The Job Hunt: Tricks and (Rare) Treats in Today’s Hiring World

In the spirit of Halloween, let’s talk about the “tricks” and (occasional) “treats” that job seekers experience in today’s hiring process. Searching for a job often feels like navigating a haunted house—filled with unexpected obstacles, dead ends, and the frequent specter of silence. Despite carefully crafted applications, personal follow-ups, and the courage to reach out directly, candidates are often “tricked” with ghosting and a lack of respect. And while a few “treats” come in the form of kind responses or positive interactions, they’re all too rare.

This article explores these tricks and treats, highlighting how a more respectful approach could transform the process for everyone involved.

Trick #1: The Ghosting Phenomenon

A classic horror story for job seekers: the ghosting phenomenon. You apply for a role, maybe even get to the first interview, only to be met with complete silence. No feedback, no response, just the eerie echo of your own efforts. This trick not only leaves candidates in the dark but chips away at their confidence and trust in the hiring process.

Treat #1: Acknowledgment and Closure

On the rare occasion when a recruiter takes the time to provide feedback or a polite rejection, it’s like receiving a treat in an otherwise haunted hiring landscape. An automated email, a quick LinkedIn message, or any form of acknowledgment goes a long way. Simple gestures like these create a positive impression and make the journey feel a little less ghostly.

Trick #2: The Unanswered InMail

For many of us, the job hunt isn’t just about applying through official channels—it’s about proactively reaching out on LinkedIn. Yet these carefully crafted InMails are often left unread or unanswered. Taking five minutes to send a reply, even if it’s a polite “No, thank you,” could be the difference between feeling dismissed and feeling respected.

Treat #2: A Quick and Kind Reply

Responding to a LinkedIn message may seem minor, but it’s a significant treat for those of us reaching out. A response, even if brief, respects the time and effort that goes into each message. For a job seeker, that quick acknowledgment can mean the world, offering clarity and closure in an otherwise uncertain process.

Trick #3: Disregard for Basic Respect

One of the greatest tricks in today’s hiring process is the lack of basic respect shown to applicants. Each application represents not just a resume but a person, someone genuinely interested in contributing to the company. When companies fail to respond, it’s more than a missed opportunity—it’s a disregard for the human side of the hiring process.

Treat #3: Empathy and Professional Courtesy

Imagine a hiring process where candidates are met with empathy and professionalism, where every message, application, and interview is treated with basic human courtesy. It’s the kind of treat that leaves a lasting positive impression, even if the outcome isn’t what the candidate hoped for. This is a simple but powerful way for companies to show respect and strengthen their brand.

A Halloween Message to Hiring Managers and Recruiters

Today, the tricks and treats of the hiring world may feel like an eerie game for job seekers. But remember: the roles may reverse one day. Recruiters, hiring managers, and others may find themselves on the other side, hoping for acknowledgment and a little respect. By treating every candidate with courtesy, we create a culture of respect that benefits everyone.

Moving from Tricks to Treats

Let’s work toward a job market where ghosting is a thing of the past, where empathy replaces silence, and where even the smallest acknowledgment becomes a welcomed treat. Searching for a new role is challenging, but with a few thoughtful changes, the hiring process can become a positive experience for both sides. This Halloween, let’s embrace a spirit of kindness, connection, and respect.

May your Halloween be filled with more treats than tricks—and may all the ghosts stay in the haunted houses, not the hiring process! Happy Halloween, everyone!"