More candidates asking sustainability questions during interview process

Over half of UK candidates are showing an interest in their future employer’s sustainability practices, finds a new report.

As many as 62% of employers say they’ve noticed an increase in sustainability questions from applicants during the interview process.

According to the Totaljobs Hiring Trends Index, transparency is proving to be more important than ever for employers attracting workers, with ‘greenwashing’ starting to really deter jobseekers.

Greenwashing is when a company makes false claims about their environmental practices or benefits.

For example, the majority (73%) of workers said they wouldn’t apply for a job in a company that tried to look more environmentally friendly than they were and another 50% said they were incredibly cynical when it came to firm’s sustainability efforts.

Commenting on these findings, Julius Probst, Labour Market Economist at Totaljobs (part of The Stepstone Group), said, “Despite a loosening labour market, the biggest challenge recruiters face is finding candidates with the right skills.

“The future of the labour market continues to be a big conversation topic and a lack of green skills and awareness around sustainability could pose a risk to the transition to a green economy.

“While it’s positive to see candidates increasingly asking about green business initiatives during the recruitment process, businesses must be conscious of the barriers to green jobs and how this can widen diversity gaps within their organisation. Employers must work to educate and break down these barriers – ensuring equitable access to opportunity and to ready talent for the UK’s green transition.”

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