The job interview process is broken, leaving many candidates frustrated and confused. While it should be a two-way street for employers to find the right talent and for candidates to assess a company, too often the process is long, unclear, and inefficient.

We ran a poll asking professionals what they would change about the hiring process, and here’s what they said:

Fewer interview rounds – 7%

More transparency on salary – 39%

Clear feedback after rejection – 54%

These numbers highlight what many job seekers already know: the system needs fixing.

Let’s break down each issue and how companies can do better.

1. Why the Job Interview Process is Broken: Endless Interview Rounds

While fewer people selected this as the biggest issue, it’s still a major pain point. Many candidates find themselves going through three, four, or even five rounds of interviews, only to be ghosted or rejected with no explanation.

What needs to change?

• Be upfront about the interview stages from the beginning.
• Streamline the process to ensure that each interview round is purposeful.
• For employers: Focus on quality, not quantity. Too many rounds can cause fatigue on both sides, leading to disengagement.

Tip for job seekers: If the process seems excessive, don’t be afraid to ask early on how many rounds there will be. You’ll be able to gauge if it’s worth your time.

2. Lack of Salary Transparency

Salary conversations can feel like a game of guesswork. Too often, candidates don’t know if a role aligns with their expectations until the final stages. This is a major frustration for both parties and wastes everyone’s time.

What needs to change?

• For employers: Be upfront about salary ranges in job postings.
• Discuss compensation early in the interview process, not after several rounds.
• Clearly state salary expectations and explain any variations.

Tip for job seekers: Don’t be afraid to ask for the salary range upfront. If the company isn’t transparent, it may not be the right fit for you.

Feedback After Rejection: Another Sign the Job Interview Process is Broken

This issue topped our poll, with over half of respondents frustrated by the lack of feedback after being rejected. From an employer’s perspective, feedback can sometimes feel like a liability, especially if it’s perceived negatively. However, providing feedback benefits both the candidate and the company.

What needs to change?

• For employers: Establish a practice of giving feedback to all candidates. It doesn’t have to be detailed, but a few key reasons for the rejection can go a long way in building goodwill.
• To keep it constructive, feedback can be framed as: “We selected another candidate due to their expertise in [specific area]. This is more than enough.

Tip for job seekers: If you don’t receive feedback after rejection, politely follow up asking for constructive feedback. Most recruiters will appreciate your interest in improving.

The Bottom Line

The job interview process should be efficient, transparent, and respectful. It’s not just about finding the right candidate but also about creating a positive experience that benefits both employers and job seekers. If companies can streamline their processes and offer transparency, they’ll not only attract better talent but also enhance their employer brand.

For job seekers, being proactive and asking the right questions can help navigate the process more effectively.