Most hospitality job hunters have quit an application halfway. Here's what puts them off

If you help with hiring, from walk-ins to trial shifts, this one is for you. A new report from workforce management platform Sona and hospitality insights firm KAM, called Always on Recruitment, asked hospitality and retail candidates what happens when they apply for jobs.

Why people give up - 84% have abandoned a job application because of the process - 46% blamed long application forms - 39% gave up waiting for a reply - 37% pointed to a lack of communication along the way - 26% left because pay, hours or other key details weren't clear

What candidates want - 9 in 10 want shift patterns shown upfront - 89% expect a clear timeline for hiring before they apply - 44% are most likely to apply in the evening or late at night, not office hours - 87% are fine with automatic updates and reminders, but 62% want a real person when it comes to pay, shifts and contract terms

Paul Watson of Sona said many employers "may be losing good people before they even reach the interview stage".

On your shift: if a candidate comes in or messages, get back to them the same day if you can, and tell them what happens next and when. Know the shift pattern and pay before you talk to them, because that's what they'll ask. After a trial shift, always follow up.