Why do some hiring employers ghost job candidates?
In today’s fast-paced job market, the term “ghosting” has transcended its origins in dating culture to become a prevalent issue in the professional realm. While most commonly associated with individuals suddenly cutting off communication in personal relationships, ghosting after attending a job interview is a frustrating reality for many job seekers.
The story tends to go that you have spent hours perfecting your CV, perhaps even crafting a cover letter specific to that particular role and preparing for the interview, deciding on which scenarios you’ll draw upon and how to answer common questions that arise. You then leave the meeting feeling confident, only to be met with… silence in the days and weeks that follow. No callback, no email, just radio silence. This phenomenon, known as candidate ghosting, can leave candidates feeling bewildered, frustrated, and even questioning their worth in the job market.
After hearing a few snippets in the news it got me thinking… So, I recently held a poll on LinkedIn asking my connections if they have ever been ghosted by a potential employer after an interview. A whopping 77% said “Yes” and I have to say I was genuinely shocked.
I then held another poll asking if my connections had ever or would ever not turn up for a job interview… The results? 96% said “No”.
So, why does ghosting happen after attending an interview?
Having extensive experience in the recruitment sector, I know that there are often several factors at play:
Volume of Applicants:
In today’s competitive job market, employers often receive a high volume of applications for a single position. This can make it challenging for hiring managers to provide timely feedback to every candidate, leading to some slipping through the cracks.
Internal Delays:
Sometimes, internal processes can cause delays in communication. Decision-making may be stalled due to conflicting schedules, additional interviews, or changes in priorities, leaving candidates in limbo.
Company Culture:
Unfortunately, some companies have adopted a culture where ghosting candidates is considered acceptable or even the norm. Although, I must stress this isn’t an issue with the law firms I work with. This lack of communication reflects poorly on the organisation’s professionalism and can damage it’s employer brand in the long term.
Unclear Expectations:
Candidates may also experience ghosting when there are unclear expectations regarding the hiring timeline or next steps in the process. Without clear communication from the employer, candidates are left in the dark about where they stand.
So, how do you deal with being ghosted after attending an interview?
Here are some tips:
Follow Up Professionally:
If it’s been a week or two since your interview and you haven’t heard anything, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up with a polite email. Reiterating your interest in the position and asking for an update on the hiring process will also show keenness in the firm.
Manage Expectations:
While it’s natural to feel anxious after an interview, try not to read too much into the silence. Remember that hiring processes can be complex and time-consuming, and delays are often not a reflection of your qualifications or performance at the interview.
Keep Applying:
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Continue applying to other positions and exploring new opportunities. Keeping your options open will prevent you from becoming too fixated on one particular job prospect.
Seek Feedback:
If you do receive a response from the employer, whether positive or negative, it’s always worth requesting feedback on your interview performance. Constructive criticism can help you improve for future interviews.
Evaluate the Organisation:
If you ultimately receive an offer from a company that ghosted you during the interview process, consider whether this company is right for you. Was their behaviour a one off, or is it indicative of a larger issue with their organisational culture? Trust your instincts and consider whether this is a company you want to work for. Particularly if they haven’t explained the reason for the delay, or it doesn’t sound feasible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while being ghosted after attending an interview can be disheartening, importantly remember that it’s not a reflection of your worth as a candidate. Job seekers can maintain their confidence and resilience throughout the job search process, by understanding factors that contribute to ghosting. Also, taking proactive steps to cope with the situation will help massively.
What’s more, when you work with a specialist Recruitment Consultant who has a thorough understanding of the job market and an established relationship with the hiring organisation to seek feedback on your behalf. Here at Eventus Recruitment Group, we are with our candidates every step of the recruitment journey. From discussing your specific requirements, perfecting your CV, preparing you for interviews, following up on feedback and ensuring you are happy in your new role. As specialist Recruitment Consultants, we can alleviate all those problems leaving you to focus on smashing your interviews and getting excited about your new job.
For more information on how we can help you with your career aspirations, you can get in touch with us here.
Written by Nikki Phillips, Legal Recruitment Consultant for all legal roles across the North West and Wales.
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