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.

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 and engaging interaction.

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
4 Leadership Skills That Will Turbocharge Your Career in 2023

4 Leadership Skills That Will Turbocharge Your Career in 2023

Yellow Bricks Search dives into the latest and largest global study on leadership skills to show you what you’ve got to grow, where to start, and why it’s all important in 2023. Whether you’re looking to boost your career by getting that next promotion or a new role outside your company, one way to go […]
Remote Work: Is a New Norm Starting to Form?

Remote Work: Is a New Norm Starting to Form?

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a seismic shift in the way we work, forcing millions of employees across the UK and around the globe to adapt to remote work practically overnight.   What began as a necessary response to a global health crisis has since evolved into a widespread reassessment of traditional work models, and […]
Proposed UK Employment Law Changes and How Employers Can Prepare

Proposed UK Employment Law Changes and How Employers Can Prepare

Following their election in July of this year, the new UK government has pledged to deliver “the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation”.   A key part of this commitment is the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, which is expected to be introduced by the end of October 2024. While these changes are not […]
C-Suite positions are rarely advertised. Here’s why and how you can win them.

C-Suite positions are rarely advertised. Here’s why and how you can win them.

Have you ever wondered why you hardly see job adverts for top-level executive positions?   It’s not just because these roles require a very specific set of skills and experience; there are several pretty good reasons behind it.   Let’s discuss and uncover how you can get onto the path to the C-Suite.   Why […]
Why leaders are being told to evolve or face extinction.

Why leaders are being told to evolve or face extinction.

Global CEOs believe their organisation won’t be economically viable in 10 years’ time if they stay on their current path.   This is not just a warning but an urgent call to action. In PwC’s recent Global CEO survey, 4,410 chief executives all agree: you must “evolve or die”.   The turbulence of recent years, […]
Is automation alienating top talent from you?

Is automation alienating top talent from you?

The rise of automation in recruitment has undeniably streamlined many aspects of the hiring process. However, as technology continues to advance, a growing concern is emerging: the potential loss of human connection. Today’s top talent is increasingly feeling disconnected and undervalued as they navigate an increasingly automated job search.   This disconnect is a significant […]
Employee Engagement and the Human Connection

Employee Engagement and the Human Connection

The Crucial Role of Human Connection: Strategies to Enhance Team Dynamics, Engagement and Productivity The significance of 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 owners, HR managers, and team […]
6 Tips for Working In Hot Weather

6 Tips for Working In Hot Weather

As the UK declares a national heatwave emergency with temperatures set to exceed the record set in Cambridge in 2019 of 38.7 degrees, we provide some useful tips for getting through a day of work in the sweltering heat. With the huge rise in people working from home, access to industrial-sized, state-of-the-art air-con units for […]
The Benefits of Team Lunches

The Benefits of Team Lunches

When it’s time for lunch, do you eat at your desk? 🥪 For most people, this is the case. Over 60% of workers say that they eat lunch at their desks. A lunch break should be a break from work to have lunch. Some of us are still not allowing ourselves or feeling able to […]
Supercharge Your Pipeline: 5 Tips for Quality Candidate Feedback

Supercharge Your Pipeline: 5 Tips for Quality Candidate Feedback

Want to grow your people pipeline?   The most common complaint from candidates is a need for more constructive feedback; considering the candidate has invested time in your organisation, is it only fair to provide some constructive feedback to help the person with their future job search?   With so many leaders feeling uncomfortable giving […]

Join 2,500+ forward-thinking leaders.

People. Culture. Growth.
Unlock your leadership potential with our biweekly newsletter. No spam, only gold.