First Interview Fails: The Mistakes Costing You A-Players
Career

First Interview Fails: The Mistakes Costing You A-Players

How to Make Candidates Feel Valued – From That Crucial First Hello The hiring landscape has shifted. We’re no longer solely in an employer’s market. Savvy candidates have choices, carefully selecting opportunities that align with their career aspirations. This well-needed rebalancing underscores a fundamental truth: the initial interview isn’t just about you evaluating talent; it’s […]

May 14th, 2025
*

Abby.

Founder

A search expert making key hires for over twenty years.

How to Make Candidates Feel Valued – From That Crucial First Hello

The hiring landscape has shifted. We’re no longer solely in an employer’s market. Savvy candidates have choices, carefully selecting opportunities that align with their career aspirations. This well-needed rebalancing underscores a fundamental truth: the initial interview isn’t just about you evaluating talent; it’s a pivotal moment for candidates to assess your company, too. Don’t fall at the first hurdle with first interview mistakes.

Here at Yellow Bricks, we’re seeing a growing trend. While companies increasingly manage their own recruitment, a critical element often gets lost in the process: genuine candidate feedback. So, how do those seeking their next big career move actually feel after that first interview? The answer, as leaders, might be unsettling. We frequently hear interviewers appear disengaged, unprepared, distracted, or simply rushing to tick a box. Imagine being that candidate, having invested time researching your brand, meticulously preparing to impress, perhaps even taking time off work, only to feel like an afterthought. It’s disheartening, to say the least.

Preparation, Empathy, and Experience: The Interviewer’s Cornerstones

Think about it from the candidate’s perspective. While an interview might be one of many on your calendar, for them, it’s a significant event. They’ve likely spent considerable time understanding how their skills and experience can contribute to your company’s purpose. Respecting that effort through thorough preparation on your part is paramount. Empathy plays a crucial role, too. Recognising the candidate’s potential anxieties and aspirations helps to create a more human, engaging interaction and avoid those first interview mistakes.

First Interview Mistakes – Poor First Impressions Can Cost You Dearly

The consequences of a lacklustre first interview extend far beyond a missed opportunity. Negative experiences are amplified in today’s interconnected world. Research shows that individuals with a bad experience are ten times more likely to share it with their network. This can significantly tarnish your employer brand, making it harder to attract leading talent in the future.

This is where a trusted recruitment partner like Yellow Bricks truly adds value. We bring expertise to the table, not only in identifying and attracting A-players – those individuals genuinely engaged with your vision and aligned with your goals – but also in meticulously managing the entire candidate experience. We ensure that whether you decide to move forward with a candidate or politely decline, the process is handled with professionalism and respect, providing valuable feedback that helps individuals on their journey towards their dream role.

Your Future Depends on Taking Hiring Seriously

Let’s be clear: the individuals you bring into your organisation will shape its future. Settling for less than the best, or assuming that the high-calibre talent you need doesn’t exist, is a dangerous gamble. Finding those “star players” requires a dedicated and strategic approach. Investing the time and effort to build a robust hiring process is not just a cost – it’s a fundamental investment in your company’s success.

Ready to elevate your hiring process and ensure every candidate feels valued? Let Yellow Bricks be your guide. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you attract and secure the A-players who will drive your business forward.

To find out more about how to focus on your brand, get in touch today.
Want to hear about our other articles?
Looking to hire your next superstar?
Keen to explore our latest vacancies?
Yellow Bricks is a female-owned and led executive search firm hiring predominately for software companies with diversity and inclusion at the heart of our offering. To learn more, click here.
Related posts
How to Get Your CV Right

How to Get Your CV Right

Finding a new job requires a large amount of time and dedication, we spend a lot of our time at work so securing a job carrying out important tasks that you enjoy alongside people that you like collaborating with at a salary that fits with your lifestyle is important. Then we must consider the commute, the hours, the benefits, the industry and prospects, the list goes on.
How getting stage time could boost your career

How getting stage time could boost your career

Do you have insights, experiences, or ideas to share?   Make this the year they are heard! You deserve it, and here’s the big bonus – getting stage time can seriously boost your career.   Now, if the idea of standing up and speaking in front of a group makes you anxious, just remember that […]
The Metaverse

The Metaverse

The internet, as we know it, is a 2D world in which a range of information and entertainment is instantly accessible. Despite these extraordinary capabilities, the tech world seeks further growth and expansion. The focus has turned towards creating:   ‘The Metaverse’ 🌍 The Metaverse would allow for a more immersive digital experience by turning […]
8 Steps to Getting Your Career Back on Track

8 Steps to Getting Your Career Back on Track

We know that a lot of the jobs we like the look of online are over applied to, probably phoney, in reality unsuitable, or were filled months ago with no one bothering to take them down.     In some sectors, the hiring markets are weaker than they have been in decades. Trying to navigate […]
8 Habits That Will Make You a Better Leader

8 Habits That Will Make You a Better Leader

It’s the start of a shiny new year ✨   Your people will be looking to you for guidance and reassurance as we enter more uncertain times.   Building strong foundations by adopting helpful habits will help you to be the best leader you can be.   Here are our top 8 habits that will […]
How to Navigate a Hiring Freeze with Temporary Staffing Services

How to Navigate a Hiring Freeze with Temporary Staffing Services

We understand how hard a freeze on hiring can be, here’s how temporary staffing services can be the solution! We’ve all experienced the effects of a hiring freeze, good people leave, workloads grow, and those left behind are stretched thin. As a manager, how do you deliver on expectations while maintaining team morale? While hiring […]
Why employee recognition is key to a happy team

Why employee recognition is key to a happy team

Could you be about to lose your star players?   Feeling valued is a core human need.   If attrition is high on your agenda, this could be the solution to retaining more of your key people.   69% of employees admit that recognition would keep them at their company, and with the average cost […]
Employee Engagement and the Human Connection

Employee Engagement and the Human Connection

The Crucial Role of Human Connection: Strategies to Enhance Team Dynamics, Employee Engagement and Productivity The significance of employee engagement and the human connection cannot be overstated in an era where the workplace is continuously reshaped by technology and shifting employee preferences. Understanding the balance between remote work and in-person collaboration is crucial for business […]
Why a Learning Culture Is Your Competitive Edge

Why a Learning Culture Is Your Competitive Edge

The world of work has undergone a seismic shift. From the pandemic’s upheaval to the rapid rise of AI, businesses are grappling with unprecedented challenges and opportunities. One thing is clear: to thrive in this new era, organisations must prioritise learning and development.   The Learning Imperative The skills gap is continuing to widen. According […]
5 Ways to Craft a Stellar Onboarding Experience

5 Ways to Craft a Stellar Onboarding Experience

We’ve all heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” It’s especially true when it comes to new hires. Their initial experience with your company sets the tone for their entire employment journey.   The stakes are high when it comes to onboarding. A recent survey revealed that only […]

People. Culture. Growth.