What is ghosting and what effect does it have on recruiting?
Ghosting refers to going silent on someone – typically in a romantic relationship. As more technology enters professional relationships, this term no longer only applies to dating. Now more than ever, recruiters and candidates are guilty of ‘ghosting’ each other. In a tight job market, communication is the key to avoiding this frightening trend.
Unfortunately, ghosting is a growing trend. It can work both ways, by recruiters and job seekers. In recruiting, this can mean not showing up for phone calls, interviews or in-person meetings; leading to a downfall in productivity and successful placements.
All generations can be found guilty of ghosting. Active job seekers tend to be more involved in this practice because unemployment is at its lowest rate in years, resulting in a power shift from employer to candidate. Recruiters and candidates can leave each other hanging in any part of the recruiting process. As the power shifts to the candidates in 2019, more recruiters are getting the cold shoulder than ever before. Ghosting is also a huge problem for firms recruiting workers in very small talent pools with niche skill sets. It can be increasingly difficult to find these candidates for specific roles; making it even more detrimental when they don’t show up for interview or worse – the first day of work.
Why would a candidate ghost a recruiter?
- They became overwhelmed by the amount of interviews that various recruiters have requested
- Had a negative first interview experience
- Were negotiating several offers at once
An unsuccessful placement can have a negative effect on any recruiter’s well-built reputation. Not only that, but an unsuccessful placement can mean loss of revenue as well. Companies usually spend thousands of dollars when looking for the right person – especially on time and advertising the opening across the web.
How to Prevent Ghosting
Use meaningful communication to build relationships with candidates at every stage of the hiring process. Improving the candidate experience with better communication encourages an open dialogue and prevents them from becoming ghosts. Frequent and active communication is the key to keeping passive and active candidates engaged. Be positive, transparent, and honest with your candidates, and they will likely treat you with the same respect.
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