The Top Hiring Mistakes Employers Make — And How to Avoid Them
Hiring strategy 2025
In a highly competitive Irish job market, the way employers approach recruitment can make or break their ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. With almost 6 in 10 employers admitting to recruitment concerns tied to the economic outlook, it’s more important than ever to get the hiring process right. Drawing on the FRS Recruitment Annual Employment Insights here are the most common hiring mistakes employers make—and how to avoid them.
Unclear or Generic Job Descriptions
The issue:
Job ads lacking clarity can attract unsuitable applicants and deter high-calibre candidates.
Why it matters:
According to
FRS Recruitment Insights, 44% of candidates believe job descriptions need to be clearer, and 62% have opted out of applying due to lack of salary transparency.
Solution:
Craft tailored job descriptions with specifics on responsibilities, skills required, culture, and career progression. Where possible, be upfront about salary to enhance trust and boost applications.
Slow and Overcomplicated Hiring Processes
The issue:
Time-consuming or multi-layered hiring steps risk losing talent to faster-moving competitors.
FRS Recruitment Findings:
More than half of candidates believe companies could improve the recruitment experience by speeding up the process and offering better communication.
Solution:
Set internal timelines for reviewing CVs, streamline interviews, and reduce decision-making bottlenecks. A structured but efficient approach keeps candidates engaged and your company competitive.
Lack of Candidate Communication
The issue:
Failing to provide updates leaves a poor impression on applicants—and your employer brand.
FRS Recruitment Insight:
Over 41% of candidates cited the interview experience as needing improvement, while 39% wanted more transparency on application status.
Solution:
Use automated responses for acknowledgement, set clear expectations for feedback timelines, and personalise your outreach where possible.
Ignoring the Salary Conversation
The issue:
Salary remains the top reason for attrition and missed hiring opportunities.
Why it matters:
62% of employees said they did not apply for a role due to missing salary details. In fact, 1 in 6 employees would move jobs for a salary rise of just 10%, and almost half would switch roles for a 20% increase.
Solution:
Be transparent about compensation. It not only increases candidate engagement but also filters out mismatched applicants, saving time and effort.
Overlooking Soft Skills and Culture Fit
The issue:
Focusing solely on qualifications or experience can lead to short-term hires who lack long-term potential.
FRS Recruitment Viewpoint:
Attrition is still a concern, with 56% of employers noting higher turnover in 2024—driven not just by pay, but also job satisfaction and seeking new challenges.
Solution:
Incorporate behavioural questions, assess alignment with company values, and evaluate candidates holistically.
Relying Only on Inbound Applications
The issue:
Waiting for applications limits access to passive, high-quality talent.
Why it matters:
FRS Recruitment data shows that headhunting is on the rise, with 54% of employees having been approached by recruiters in the last 12 months.
Solution:
Adopt a proactive recruitment strategy. Leverage tools like LinkedIn, employee referrals, and of course, experienced recruitment partners like FRS Recruitment to tap into hidden talent pools.
Contact FRS Recruitment to see how we can help.
Failing to Prioritise Employer Branding
The issue:
Candidates research employers before applying—what they see can determine if they apply at all.
FRS Data Insight:
Candidates most commonly research potential employers through online review sites (44%), company websites (43%), and LinkedIn (42%).
Solution:
Invest in a strong employer brand online—highlight your values, showcase employee experiences, and keep your careers page up to date.
Conclusion
Hiring in 2025 requires agility, transparency, and empathy. The mistakes outlined above aren’t just theoretical—they’re reflected in real hiring data from across Ireland. At FRS Recruitment, we understand the changing dynamics of the labour market and help employers like you stay ahead of the curve.
Looking to optimise your recruitment process in today's talent-drive market?
