Complicated hiring techniques are turning candidates away

New research has revealed just how detrimental complicated hiring processes can be for talent attraction. In the current job market, where skilled talent can be scarce, avoiding this pitfall is essential.

A study by Humanforce outlined how 69 per cent of Aussie candidates would abandon a job application due to complicated hiring processes.

Organisations could be shooting themselves in the foot with ineffective recruitment processes. Candidates often have their pick of the bunch when it comes to choosing an employer, and through poor first impressions, those who don’t nail it from the get-go stand at a disadvantage.

“With the job market being so competitive, employers really need to nail that first impression. The hiring process can make or break whether someone even applies, let alone wants to work for a company. So, if a business isn’t hitting the mark in every step of the recruitment journey, they’re going to have a tough time snagging top talent,” Holly Barnes, chief people officer of Humanforce, said.

The initial contact paints a picture of how an organisation operates and what the future could look like for a candidate. Culture is an obvious takeaway from this interaction, and with its importance in facilitating growth, it should take top priority in the hiring process. In fact, 95 per cent of respondents in the Humanforce study believe the recruitment process mirrors its actual work culture.

“How a company handles its hiring process can give you a sneak peek into its culture. If it’s all confusing and complicated or arduous for candidates, they’re going to think, ‘Is this what working here will be like?’ And ultimately, that could sway their decision to take the job,” Barnes said.

“These days, people want jobs that fit into their lives. Flexibility is a big factor. So, if a company’s making you jump through hoops just to apply, it’s really sending the message that maybe it’s not the easiest or most flexible place to work.”

Employers looking to nail their recruitment game should consider a few key themes. According to Humanforce, for 94 per cent of candidates, clear communication is the most important aspect of a good hiring process. Despite this, half of respondents cited frustration due to poor communication when going for a job.

Meanwhile, 87 per cent said they were unlikely to accept a job offer from an organisation with a lengthy or confusing hiring process, and 28 per cent have abandoned an application due to a lack of transparency around the recruitment timeline.

Streamlining processes and being clear and concise with information and instructions can be an effective way to draw in top talent and mitigate the effects of talent shortages.