Which scenario illustrates spillover effects in recruitment?

• A. A company improves salary budget for all employees
• B. A new software tool is adopted without training
• C. A hiring decision is made with no feedback
• D. A candidate leaves with a negative perception and discourages others from applying

Answer: (D)

Spillover effects in recruitment happen when the impact of a single event spreads beyond the immediate situation and alters the behavior of others in the talent market. In this scenario, one candidate leaves with a negative impression and people hear about that experience, which discourages others from applying. That change isn’t limited to one person—it radiates through word-of-mouth and public perception, lowering the attractiveness of the company to potential applicants and shrinking the applicant pool.

The other options describe internal or isolated issues that don’t propagate to external applicants in the same way. Increasing the salary budget for current employees is an internal improvement with no direct, spreading effect on how outside candidates view the company. Rolling out a software tool without training can hinder internal efficiency but doesn’t send a message to future applicants about the hiring process. Making a hiring decision without feedback reflects a process flaw for the organization, not a ripple effect that changes others’ willingness to apply.