upset.
• Creating fake job ads which have long been occupied with internal staff instead. Often this strategy is used by companies to attract candidates throughout the year. Highly disappointing to know that you completely wasted your time to apply for the job in the first place!
• Nobody tells you honestly what the reason for failing was. It would be very useful for every job candidate to know why they have been rejected. They would be able to learn from it. Unfortunately, for several reasons recruiters will never tell you.
• The use of complicated application software and portals. It should be made easy and quick for every job candidate to apply. Thus, the ones who are impatient, will not be able to complete the application process.
• Being asked stress questions during the interview. It is being perceived as intimidating and stressful to be put under pressure. While some can cope well under stress, others might be close to a breakdown.

• Rejection received, but job ad has been again published. If a candidate knows that they failed in the interview, it’s surely not a pleasure to spot the same job ad again. You might think ‘How demanding are they in choosing their employees? Is even any candidate good enough for them?’.
• No rejection received at all. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applicants it is impossible for many recruiters to notify every job candidate about not being selected for an interview or for the job. Thus, as a smart company takes this approach and adds to their job ad a clause like this

‘If after submitting your application, you have not heard from us within the next 7 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.’

This tells a candidate instantly whether there is still hope, or whether it’s better to focus on another job and just move on with the job hunt. It also tells you that the company works professionally!

• Stupid questions get asked in the job interview. There are interview questions that are illegal, then there are questions which seem to make no sense to the candidate due to the complete irrelevance related to the job. Often, this scenario happens because recruiters want to test how well a candidate can cope with an unknown, unexpected question or scenario. Well prepared candidates know exactly how to answer.

These tips should help any business to pay more attention to their hiring practices, because in the world of social media you surely don’t want to get a negative reputation online based on how you treat your job applicants.

Bear in mind, people do talk — online and offline- and it does not even cost any money and can be done from all over the world within few seconds!!! Don’t give them the power to destroy your reputation, instead invest time and money to build a strong employer brand! Then you will not get negative comments but instead raving reviews.

What was your biggest takeaway today from this article “What annoys job candidates?” I would appreciate it if you could leave a comment. If you know anyone who could benefit from this article, it would be great if you could share it. You will be helping them out and me too! Thanks!