Over a third* of candidates have rejected a job offer following a negative interview experience, citing everything from unnecessarily long processes to unprepared interviewers. But which companies are the biggest culprits and why?

Companies with the hardest interview process

Interestingly, difficult interviews do not correlate with bad experiences. Many of the companies ranking in the top 10 report low negative interview experiences.

Findings showed Google has the highest difficulty score among the 100 best companies to work for in 2025. With a score of 3.5 out of five, it lives up to its reputation for having a tough interview process. Despite this, 63% of candidates left feeling like the interview was positive, with just 13% citing it as negative.

NVIDIA, Rolls-Royce, Salesforce and Meta are also among the hardest companies to interview for, with an average score of 3.2. Due to their competitive hiring practices, attracting top-tier candidates allows them to be selective and enforce a more rigorous interview process. Salesforce and Rolls-Royce candidates both report high levels of positive interview experiences with 80% and 75% happiness, respectively. Unsurprisingly, IT companies dominate the list of hardest companies to interview for.

Companies with the worst interview experiences 

Reboot Online discovered that candidates interviewing at Spotify had the highest percentage of negative experiences among the world’s top 100 employers, with almost two in five (37%) reporting a bad experience. Common complaints include cite recruiter ghosting, generic rejection emails and interviewers arriving late.

Surprisingly, 29% of candidates recall negative interviews at Indeed. Despite being the world’s number one job site, it ranks second overall. With over 1,800 reports on Glassdoor, Indeed is one of the four IT companies to feature in the top 10, suggesting a wider industry issue.

PayPal, Shopify, and Netflix are closely followed, with 28% of candidates reporting negative interview experiences. Despite all three being highly desirable places to work, the fast-paced cultures don’t leave candidates with a good impression, as one in three left unimpressed.

Sectors with the most positive interview experiences

Reboot Online can reveal that Journalists, PR Executives, Copywriters and others in the media and communication sector report the worst interview experiences. More than a quarter (26%) have cited negative interviews among the world’s 100 best companies. The percentage of positive experiences (55%) also falls significantly below the average. Interestingly, the interview difficulty doesn’t stand out as too hard (2.9/5), suggesting it’s how the interview process is delivered that is the issue.

Interestingly, Human Resources interviews rank second worst. 24% of candidates have complained about their negative experience on Glassdoor. Despite working in people and culture, their percentage of positive reports is also below average, beaten by sectors like retail and healthcare. Legal interviews also tie for second with 24% reporting negative interviews. From Solicitors to Legal Secretaries, the sector combines high difficulty (3/5) interviews with low positive reports (58%). 

More than one in five (21%) Marketing Executives, Account Managers, Brand Analysts and others in the marketing industry have experienced negative interviews. While the interview difficulty is moderate (2.9/5), the bad experiences suggest potential red flags in the processes for marketers. Candidates have cited bad communication, feedback quality and lateness as the reasons for their negative interviews. 

Finding a job that resonates with your passions and interests is essential for both personal happiness and professional success. To support those on the journey to discovering their true calling and stay away from those negative experiences, the experts at JobLeads have developed a five-step guide:

• Identify your core strengths and interests

Identifying your core skills and passions is the first step towards a more fulfilling career – what energizes you? Are you using your strengths in your current job? Studies show that people who utilize their strengths daily are three times more likely to report an excellent quality of life, six times more likely to be engaged at work, and 15% less likely to quit their jobs! Think about hobbies that bring you joy, skills you naturally excel at or subjects you can’t stop discussing.

It can also help to seek feedback from close friends and family. What roles do they envision you thriving in? Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or CliftonStrengths can also offer valuable insights into your natural inclinations.

• Assess your values and goals

Think beyond the daily tasks of a job and start pinpointing what you truly value in your career. Is flexibility your top priority, or is climbing the corporate ladder more important? Picture your ideal job: would you thrive in a high-stakes role with a hefty paycheck, or would you find more satisfaction in a stable position with a predictable routine and modest salary?

To get a clearer picture, compile a list of careers that have piqued your interest and compare them with your past job experiences. Reflect on what you enjoyed most about each role, and how the skills you’ve gained can transfer to new opportunities. This will not only help you get more clarity on your priorities, but also guide you towards a career that truly resonates with your values and aspirations.

• Expand your horizons and close the skill gap

Don’t limit yourself to familiar fields – venture into industries and roles that spark your curiosity. If you’re interested in tech but uncertain about which path to take, try attending tech meetups or exploring online forums dedicated to cybersecurity, data analysis, or software development which can provide valuable insights and guide your decision-making.

Nearly a third of workers lack confidence when switching sectors, with 32% unsure how their skills apply elsewhere. But don’t fret, transferable skills like communication and problem-solving are valued universally. Identify the skills required for your target roles and address any gaps. Upskilling not only boosts your competitive edge but also shows employers your commitment. You can also get hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work, giving you a taste of the job before diving in fully. 

• Build bridges, not just contacts

Securing your dream job isn’t only about what you know – it’s about who you know. Focus on forging authentic, meaningful relationships. Why? Because around 70% of job openings are never advertised, and up to 80% are filled through personal and professional networks.

Attend industry-specific conferences and workshops where you can engage with peers and professionals. Don’t just blend in – join conversations, offer insights, and make a lasting impression. Leverage LinkedIn to showcase your expertise by posting about your projects and commenting on industry trends – the more you engage, the more visible you become to potential employers. 

• Set SMART goals and take action

Transform your career aspirations into reality by setting SMART goals（Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound). Break down your journey into manageable steps with clear short-term goals, and create an action plan to guide you. For instance, if you’re transitioning into a new field, aim to earn relevant certifications within the next six months.

Once you’ve set your goals, dive into action. Apply for jobs, network extensively, and gather relevant experience. Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your strategy as needed to ensure you stay on track and motivated.

digital PR agency Reboot Online analysed the 100 best employers’ Glassdoor profiles and more than 300,000 reviews to reveal those with the highest percentage of negative and positive experiences, alongside their difficulty rating.