How Midlands Firms Lose Good Candidates During the Interview Process

Overview

Recruiting top talent is only half the battle, many Midlands law firms inadvertently lose great candidates during the interview process. In a competitive market for partners, solicitors, and support staff, small missteps can make the difference between securing a hire and watching them go elsewhere.

boardroom meeting

Common Pitfalls

  1. Slow Response Times: Candidates are often interviewing at multiple firms. Waiting days, or even weeks, to schedule interviews or provide feedback can signal disinterest.
  2. Overly Complicated Processes: Multiple rounds, repetitive questions, and vague expectations frustrate candidates and can erode enthusiasm.
  3. Poor Communication: Lack of clarity on timelines, role scope, or firm culture can leave candidates uncertain and disengaged.
  4. Ignoring Candidate Needs: Flexibility in start dates, hybrid working options, or role adjustments are increasingly expected.

How to Avoid Losing Talent

    • Streamline the Process: Clear, concise steps with defined timelines make your firm appear organised and respectful of candidate time.
    • Communicate Constantly: Even a brief update keeps candidates engaged and reassured.
    • Prepare Interviewers: Ensure partners and HR staff understand the role, candidate background, and firm priorities.
    • Highlight Culture & Growth Opportunities: Sell the firm, not just the job. Candidates want to know how they’ll fit and grow.

The best candidates are in demand. Midlands firms that streamline their hiring process, communicate effectively, and show respect for candidates’ time will avoid losing talent to faster, more organised competitors.

About The HST Group

We find the best talent, across all sectors

Hiring well is simply a process, which can span a whole range of sectors. This winning process is  one we like to think we’re very good at!

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Our bespoke technology enables us to get your job ads in front of the very best talent out there, which in turn enables us to give brilliant ROI to our clients.

We have an excellent track record

We’re incredibly proud of our track record, and the fact that 80% of our clients are repeat or ongoing customers!