Hays Reviews 

Disappointing and unprofessional communication

I was contacted directly by Shanna at Hays about a role I had not applied for and asked whether I would be happy to be put forward. I agreed and attended an interview for the position.

I then had to chase the recruiter myself for the initial interview feedback, at which point I was told that the employer had responded positively but was still interviewing other candidates.

After that, communication stopped again. Having waited for a further update, I contacted the recruiter myself simply asking whether there had been an outcome. My message was read but not answered.

I completely understand that recruiters cannot control an employer's decision, and I have no issue whatsoever with being unsuccessful for a role. What I do expect is basic communication, particularly when the recruiter approached me in the first place and encouraged me to enter the process.

Candidates invest time and effort preparing for and attending interviews. Having to repeatedly chase for information, and then ultimately receiving no response at all, is disappointing and unprofessional. Even a brief message to say there is no further update would have been preferable to simply being ignored.

The whole experience has left me with a very poor impression of Hays.

I keep receiving 'opportunities' for roles I'm completely unsuitable for.

Imagine receiving emails direct from a Hays senior recruiter - so not from the job alert emails I've configured, which don't work either, but that's another story - for roles for a production line operator, a senior electronics design engineer, or contractor escort when I'm actually after a project documentation / data / dashboard design role (which is my area of expertise).

Additionally, of the 6 roles I've applied for directly from their website search - rather than the unsuitable roles one of their Senior Recruiters have contacted me about - I have had exactly ZERO further communication since I received the 'We've received your application' auto-reply.

I think Hays has gone the way of those dodgy AI recruitment bots all over LinkedIn/Indeed/et al and don't even understand words in context, so simply pick up on phrases such as "worked on projects at a luxury car company in Crewe" to mean you want a job as a car salesman!

Worst agency to work for! They just use you to get there projects done! They dont care about you as a person or your health.
Set unrealistic expectations!
Don’t pay you correct and make unlawful deductions to your payslips.
Managers have no idea what there doing very demanding and rude especially Sumayya

I got a phone call out of the blue from someone in the Leicester Office, he works on the pharma side. He arranged an interview, I went out of my way to learn about the company, make my way for the interview and I had to take a test that he didn't make me aware of. He then ignored my emails after the interview , never gave me feed back, never even confirmed if I got the job. Couldn't even be bothered to make a 2 sentence email to explain I didn't get the job. Absolutely unprofessional. I just don't know how he got the job, his English wasn't very clear which made it hard to understand what he was saying. Very poor agency

I feel Laura Douglas was helpful booking the holiday but after that it went down hill. Takes ages to reply to a simple email also using the excuse she is missing the team that they need to phone. I feel they are all nice getting you to book the holiday and then they are not interested in your bookings after that as they would rather get other new bookings. After this holiday I will not be using them again

they are one of the worst company's i have worked for
they don't see you as a person just commission because this was only an 8 week contract i was work i was looking for further employment had a interview for a new job and did not phone them the day of the interview they terminated my contract if they could have phoned me it ask the question so be very careful working for them

Just shocking!
Made me feel like a criminal asking personal details and not believing me even though I provided enhanced DBS and police checks from Europe.I am a Teacher with 26 years working experience from 3 different countries,including England.
Stay away from this agency!

***MUCH OVERDUE FEEDBACK, HIGH STANDARD
I had a really positive experience with David from Hays in Basingstoke, and he completely changed my perception of recruitment agencies. Compared to other agencies I've dealt with, he set a much higher standard.
From the start, communication was professional, friendly, straightforward, and consistent. During my period of unemployment, we had a regularly communication, he was checking to see how I was doing, which made me feel genuinely supported rather than just another candidate on a list. He took the time to understand what I was looking for and listened carefully to my expectations.
He also spent time helping me prepare for interviews, offering valuable advice that boosted my confidence. Even when I wasn't successful in securing one of the roles, David provided detailed and constructive feedback, which was far more helpful than the generic responses I'd received elsewhere.
When it came to negotiating a job offer, David was patient, understanding, and professional throughout. He respected my decisions, answered my questions honestly, and never made me feel pressured.
Thank you again, David, for your support, patience, professionalism, and genuine care throughout my job search. It's rare to come across a recruiter who goes the extra mile, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend David from Hays Basingstoke to anyone looking for their next opportunity.

Just like many others, I’d give 0 if I could.. Unbelievably unprofessional service. Applied for a job, had an interview but then I never got a feedback. I tried to call but never reached the recruiter. I sent several email and no answer… Useless..

Just booked a Disneyland Paris with Jacklyn Duncan via phone. Absolutely amazing customer service she talked me through everything and also sent me via email different prices, hotel and information. I want to say thank you for making it so easy to book and I cant wait to see my daughters face when I tell her. Thank you again Jacklyn and will definitely be in touch to book many more.

I have applied for multiple roles through this agency over several years, but every application has been rejected before reaching the interview stage. The rejections do not seem to be automatic, but I have still had no success, which makes me question how effective the agency really is at placing candidates into genuine roles.

Despite having relevant qualifications and experience, I have never been given the opportunity to discuss my suitability with a consultant. The recruitment process has felt impersonal, with no constructive feedback provided. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this agency to professionals looking for a fair and supportive recruitment process. I’ll say it simple - stay far from even thinking to apply !

It is incredible that a global recruitment company of this size refuses to use seamless, digital ID checks. Their rigid, outdated process of in-person checks every contract (which could be every few weeks) is making work inaccessible to small businesses and freelancers. Kier should use a more inclusive and innovative recruitment partner.

I have registered with this recruitment agency and applied for several HR roles advertised through them. I also regularly receive emails about new job opportunities, which encourages me to apply.

However, despite applying for multiple roles that match my qualifications and experience, I have never received any response—not even an acknowledgement, rejection, or update on the status of my applications.

This lack of communication is disappointing and has left me questioning whether the vacancies being advertised are genuinely active and whether applications are actually being reviewed. Candidates invest significant time tailoring applications and submitting their details, so some level of communication or transparency would be appreciated.

I would like to understand what happens to applications after they are submitted and why candidates continue to receive numerous job alerts while receiving no feedback whatsoever on the roles they apply for.

I doubt this company reads or cares. I feel physically ill when relating this- company approached me unsolicited. Arranged interview which went well. Then disputed gaps in CV and reference as it wasn't a work place email ( as many SMEs are not). Then changed the date because they outsource to India- not the most secure identity protection. Then suddenly client had changed their mind, the day before commencement. I cancelled a long booked holiday and associate event to meet the assignment needs. My strong impression is the agent who thought very well of herself impugned me and advised against the contract already signed. I was unable to invoke a SAR as they had deleted my account -how convenient. Avoid at all costs - better ones who care- AWFUL experience

Alex full of rubbish. The job was for refuse loader at Chelmsford city council. Link don't work to do complete online form. Asked to book an appointment to bring paper work and identification with me ummed and ahhhered no need to think. Jobs not going complete useless bunch of people. The job is not recruiting waited far to long to being the documents waste of my time. Fake jobs. Idiots

Excellent customer service as always - extremely professional staff - very courteous - pleasant - helpful - om telephone with Sorja yesterday 29th May & in person at Gordon Street Glasgow with Jay today - managed to get a lovely package deal- I am so pleased! also a mention for Sarah who I dealt with on previous occasions - so pleasant & helpful

Here’s a strong but professional review you could post for an e-filing system like Tyler Technologies eFileTexas or similar court e-filing services:

As someone going through an eviction case where every single day matters, I find the current e-filing payment and rejection process extremely unfair to consumers. If one document is filed incorrectly or rejected for a minor technical issue, the filing fees are still immediately taken from your account, yet the refund can take anywhere from several days to over a week to return. During that time, you are expected to refile and pay AGAIN, even though the first filing never went through.

For people already struggling financially, displaced from their homes, or dealing with urgent legal deadlines, this system creates unnecessary hardship and stress. Courts constantly emphasize deadlines, but the e-filing/payment system itself causes delays that are completely outside the filer’s control.

What’s even more frustrating is the lack of accountability. The court says contact eFile support. eFile says contact your bank. The bank says the processor is holding the funds. Meanwhile the consumer is left without answers and sometimes without enough money to immediately correct and refile documents.

There should be:
• Immediate reversal of rejected filing charges
• A grace period to correct rejected filings without additional payment holds
• Better training and clearer instructions for filers
• Faster refund processing for rejected submissions
• Real accounting support and transparency for disputed transactions

Justice should not depend on whether someone can afford to have hundreds of dollars tied up for 7–10 days because of a formatting or filing error.

Was advised a role I'd applied for the recruiting firm was interested and if I could pop over some possible avaliable times over for interview. 3 weeks have gone by and nothing back. I've asked the recruiter what has happened and for an update and no response. Really poor service, not sure why I deserved to be ghosted if the firm was interested without an explanation.

Wasted a lot of my time got lots of my information as I was filling us to give them everything without checking first