HR Unboxed S03E01 | Recruitment Nightmares: Ghosting, Bad References & HR Horror Stories

HR Unboxed

Monday, 21 September 2026 - 34 minutes

Recruitment can be a minefield – from candidates ghosting employers and failing to turn up for interviews, to the tricky world of references.

In this episode of HR Unbox with Natalie and Faye, we look at the reality of recruitment, why ghosting has become such a frustration for employers, and the impact missed interviews can have on small businesses.

We also take a deep dive into references – what employers are legally required to provide, why “less is more” can be the safest approach, and the potential risks of giving opinions or information that cannot be backed up with evidence.

Plus, we hear some truly bizarre reference stories, including coded warnings, shredded reference requests and one particularly memorable piece of “artwork”!

A funny and practical conversation packed with HR advice, real-world experiences and plenty of unexpected recruitment nightmares.

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