(Opinion Article)

More than 20% of job candidates in Ukraine never receive any feedback after a job interview, and almost one in four face ageism. Sad, isn’t it? These findings from the GRC 2024 study highlight a disturbing reality: job interview etiquette in Ukrainian business companies needs to change ASAP.

An interview is not just a formal conversation with a potential employer — it is an important moment when a candidate needs to reveal their best qualities, skills and motivation. And to make this process less stressful, both sides should follow the rules of business etiquette. They vary in different countries and regions, but in this article I will focus on Ukraine. The business world here has modified over the past decade, but there are still various challenges related to discrimination and unprofessional communication, especially from employers.

Typically, Ukrainian job interview etiquette values ​​punctuality, although small delays of 5-10 minutes are often normalised. Candidates are usually expected to have a professional appearance, clear communication, and awareness. Candidates are also supposed to maintain eye contact, speak concisely, and show genuine interest in the company. At the same time, expectations by the employer are rarely or never discussed, and this is a real problem because respect and professionalism should be two-sided in the job interview.

Unfortunately, many Ukrainian companies still have outdated views and prejudiced assumptions when hiring. For example, ageism is at its peak: according to a study by Work.ua in June 2024, 67% of women and 69% of men over 50 say they face age discrimination when looking for a job. At the same time, from my own observations, I can say that it works vice versa too — nowadays you can find many vacancies where the employers are looking for young people, e.g., students, but at the same time require 3+ years of experience and the skills of senior specialists. And it turns out that neither older nor younger people truly fit these unrealistic expectations.

The second most common discrimination after ageism is discrimination against people with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Such people find it extremely difficult to find a stable job. According to the 2024 OLX job survey, only 48% of IDPs have permanent jobs, while the percentage of employed people with disabilities is even lower. Most employers are not interested in providing inclusive workplaces, and this is a huge issue; many companies do not even have a basic ramp on the building.

Discrimination is also related to gender and marital status. The gender pay gap in Ukraine is real and remains significant: women on average earn about a third less than men. Unfortunately, personal questions about marital status, children, or even appearance, especially for women, are also still a thing during job interviews in Ukrainian companies, although they’re prohibited by law. In addition, this survey also reveals the general situation: every second Ukrainian has faced discrimination in some way during the job interview and further process of employment.

As we can see, the situation with job interview etiquette in Ukraine is slightly controversial and needs to be changed. To create a healthier hiring culture, Ukrainian companies need to take proactive steps. This includes carrying out unbiased and inclusive job interview trainings, using standard estimation criteria, and guaranteeing transparent communication with all candidates,  including those who are not selected. Employers should focus on the skills and potential of candidates, not on irrelevant personal factors. Professionalism should not be one-sided and demanded only from employees.

In summary, the business culture in Ukraine is evolving, but real progress requires more than updated job ads or modern office space. We need to change our mentality — people need to develop empathy, respect for each other, and a desire for fairness. Only by overcoming discrimination habits and breaking the stereotypes can we build a business etiquette that reflects the future we want, not the past we are trying to leave behind.