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  Employer Ghosting: Vanishing Acts by Employers

  Apr 19, 2024

  In the fast-paced world of recruitment, the phenomenon of employer ghosting has become an unfortunate reality for many job seekers. Whether due to the overwhelming volume of applicants, shifting hiring needs, or a desire to avoid confrontation, candidates often find themselves left in limbo, eagerly awaiting a response that may never come.

  It's important to understand that ghosting is a two-way street. During the recruiting process, employers may sometimes subconsciously fall into the trap of being silent and unresponsive. The following are some of the various reasons behind employer ghosting.

  High Volume of Applicants: The vast majority of applications and queries for open positions is one of the main causes of employer ghosting. Employers sometimes find themselves overwhelmed with resumes and cover letters in today's competitive job market, particularly for popular professions or in areas experiencing high demand. It can be difficult to sort through this flood of applications, which might cause responses to be delayed or, in certain situations, not at all.

  Changing Hiring Needs: Organizational goals that change over time may lead to employers engaging in ghosting. When a post is first advertised, it may sound important and urgent, however, due to internal re-organisation, strategy changes, or financial limitations, it may suddenly become smaller in scope. Consequently, recruiters and hiring managers may hesitate to communicate these changes directly, leading to prolonged periods of silence for candidates.

  Avoidance of Confrontation: Employers may find it difficult to provide thorough feedback or send rejection letters after the interview stage. The fear of legal risks or the desire to avoid awkward situations often builds during this pivotal phase of the recruiting process. As a result, some employers choose the silent treatment, leaving candidates hanging in suspense after they've invested time and effort into the interview process. This post-interview ghosting phenomenon can be frustrating for job seekers who eagerly await closure and feedback, checking their inboxes for any sign of communication that might provide clarity on their candidacy and next steps.

  Communication Challenges: The speed and informality of modern communication methods can also play a significant role in employer ghosting. Quick emails, text messages, or LinkedIn messages can be easily overlooked or forgotten in the fast-paced world of recruiting, resulting in accidental communication failures. In today's digital environment, when alerts drown us constantly and where multitasking is the norm, essential communications about candidate follow-ups might easily pass by. This phenomenon emphasizes the importance it is for recruitment teams to have trustworthy and transparent communication channels.

  It's important to note that while these reasons shed light on why employers might ghost during recruitment, they do not justify the practice. Ghosting can be frustrating and can damage an employer's reputation. Maintaining professionalism and respect throughout the hiring process is crucial for both employers and candidates.

  In our next article we will explore 'Why Candidates and Employers Should Avoid Ghosting'. Stay tuned for actionable tips.

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