I wish more hiring managers realised how damaging unprepared interviews can be, not just to a hiring process, but to their employer brand.
We recently had a candidate go into an interview where it was immediately clear the interviewer hadn’t opened the CV beforehand.
The candidate had done their homework, researched the company, prepared examples, thought about what to wear… only to sit there while the interviewer opened the CV for the first time.
That moment speaks volumes.
It signals disinterest, lack of respect, and poor preparation.
Unsurprisingly, the candidate walked away, even though the client wanted to hire them.
A good interview doesn’t require perfection, but it does require preparation:
• Work through the CV beforehand
• Prepare questions linked to the role and the candidate’s experience
• Be ready to clearly explain the job, the team, and the business
• Show genuine interest in the person sitting in front of you
Interviews are a two-way street.
Candidates are assessing you just as much as you’re assessing them.
If you want great people, you need to show up prepared.
Director
