What is the hiring process like at Hays?

Good pay and easy hiring process

That it's a contract short term role

The recruitment process was smooth and supportive, making it a great place to start in recruitment. The team is helpful, and there are good learning opportunities. I’d recommend Hays as a place to work, especially for its clear progression and opportunities plan.

N/A at this present time

Pays relatively high, fast and transparent hiring process

Contract job is not stable

This staffing company provided temp work at a mining company I worked at. The salary/wage I made in the last year was negotiated with the mining company I worked for, even though I was technically employed by Hays. Only pro I could think of for Hays is that the timesheet entry process was straightforward and relatively simple.

Hays admin is not easy to get a hold of. They kind of throw you in the dark.

Good learning and development system

The work culture feels immature, with little trust from senior management, poor work-life balance, and a focus on KPIs over meaningful outcomes. There’s a disconnect between leadership and staff, contributing to a sometimes toxic environment. Salaries in the Technology team are low, and many feel misled during the hiring process. Contract roles offer no commission, and the bonus scheme is limited—making it difficult to earn a sustainable income in London.

Clear flow of hiring process

Lack clear subject party to communicate

The benefits program is satisfactory, and they make sure you know about open enrollment.

The vetting process was horrendous and unnecessarily complicated. My onboarding specialist always insisted on speaking over the phone but I could hardly ever hear them due to poor quality and background noise. If I emailed them, it took them 2-3 business days to respond. They also asked for the phone numbers of every single employer I worked for in the last ten years, and when they couldn't get a hold of someone, they couldn't comprehend how two of my previous employers no longer existed (fun fact: sometimes companies go out of business! Wild, right?). They also didn't seem to understand how a freelancer could possibly have employment gaps! Anyway, what should have taken a few days became over two weeks, and I was delayed from starting work with a client and therefore lost out on wages. Thanks Hays! After finally being employed, communication with contractor support or HR was extremely difficult. The fact that they have a number designated as a contractor "hotline" is laughable–I never got a hold of anyone. I always got sent to voicemail, and the mailbox was often full!

The business, like many recruitment firms, came out of the pandemic like the clappers. Where many Recruitment Consultants talk about a slowing in the market, at Hays Belfast we are not seeing this at all. I think the company has the right blend of L&D, hybrid working, team events and a positive office environment,

The downside invariably relates tot he market. Some customers blow hot and cold and you have to be resilient to the Dear John email on a Monday morning where occasionally a candidate decides not to attend an interview or, even worse, not start a job they've accepted. That's life and we invariably have other candidates we can follow up with.

The majority of the team is friendly, they provide all the training required.

The interview process is overly complicated, and it is also an extremely lengthy process. I completed a total of 5 interviews, all for 1 individual to have the final say, despite all other members giving positive feedback. Total waste of time.

Hays has really allowed me to share ideas, come up with new processes, and help implement strategies into the business for hiring. They're taking great steps focusing on consultants mental health and well-being, and making it a safe space for everyone. Hays support their staff with regional, global and internal moves in the business, and really listen to their employees on what they want to do next for a long-term career, and how to support that. Flexible Hybrid working, and well-being hours are just an added bonus on top of it all.

CRM system could be upgraded, but isn't necessarily a con!