THE STATE OF INTERVIEW FEEDBACK REPORT

The most likable candidate gets the job—even if they’re not the most qualified

Textio’s new report shows hiring managers make offers to people they like, not who’s best for the job. But these hires typically fail and cost businesses loads of money to replace. 

THE STATE OF INTERVIEW FEEDBACK REPORT

The most likable candidate gets the job—even if they’re not the most qualified

Textio’s new report shows hiring managers make offers to people they like, not who’s best for the job. But these hires typically fail and cost businesses loads of money to replace. 

2024 report recap

High performers get the most
useless feedback at work

For the last several years, Textio has published research about performance feedback at work. Last year we found high performers get the most useless feedback, and it’s worst for high-performing women. 

interview-feedback-web-chart-1

Interviewers are more likely to hire someone when they like the candidate’s personality

This year we went upstream of on-the-job performance feedback to add a new dimension to the story. We looked at the feedback that hiring teams provide about candidates during the interview process. 

And, it turns out, hiring managers are hiring the people and personalities they like the most.

interview-feedback-web-chart-2

Interviewers are more likely to hire someone when they like the candidate’s personality

This year we went upstream of on-the-job performance feedback to add a new dimension to the story. We looked at the feedback that hiring teams provide about candidates during the interview process.

And, it turns out, hiring managers are hiring the people and personalities they like the most.

interview-feedback-web-chart-2

A candidate with an offer is described as having a "great personality" 12x more than a candidate who's rejected

People getting job offers are far more likely to be described using personality feedback, despite research showing new hires perform better on the job when their interviews have explicitly assessed their job skills.

interview-feedback-web-chart-3
interview-feedback-web-squiggly

Key findings

39 %

more feedback is documented when a candidate is not getting an offer

25 x

women are described as bubbly 25x more than men, while men are described as confident 7x more

84 %

of candidates who were rejected never got any feedback on their interviews

 
calendar
join us for

Um, you’re NOT on mute

You have the insights—now get ready to hear more from Kieran, Jensen, and Rocki who will be sharing their most astounding, hilarious, and off-the-rails interview stories.

Tuesday, May 20th 10:30 am PT / 1:30 pm ET

calendar
join us for

Um, you’re NOT on mute

You have the insights—now get ready to hear more from Kieran, Jensen, and Rocki who will be sharing their most astounding, hilarious, and off-the-rails interview stories.

Tuesday, May 20th 10:30 am PT / 1:30 pm ET

interview-feedback-web-squiggly-flip

About Textio

Good vibes won’t grow your business. Get Textio to start attracting, hiring, and retaining people with the right skills.

Founded in 2014, Textio has been recognized as a trailblazer in AI for HR, earning spots on Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies list, HR Executive’s Top HR Products, the Forbes AI 50, Fortune’s Impact 20, and the CNBC Disruptor 50. 

Contact us about our research at research@textio.com.