​Recruitment is one of the most important drivers of business success. Attracting and securing the right people at the right time has a direct impact on growth, productivity and long-term performance. Yet, according to the recent IrishJobs Hiring Efficiency Survey, many companies in Ireland may be unintentionally losing candidates because their hiring processes are too complicated.

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What the IrishJobs survey revealed

The IrishJobs Hiring Efficiency Survey gathered feedback from 475 recruiters and 824 job seekers across Ireland. The results highlight the need for more streamlined recruitment practices. Almost a quarter of candidates, 23 percent, admitted they dropped out of a process because there were too many steps involved. Overall, more than one in four applicants never completed the hiring process at all.

For employers already facing skills shortages in areas such as food manufacturing, FMCG and engineering recruitment in Ireland, these numbers represent a significant loss of potential talent.

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Why candidates disengage from long hiring processes

Today’s job seekers have more choice and flexibility than ever before. Highly skilled candidates in engineering and manufacturing often receive multiple offers. If one company’s process feels slow, unclear or unnecessarily drawn out, they are likely to look elsewhere.

Candidates often withdraw after repeated interview stages that lack clear progression, delays in communication, or lengthy application forms that demand too much time. A lack of transparency around timelines can also cause frustration. In a competitive market, a poor candidate experience is often the difference between securing top talent and losing them to a competitor.

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The cost of inefficiency for employers

When candidates drop out midway, employers face longer time-to-hire periods and higher costs. Vacant roles in critical sectors such as food production or engineering can put pressure on operations and teams. In addition, complex recruitment processes can damage employer branding. Jobseekers who have a negative experience are less likely to reapply or recommend the company, reducing the available talent pool even further.

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How Irish employers can improve hiring efficiency

Improving hiring efficiency in Ireland does not always require a complete overhaul. Small changes can have a big impact. Employers who simplify applications, reduce unnecessary interview stages and provide clear timelines see higher completion rates. Consistent communication keeps candidates engaged and reassured. Many organisations also benefit from working with recruitment partners who can identify qualified candidates quickly and guide them through a smoother, more transparent process.

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Vickerstock’s approach to streamlined recruitment

At Vickerstock, we understand that recruitment must balance thorough selection with a positive candidate experience. We work with employers across Ireland to design processes that are efficient, candidate-focused and tailored to the demands of industries such as engineering, manufacturing and FMCG. Our goal is to help businesses secure the right people quickly while ensuring that candidates feel valued at every stage.

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Final thoughts

The findings from the IrishJobs Hiring Efficiency Survey are a reminder that efficiency is no longer optional in recruitment. With more than one in four applicants not completing the process, businesses in Ireland cannot afford to lose talent to unnecessary complexity. By focusing on streamlined recruitment and improving the candidate experience, employers will increase their chances of attracting and retaining the best people in a highly competitive market.

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