If You're Ghosting in the Hiring Process, You're Unorganized, Insensitive, or Both

In recent years, ghosting has grown rapidly as a disconcerting trend in the professional realm, resembling the eerie silence of a deserted haunted house. This term, originally coined in the context of dating, now describes an increasingly common practice in the job market where communication abruptly ceases, leaving one party hanging without any explanation. Whether it's recruiters not returning the calls of hopeful candidates, or job seekers vanishing after promising interviews, ghosting is a clear sign of disorganization and insensitivity. It's time to address this phenomenon head-on, shed light on its implications, and suggest actionable solutions.

The Alarming Statistics Behind Professional Ghosting

The phenomenon of ghosting in the professional sphere has become so prevalent that it's now the subject of numerous studies. A 2021 Indeed survey highlighted that 77% of job seekers had been ghosted by a potential employer post-interview, with a shocking 10% left in the dark even after receiving verbal job offers. From the employers' side, a staggering 76% acknowledged that their rate of ghosting candidates had increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

There are many reasons behind this rise. The shift towards more remote interactions and digital communication can depersonalize the hiring process, making it seemingly easier to neglect the courtesies of follow-up. Meanwhile, unpredictable job market fluctuations often lead companies to alter their hiring plans abruptly—yet, this doesn't excuse the lack of communication with candidates who invest time and effort in pursuing these opportunities.

The Impact of Ghosting

Ghosting is not just a minor infraction; it is profoundly disrespectful and can severely damage professional relationships and reputations. For candidates, it can lead to significant emotional distress and frustration, affecting their confidence and coloring their view of the company negatively. On the flip side, candidates who ghost employers can leave teams in a bind, particularly if they do so after verbally accepting a job offer.

Exorcising the Ghosts

It's crucial for both recruiters and candidates to recognize that ghosting is more than an inconvenient byproduct of modern job searching—it is a serious breach of professional conduct. If you're ghosting someone, you're taking shortcuts, hiding from uncomfortable conversations, or just being rude. Here are straightforward, no-nonsense strategies to address and reduce ghosting in professional settings:

For Recruiters:

1. Prioritize Communication: Set automated reminders if necessary to follow up with every candidate. Silence should never be an option.
2. Be Transparent: Clearly communicate the stages of the hiring process with all candidates and provide honest updates, even if it’s to say there’s no update.
3. Professional Closure: Always close the loop. A brief, respectful notification about a candidate's status preserves the company's reputation and respects the candidate’s effort.

For Job Seekers:

1. Professional Courtesy: If your job search situation changes, inform all relevant parties promptly. A simple message can prevent misunderstanding and maintain your professional integrity.
2. Follow-Up Proactively: Don’t assume you’ve been ghosted after a silent week; a polite inquiry can elicit the closure you need.
3. Do Unto Others as You would Have Them Do Unto You: No matter how many times you think you've been ghosted, always be the one in the hiring process that's professional and treats everyone with respect. After all, your character is a critical deciding factor for most employers.

Ghosting, in any form and from either side of the hiring desk, signals a lack of organization, respect, or both. As professionals, striving for transparency, clear communication, and respect is crucial in ensuring that the norms of professional behavior evolve in step with changes in how we work. It’s time for the business world to exorcize the specter of ghosting and bring back a spirit of commitment and professionalism to the hiring process.