28/03/2025
Dear Agency Owners and Recruiters,
I just attended an interview today, and I’d like to share my observations—not to generalize all recruiters but to highlight issues that need to be addressed. Professionalism in the hiring process matters, and unfortunately, my experience today was far from ideal.
1. Excessive Wait Time
I waited for over two hours before the interview even started. Time is valuable, and while I understand that delays can happen, keeping applicants waiting for this long without proper updates is highly unprofessional. If there are scheduling issues, a simple notification or rescheduling option would have been more respectful.
2. Lack of Professionalism and Preparedness
When the interview finally started, the recruiter appeared disorganized and uninterested. They were wearing a tank top, which does not reflect professionalism in a formal hiring process. Additionally, their body language and tone of voice made them seem sleepy and disengaged, giving the impression that they were not taking the process seriously.
3. Poor Communication and Constructive Feedback
Throughout the interview, the recruiter struggled to speak clear English but was quick to harshly criticize applicants. Providing constructive feedback is important, but it should be fair, objective, and professionally delivered. Instead, the criticism felt excessive and at times unnecessary, making it seem more like a fault-finding session rather than an actual evaluation.
4. Lack of Transparency in the Hiring Process
Another major issue is the misleading feedback. After the interview, I was given overly positive remarks and assurances that I would move forward, only to later be ghosted and not shortlisted. If an applicant does not meet the qualifications, be upfront about it. False hope and lack of follow-up only damage the reputation of your agency.
5. No Interview Recording or Proper Evaluation Process
For fairness and accountability, interviews should be recorded. This would help ensure consistency in evaluations, allow candidates to review their performance, and prevent bias or miscommunication. Without this, it becomes difficult to assess whether the hiring process is being conducted fairly.
Final Thoughts
I am not saying all recruiters are like this, but these lapses reflect poorly on a company that claims to be “employee-centered.” If agencies truly want to build a strong and professional workforce, they must first set an example of professionalism themselves.
To all recruiters and hiring managers: Respect applicants’ time, conduct interviews with professionalism, communicate transparently, and provide honest feedback. A good hiring process does not just evaluate candidates—it also reflects the credibility and values of your company.
I hope this feedback helps in improving the hiring process for future applicants. Let’s strive for a more professional and respectful recruitment experience.
