Poor hiring practices impact Australian jobseekers

Research by HiBob has revealed that one in four Australians working in office jobs declined job offers due to a negative job application process. This study highlights significant issues jobseekers have experienced over the past two years, including cumbersome processes, poor communication, long waiting periods for decisions, and lost applications.

The research gathered insights from 1,500 Australians in office roles. It found that 26% of job applicants had abandoned their applications due to the complexity of the process. Additionally, a third of jobseekers (32%) reported poor communication during the application phase, while 34% had to wait weeks for a decision after their final interview. More concerningly, over one in five (21%) reported their applications were lost, and 25% had job offers rescinded before their start dates.

One of the more prevalent issues identified by HiBob is the reliance on spreadsheets during the hiring process. Damien Andreasen, VP APJ at HiBob, commented, "Clearly, the job application process in Australia right now isn’t perfect. Typically that comes down to companies not having a well-defined hiring process, appropriate buy-in from hiring managers, or the right tools and systems. Market conditions also haven’t helped, and we’ve seen a huge supply and demand swing back in favour of employers."

Andreasen explained that while it is easy for candidates to criticise poor experiences, the challenge of managing numerous applications is significant, particularly for large organisations. "Talent acquisition is not easy at scale. Not to mention that applicant volumes are at an all-time high in some sectors, including those that have been affected by economic conditions resulting in reductions in force," he said.

HiBob's findings also suggest that workforce planning is a critical issue. Andreasen noted, "Not having the right data to support the volume, type, and timing for each hire will cause significant issues with processes. Ask any HR professional what it’s like managing open roles on a spreadsheet with little to no data to support the hiring decision. That's the really painful part of the hiring process."

The research further indicates that a poor job application experience can reflect negatively on the company’s overall culture. One-third (32%) of respondents consider the job application process to be the best way to evaluate a prospective employer, while 35% view it as an insight into the company’s culture. Moreover, 33% state the application process is a crucial factor when deciding whether to accept a job offer.

A positive application experience can greatly enhance a company's reputation and success in attracting talent. According to HiBob’s data, 39% of Australian office workers would recommend a company to friends if the application process was smooth.

With employers currently holding the advantage in the Australian labour market, the findings of HiBob’s study highlight the importance of refining the recruitment process. Effective workforce planning, good communication, and appropriate tools and systems are essential for businesses aiming to secure top talent and improve their reputation among jobseekers.