What is Candidate Ghosting?
Candidate ghosting is a phenomenon in the recruitment process where a job applicant, who has previously engaged with a potential employer, suddenly stops responding to communication without any explanation. This can happen at any stage of the hiring process, from initial contact to after receiving a job offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do candidates ghost employers?
Multiple offers
They may receive multiple job offers simultaneously and choose to pursue one while ignoring others.
Lack of interest
If they lose interest in the position or the company, they might choose to stop responding rather than delivering a formal rejection.
Competing priorities
Personal or professional circumstances can change, leading candidates to prioritize other opportunities or commitments.
Fear of confrontation
Some candidates may find it uncomfortable to decline a job offer or inform an employer that they've accepted another position.
Poor candidate experience
If they had a negative experience during the interview process, they might ghost to avoid uncomfortable conversations.
Lack of clarity
If the job details or expectations weren't communicated clearly, candidates may ghost because they're unsure about the role.
Better offer
Candidates might suddenly receive a more attractive job offer elsewhere, making them change their career plans and not respond to previous opportunities.
Lack of transparency
If they feel the employer isn't transparent about the company culture, job security, or compensation, candidates may choose to disengage.
How to handle candidate ghosting
Follow-up
Send polite follow-up messages to inquire about the candidate's status or interest. Sometimes, candidates may have legitimate reasons for not responding promptly.
Be patient
Give candidates a reasonable amount of time to respond, as they might have personal or professional issues that are causing delays.
Maintain a talent pipeline
Continue to engage with a pool of potential candidates to reduce the impact of ghosting. This way, you'll have backup options when one candidate goes silent.
Improve communication
Ensure that your communication with candidates is clear, informative, and respectful to reduce the likelihood of ghosting.
Move on
If a candidate consistently fails to respond or engage, it's best to move forward with other candidates to avoid unnecessary delays in your hiring process.
How to prevent candidate ghosting
Consistent follow-up
Regularly update candidates on their application status. Even if there's no new information, a brief message indicating that their application is under review can go a long way in keeping them engaged.
Streamlined process
Avoid unnecessary rounds of interviews or excessive paperwork. An efficient process minimizes the chances of candidates losing interest.
Personalization
Address candidates by name, reference specific details from their application, and show genuine interest in their fit for the role.
Respect their time
Offer flexibility in scheduling interviews, especially for employed candidates. Showing consideration for their current commitments can prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. You can make use of robotic video interview platforms to avoid the hassle of scheduling and rescheduling interviews.
Candidate experience enhancement
Continuously improve the candidate experience. Seek feedback from candidates and make adjustments to address any pain points in your process.
Employee referrals
Encourage employee referrals. Candidates referred by current employees often have a stronger connection to the company and are less likely to ghost.
Technology utilization
Use applicant tracking systems and communication tools to automate reminders and keep candidates engaged at each stage of the process.
Exit surveys
Implement exit surveys for candidates who choose not to proceed with your company. This can provide valuable insights into why they opted out and how you can enhance your process.
Maintain a warm pipeline
Keep promising candidates warm even if they're not selected for a specific role. They might be perfect for future opportunities, and maintaining contact prevents them from slipping away.
Professionalism and respect
Ensure all interactions are professional and respectful. Candidates who have a positive experience, even if they're not selected, are less likely to ghost in the future.
