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Chris Platts, CEO and Founder A recruitment industry expert driven by the goal of driving transformative change in organizations through improved hiring processes. With a background in recruiting, a philosophy degree, and a passion for technology, Chris brings a unique blend of experience and innovation to the table. His research and dedication to understanding the candidate experience have resulted in published papers, making him a recognized thought leader in the field. |
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Dr Stephanie Cook PhD, Chief Science Officer Dr. Stephanie Cook, PhD, is a visionary Chief Science Officer dedicated to unraveling the true challenges faced by candidates throughout the recruitment process. With a distinguished background as a lecturer in Psychology and a wealth of research experience, Dr. Cook brings a deep understanding of human behavior to the forefront. |
The hiring landscape is shifting fast. Today’s candidates enter roles with high expectations — and many quit early because the job turned out differently than they were led to believe. According to our survey of 1,000+ UK employees, 55% have left a job due to a mismatch between the role’s portrayal in recruitment and its reality. That’s a 15-point increase from 2019.
The biggest culprit? The expectation gap: the loop between what a candidate is led to expect and what they actually experience. When high-volume employers rely on traditional CVs, long screening cycles and weak role clarity, the churn cost in both time and money becomes enormous.
This report digs into where current hiring processes are failing — especially in volume contexts like hospitality — and offers practical tactics to close the gap, improve hiring speed, and reduce early turnover.
Expectation mismatch is growing
• 48% left a job in 2019 because the role wasn’t what they expected. In 2023, that number rose to 55%.
• Among 18-24-year-olds, the figure is even higher: 64% said they left for that reason.
Job responsibility is still the primary issue
• 59% of respondents said “job responsibilities didn’t match expectations” as their reason for leaving.
• “Working environment” followed at 57%.
Mis-selling of roles is highest in hospitality and events
• 52% of all respondents felt recruiters or employers had mis-represented a job during hiring.
• Sectors with the highest rate: hospitality & events (~68%) reported being mis-sold jobs.
Pre-hire assessments are on the rise — but not all types are trusted
• In 2019 around 27% of candidates had taken a pre-hire assessment; in 2023 it jumped to 82%.
• Job-relevant skills tests are judged most accurate (58% fairness) versus gamified tests (4% fairness).