Candidate ghosting refers to the candidates who cease all communication with an employer during the hiring process. Instead of sharing why they may no longer be interested in a role, they simply disappear without any explanation or reasoning. Ghosting has become a common problem among employers, some of whom have reported up to 90% of their applicants going silent. Ref: Careerplug
As a candidate, if you have done this before, you should understand the negative impact of this action. It is not a good impression when you accept an invitation to attend a job interview, whether online or face-to-face, and decide not to show up at the last minute.
For Recruiters to experience something like this is frustrating after spending all the time reviewing the resumes, up until choosing the suitable candidates, and suddenly deciding to disappear.
Can this be avoided? As a candidate, you may choose to proceed or stop your application for a job politely. Being honest is the key here. Just send an email explaining why you no longer wish to proceed with your application and thank the company for allowing you to hear your story.
It may be evident that this is happening. Here are some reasons why candidates do this:
- They have accepted another job offer.
- They are no longer interested in the position.
- They are unhappy with the salary or benefits offered.
- They have had a negative experience with the recruiter or hiring manager.
- They are simply afraid of confrontation.
As for the recruiters, here are some tips on how to prevent candidate ghosting:
- Be clear and transparent about the hiring process. Let candidates know what to expect at every stage of the process, and be sure to keep them updated on their status.
- Be responsive to candidates’ inquiries. If a candidate has a question or concern, respond promptly.
- Offer a positive candidate experience. Ensure that candidates have a positive experience throughout the hiring process, from the initial application to the final interview.
Take care of your image. Whether you are a candidate or a company, it is essential to understand and address this situation adequately.
Always remember to be professional at all times, as a candidate or as an employer.
At Virtual Elves, we treat our candidates with respect and care and make sure that we communicate to the best we can.
