Ghosting: An Increasing Phenomenon In Recruiting

Greg Ashmore • October 10, 2022

We are at a time in history where communication is in its simplest forms, yet we fail to do it properly.

Ghosting is an increasing phenomenon within our society, both in our professional and personal lives. When I first entered the recruiting industry it seemed common among a younger crowd targeting entry-level roles, but mostly limited and something that I chalked up to inexperience. Fast forward to 2022 and it seems to be an issue so widespread that the behavior has become expected, and to some extent even accepted at any experience level, profession, and demographic.

And even though it mostly gets discussed about candidates within the industry, companies are just as bad at ghosting candidates after interviews. Even business to business ghosting has become just as frequent.

I'm not here to point fingers, I've been just as guilty as anyone at times. I bring this up more so to ask if this is correctable behavior, or do we need to accept and adapt to increased ghosting?

A recent Forbes article suggests that 76% of companies said they were ghosted by candidates within the last year. Meanwhile, 77% of candidates surveyed say that they have been ghosted within the same timeframe.

Those numbers are absolutely insane, but also quite interesting to me, as it isn't a one-way problem, but shows a mutual disconnect within our hiring processes. So what can we do about it?

1) Treat people as people

It seems simple, but we forget about the human element every day. A simple email to let the other party know that things have changed can go a long way.

2) Have actual conversations

Many within the recruiting industry, especially in recent years have valued quantity over quality. I would encourage all recruiters and hiring managers to take a little extra time and have actual conversations with candidates to understand their background, motivators, and timelines. It's amazing how much more transparent candidates will be when it feels more like a conversation than a test they need to pass.

3) Set realistic timeframes

This can be tough as there are so many moving parts, but frequent and honest communication is key.

4) Try your best to act with humility

People twice as busy as you and I find time to communicate with companies or candidates all the time. Even if it is not a full conversation an email or text message that puts the needs of others over our own desires goes a long way.

5) Move quick

One of the top reasons candidates ghost employers is because of a slow moving interview process. With so many jobs available right now more often than not candidates will have been contacted by multiple other companies within just days of starting your interview process.

We are at a time in history where communication is in its simplest forms, yet we fail to do it properly, all of us to some extent.

Do you see a path for us to get back to a time when the ghosting phenomenon isn't quite so normalized?

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5 Signs You May Need a Recruitment Partner

By Grant Covault • March 7, 2023

In today's highly competitive job market, finding and retaining the right talent for your business is more critical than ever. In fact, according to a recent release from Monster.com, 96% of workers will be seeking some type of new position in 2023 . However, the hiring process can be challenging, and many businesses struggle to find the right candidate for the job. That's where recruitment partners come in. A recruitment partner can help you find the right talent and streamline the hiring process. In this blog, we'll discuss 5 signs that indicate you may need a third-party to help you with your hiring needs. 1. Inability to Attract Qualified Candidates If you're struggling to attract qualified candidates for your job openings, it may be time to consider partnering with a recruitment firm. A good firm can assist you in identifying the root cause of the issues and collaborate with you to create an effective hiring strategy. With their extensive network of both active and passive job seekers, they can help you find the ideal candidate for your organization. 2. Time Constraints and Limited Resources Another sign that you may need to seek out help is when you feel pressed for bandwidth, and you are unable to dedicate the necessary time to the hiring process. A recruitment partner can handle the hiring process for you, from posting job openings to screening candidates and conducting interviews. This frees up your time to focus on other aspects of your business. 3. High Turnover Rates Nothing is more frustrating than making a hire only to lose that persona a short time later. Additionally, high employee turnover can be costly and affect productivity and morale. By bringing on a consultant, they can help you objectively identify why employees are leaving and find ways to improve retention. They can also help you create job descriptions that accurately reflect the role and company culture, ensuring that you attract candidates who are a good fit for your organization. 4. Lack of Industry Knowledge If you're not familiar with the job market in your industry, it can be challenging to find the right candidates for your organization. A recruitment partner has industry knowledge and can provide insights into the job market and salary trends. They can help you create competitive offers that attract top talent and ensure that you find the right candidate for the job. 5. Employer Brand Reputation Your employer brand reputation is essential to attracting top talent. If your business has a poor reputation, it can be challenging to attract the right candidates. Having the right consultant can help you improve your employer brand by providing insights into what candidates are looking for in a job and what makes a company attractive to potential employees. They can also help you create a positive candidate experience, ensuring that even candidates who don't get the job leave with a positive impression of your organization. In conclusion, hiring the right talent for your business can be challenging to do by yourself. However, with the help of the right recruitment partner, you can streamline the hiring process and find the best candidate for the job. If you're experiencing any of the signs outlined in this blog, reach out to us today for a free consultation to see if we are the right fit to help your team.