Small and medium sized firms must improve their interview standards if they are to recruit the staff they so badly need to develop and grow their business.

According to the latest survey by Ipsos Mori for T-Mobile, 40% of job applicants judged their interview experience as bad with many citing poorly prepared interviewers and irrelevant questioning as the biggest turn offs.

Additionally candidates complained about the interviewer turning up late, having bad hygiene and often not having a copy of their cv.

With the shortage of skilled workers holding back many small firms it is essential that they give a good first impression by ensuring a warm and friendly welcome for applicants, making sure they offer refreshments, are fully prepared for the interview, and ensure the candidate sees only a clean, tidy and professional looking office.