Ghosted by HR: Why Candidates Deserve Better Communication!
In today’s competitive job market, communication is more important than ever. Unfortunately, too many candidates face a frustrating phenomenon known as "ghosting"—when a recruiter or HR professional suddenly stops responding without explanation. Several recent studies show that about 75% of job seekers claim to have been ghosted by a company after an initial interview or screening process. This not only damages the candidate experience but also hurts the employer's brand reputation. Let's explore some numbers to understand why ghosting candidates should be a thing of the past.
The Rise of Ghosting in Recruitment
Ghosting isn't just happening in the dating world; it's increasingly occurring during the hiring process. According to a study by CareerBuilder, more than 60% of candidates said they never heard back from an employer after interviewing with the company. Often, candidates may perform well and interview successfully, only to hear nothing, leaving them wondering what they did wrong.
The Impact on Employer Branding
Companies that ghost candidates may be doing significant harm to their reputation. In fact, Glassdoor reports that over 80% of job seekers say a negative interview experience can make them reconsider accepting a job offer. Additionally, 72% of those who have had a bad experience are likely to share it on review websites or with others, potentially discouraging top talent from applying to that company in the future.
Why Communication Matters to Job Seekers
Effective communication is a key component of the hiring process. A survey by LinkedIn revealed that 94% of candidates want feedback if they are rejected after an interview. However, the majority of companies still fail to provide closure or constructive feedback. This lack of communication can leave job seekers feeling undervalued and disrespected, which might create a lasting negative impression of the company.
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The Cost of Poor Candidate Experience
The financial cost of ghosting candidates can be substantial. According to Talent Board's Candidate Experience Research, 26% of candidates who report a negative experience say it influences their purchasing decisions, meaning they might choose not to buy products or services from that company. This not only affects the brand's image but also leads to potential revenue loss.
What HR Professionals Can Do to Improve Communication
HR professionals can prevent ghosting by establishing a regular and transparent communication process. Here are some practical steps to follow:
Companies that prioritize communication and engagement throughout the hiring process tend to see substantial benefits. Research indicates that organizations that create a positive candidate experience see a 50% increase in the quality of hire and a 34% increase in employee retention rates. A respectful and informative recruitment process not only attracts top talent but also leads to a stronger, more engaged workforce.
Turning Ghosting into a Thing of the Past
Ghosting during recruitment is more than just a missed opportunity for communication—it’s a lost opportunity to build trust and respect with potential hires. With nearly three-quarters of candidates reporting being ghosted at some point in their job search, now is the time for HR professionals to take action and make candidate engagement a top priority. Clear communication, timely follow-ups, and constructive feedback can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience, even for those who don’t get the job.