Why recruitment expert says you should be PAID to attend a job interview

Job interviews are often a long process for candidates and employers – but some experts argue a financial incentive could lead to more successful outcomes. 

Career and recruitment expert Sue Ellson, from Melbourne, says paying candidates for their time would fundamentally change the recruitment process as employers would need to thoroughly consider who’s right for the job.

By making use of this interesting tactic, Ms Ellson said employers could cut down their list of interviewees and pay the top three candidates for their time.

‘Why would you drag more than six people in for a job interview for one position? If your recruitment skills cannot reduce your ‘best’ candidates to a reasonable number per position, I would suggest that you need to improve your technique,’ she said. 

Ms Ellson argued interviewing more than six people ‘wastes a lot of time’ for company recruiters as well as the potential new employee.

‘The whole goal of this is to change the recruitment process so that it is more efficient, effective and transparent,’ she said. 

‘Only the final three candidates should be paid an amount – say between $50 to $100 as a gift card – for attending an in-person interview.’ 

Ms Ellson said paying candidates would also likely avoid additional unnecessary rounds of interviews. 

If money was involved, job seekers would be likely to make their resume perfect before applying for every job.

‘How many people are in jobs they can “do” when they could be in jobs where they are aligned – in task terms and dollar terms?’ Ms Ellson asked.

Ms Ellson hopes the tactic would encourage everyone – both staff and job seekers – to ‘value the time and feelings’ throughout the recruitment process.