Recruitment and Halloween: The Terrifying Truths
Recruitment is often seen as a straightforward process – scanning CV’s, interviewing candidates, and appointing new employees. But lurking beneath the surface are some truly terrifying aspects that can turn the experience into a nightmare for both employers and job seekers.
1. Ghosting: The Vanishing Act
In the world of recruitment, ghosting is all too common. Candidates who seemed promising suddenly disappear, leaving employers in the lurch. On the flip side, applicants often face the same fate after interviews, left hanging with no feedback. This lack of communication creates an eerie silence that can haunt both parties long after the process is over.
2. The Perfect CV ‘Haunt’
In a job market where competition is fierce, some candidates resort to elevating their CV’s. The scariest part? Employers may think you’ve found the perfect fit, only to discover during onboarding that they’ve been living a lie. Misrepresentation can lead to disastrous outcomes for the company, its employees and the candidate and making thorough vetting an absolute necessity. Using a professional within the market can help you navigate and avoid this.
3. The Interview – avoid ‘Trick or Treat’
Interviews and the application process can feel like a nightmare, filled with unexpected questions and intense pressure. Candidates often encounter strange scenarios or overly difficult questions intended to catch them off guard. For many, the fear of failure can be overwhelming, transforming a straightforward conversation into a daunting experience. Employers should keep in mind that the objective is to evaluate fit, not to create a stressful memory for the candidate. It’s crucial to remember that candidates are also assessing your organisation just as much as you are evaluating them.
4. The Cultural Ghost
Picture hiring someone who seems perfect on paper, only to discover they don’t align with your company culture. This is a nightmare for both employers and candidates. A poor cultural fit can result in low morale, ineffective teamwork, and, ultimately, high turnover. Maintaining openness and transparency throughout the application process is vital for a successful hire. Clearly understanding and defining your company culture is essential in recruitment to prevent this unsettling scenario and to ensure the ghost of bad culture days, doesn’t reappear.
5. Technology Gone Spooky
In our tech-driven world, applicant tracking systems (ATS) can often feel like black holes. CV’s can easily get overlooked or misplaced, and candidates are left wondering if their applications have ever reached human eyes. Relying too heavily on technology (especially within an industry for which people skills are crucial), it can create a recruitment experience that’s not just impersonal, but scary for job seekers.
Some thoughts to conclude:
While recruitment doesn’t have to be a horror story, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges and pitfalls that can arise. By focusing on clear communication, honesty, cultural alignment, and a balanced use of technology, both employers and candidates can turn a potentially frightening experience into a more positive journey.
After all, in the world of recruitment, it’s better to face the real monsters head-on than let them lurk in the shadows.
If you need assistance with your luxury hospitality or tourism recruitment, please feel free to reach out. Additionally, we offer a consultancy service for clients outside of this area.