In the world of hiring staff, one mystery reigns supreme: candidate ghosting. Candidates disappear without a trace, leaving Hiring Managers puzzled and frustrated.

Why do people ghost? Here are a few theories:

• Communication Overload: In today’s digital age, candidates are bombarded with messages from various sources. Sometimes, amidst the noise, important messages from recruiters can get lost or overlooked, leading to unintentional ghosting.
• Personal Circumstances: Life can be unpredictable, so candidates may need to put their job search on hold due to family emergencies, health issues, or other personal challenges, leading them to unintentionally ghost recruiters as they deal with other pressing matters.
• Feeling Overwhelmed: The job search process can be overwhelming, especially for candidates who are balancing it with other commitments like work or studies. In some cases, candidates may become overwhelmed by the demands of the recruitment process and decide to step back temporarily, leading to ghosting.
• The Paralysis of Choice: With multiple offers on the table, candidates struggle to make a decision, opting for silence instead.
• The Avoidance Tactic: Confrontation is uncomfortable, so some candidates choose to disappear rather than deliver bad news.

How should you respond?

• The Gentle Reminder: A polite follow-up can sometimes reignite communication with ghosting candidates.
• Seek Feedback: Encourage candidates to provide feedback on their experience of the recruitment process. By actively soliciting input, you demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and signal that their opinions are valued.
• Personalise Interactions: Take the time to personalise your communications with candidates, addressing them by name and tailoring your messages to their specific interests and qualifications. A personalised approach shows that you value them as individuals and encourages reciprocal engagement.
• Empathy Matters: Treat candidates with empathy, recognising that behind every resume is a person with their own set of problems and fears.
• Maintain Regular Communication: Keep candidates engaged throughout the process with regular updates. This demonstrates your commitment to their job search and fosters a sense of connection, making them less likely to ghost.

While candidate ghosting remains a challenge, with patience and empathy, it is possible to navigate this enigma with grace.

Using a trusted and professional recruitment agency who build solid, long term relationships with their candidates will help eliminate the problem.

If you are being ghosted, contact us to see how we can help…