Why You Must Prioritise Candidate Interviews (Even When You’re Flat Out)

 

There’s nothing worse than a candidate sitting in your reception for half an hour because you’re running late. Sound familiar? As recruitment specialists, we’ve seen how this small oversight can derail your entire hiring process.

The reality is that candidates are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them. When you make them wait or reschedule at the last minute, you’re sending a clear message about how your organisation values people – and it’s not positive.

The Real Cost of “Being Too Busy” to Interview

We hear it constantly: “We’re just too flat out to interview right now.” This thinking creates a dangerous cycle. You’re busy because you’re understaffed, but you can’t hire because you’re too busy to interview. Meanwhile, your current team takes on more work, leading to burnout and eventual turnover.

Let’s be brutally honest – if you don’t make time to interview candidates now, you’ll be forced to make time when your best people start walking out the door.

What Your Interview Process Says About Your Culture

When a candidate experiences delays, poor communication, or disorganisation during your interview process, they’re getting a preview of your workplace culture. They’re witnessing how you:

• Respect others’ time
• Handle commitments
• Communicate when challenges arise
• Prioritise people versus tasks

How to Prioritise Interviews (Even When Things Go Pear-Shaped)

We understand that business doesn’t stop – unexpected deliveries arrive, clients call with emergencies, and fires need putting out. When these inevitable disruptions occur:

1. Have someone immediately inform the candidate about the delay
2. Provide a realistic timeframe for when you’ll be available
3. Acknowledge their time is valuable

For example: “Our recruiter has just had an urgent supplier issue arise. She values meeting you and apologises for the delay. She should be available in about 20 minutes, but

we’d be happy to reschedule if that doesn’t work for you.”

The Business Case for Prioritising Interviews

Understaffing doesn’t just affect morale – it directly impacts your bottom line. When your team is flat-out busy:

• Customer service quality drops
• Mistakes increase
• Innovation decreases
• Top performers burn out and leave

Each turnover can cost between 50-200% of an employee’s annual salary when you factor in recruitment, onboarding, and productivity losses.

Making the Commitment to Change

At TRS, we’ve helped countless Australian businesses transform their interview approach. Start by blocking protected time in your calendar specifically for interviews – time that cannot be moved except for genuine emergencies.

Why You Must Prioritise Candidate Interviews (Even When You’re Flat Out)

Your recruitment approach is a direct reflection of your business values. By respecting candidates’ time, maintaining clear communication, and making hiring a genuine priority, you’re doing much more than just filling empty seats; you’re laying the groundwork for a reputable, adaptable company that people actually want to work for.

Related Article: How to Attract Top Talent in a Competitive Market

Need Recruitment Support? Contact us at TRS Resourcing, and let’s discuss how we can help you find and lock down the quality talent your business needs to thrive.