Ghosting - Not just for Halloween

In today’s market so many candidates are looking for positions, either new or replacement.? With so much great talent on the market job seekers aren’t waiting to go through a lengthy process of recruiting, interviewing, and even verbal offers, only to be ghosted in the end.? Nothing, no response, no call, no email…NOTHING!

So, what has led to so many recruiters and hiring managers having a sense of entitlement that common courtesy has been thrown out the window?

A personal experience

When I launched Technology Search Group and TSG Executive Search I had just gone through a mutual separation with a company, and I was on the market for a new role.? I had 25+ years of recruiting and talent acquisition experience, I had led global teams that recruited in more than 30 countries, and I had a strong network to draw upon to help me land my next role.? Fast forward 12 months, and this is what I learned:

• Having 25+ years of experience didn’t quite matter when applying for jobs.
• Submitting 317 applications and getting 3 interviews is a reality
• 3 interviews that went nowhere with no reason for rejection
• Of the 314 applications that were not interviews, only 14 provided a rejection email?

So why all the ghosting?? I could say that recruiters are so busy that they just do not have the time to respond to everyone, but with today’s ATS systems, a template rejection letter is just a click away.?

Could it be that the positions are not real, and the company is not really hiring but just doing some “market research”?? Again, a rejection email is just a click away, but these types of postings are unethical and provide insight into the type of company that would participate in that type of practice.

When I began recruiting in 1995, I joined a small staffing agency that had one “golden” rule, all candidates, either positive or negative, get a response to every application.? Those candidates that interviewed received a personal call sharing feedback and the reasons for not moving forward.? So, what has changed?

The Human Element of the Job Search

Finding a job is a deeply personal and often emotional experience. It requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources, and for many, it represents a crucial step towards financial security and personal fulfillment. When candidates put themselves out there, only to receive radio silence from potential employers, it can be demoralizing and disheartening. This lack of consideration can lead to feelings of disrespect, eroding the trust between candidates and employers.

Impact on Candidate Well-being

Ghosting candidates can have several repercussions on their mental and emotional well-being. The uncertainty surrounding their application status can cause stress, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. This, in turn, can lead to a negative perception of the company involved, and even result in potential employees warning others about their experiences. Such negative word-of-mouth can harm a company's reputation and hinder its ability to attract top talent in the future.

Professionalism and Respect

Maintaining a professional and respectful approach throughout the hiring process is fundamental to a company's reputation and integrity. Ghosting candidates contradicts these principles, potentially tarnishing the organization's image in the eyes of the public and potential clients. Additionally, the candidate may have invested time in research, preparation, and even travel expenses for an interview, only to be left without closure.

Long-Term Consequences for Employers

Failure to communicate effectively with candidates can have long-lasting consequences for employers. In an age where information is readily accessible and shared through various platforms, a company's reputation can be significantly affected by negative reviews or comments about its hiring process. This, in turn, can deter potential candidates from applying in the future and even discourage current employees from recommending the company to their professional network.

Creating a Positive Candidate Experience

To mitigate the negative effects of ghosting, employers should strive to create a positive candidate experience. This includes timely communication, providing feedback when possible, and showing genuine appreciation for candidates' time and effort. By demonstrating respect and consideration throughout the process, employers can leave candidates with a positive impression of their organization, even if they are not ultimately selected.

Ghosting candidates in the job market is an issue that has far-reaching consequences for both individuals and organizations. Failing to provide timely communication and feedback can have a detrimental impact on candidates' well-being, as well as tarnish a company's reputation and hinder its ability to attract top talent. It is imperative for employers to recognize the importance of treating candidates with respect and professionalism throughout the hiring process, ultimately contributing to a more positive and inclusive job market for all parties involved.