People Management & HR

Ghosting: The Silent Epidemic in the Recruitment World

A healthy dose of empathy, transparency, and authenticity can shield your recruitment processes from the haunting after-effects of ghosting.

  • 7 min Read
  • May 12, 2024

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

Ghosting, a term the modern dating world is all too familiar with, is also haunting the recruitment world. An Indeed report says that instances of ghosting have increased after the COVID-19 pandemic, with over two-thirds of employers and job seekers reporting that the other party has ghosted them. This unfortunate by-product of modern digital communication has far-reaching repercussions for everyone involved in the hiring process.

Schedule a call today

This article explains ghosting and why it’s an increasingly common phenomenon. We will also share some recruitment strategies for pharmaceutical companies, consumer brands, and SAAS organizations to avoid ghosting and being ghosted.

The Chilling Phenomenon Explained


When someone abruptly ends communication without explanation, it is defined as ghosting. In the context of recruitment, this could look like recruiters failing to follow up with a job seeker after an interview or, on the flip side, job seekers refusing to respond to a potential job offer. This sudden silence can leave job seekers feeling uncertain, undervalued, and even disheartened.

According to NBC News, ghosting is primarily caused by a rising fear of confrontation and conflict. With an increasing preference for digital interactions, we must catch up with the transparency and engagement that in-person interactions demand. As a result, people are less willing to communicate and solve issues and prefer to take the more accessible, less awkward path of ghosting instead. In other words, people like to disappear instead of letting the other party know that they are no longer interested in pursuing the recruitment process.

From a recruiter’s perspective, ghosting could occur if the employer chooses a more suitable candidate or if the hiring process is delayed or suspended. Candidates typically ghost recruiters if they receive a more favorable offer elsewhere or are dissatisfied with their recruitment experience.

The Haunting After-Effects


Like ghosting in the dating realm, recruitment-related ghosting can have a slew of negative repercussions, and not just from a psychological perspective. According to experts in HR consulting for consumer brands, ghosting or being ghosted can seriously affect a company’s finances, recruitment efforts, employee brand, and organizational morale.

According to a Greenhouse Candidate Experience Report, candidates have more choice and power regarding their job search. When choosing the right job, they are now more critical of factors such as recruitment experience, the perks on offer, and the company’s commitment to its employees. Specialists in HR services for life sciences companies and small businesses cite slow response times, careless treatment of candidates, and a lack of commitment to diversity and inclusion as catalysts for ghosting. As a result, companies lose out on top talent and incur unnecessary recruitment costs.

Talk to us about how Escalon’s essential business services can help your startup focus on its core activities.

 

As a recruiter, ghosting potential candidates can significantly damage your employer’s brand and employee morale. When job seekers are left hanging in the middle of the hiring process, their distrust of the organization increases. It raises potential questions about inherent biases in your recruitment practices. If your employees catch wind of your unprofessional treatment of candidates, it could cause their trust in their employer to waver, affecting their morale.

The ghosting trend is here to stay, and there is no guaranteed way to stop it. However, with a few valuable strategies from our experts in HR outsourcing for SaaS startups and established businesses, you can mitigate the effects of this phenomenon on your organization.

Become A Recruitment Ghostbuster


As the saying goes, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Your first step, then, is to avoid ghosting them. Next, mindfully cultivate a recruitment environment that prioritizes empathy, transparency, and authenticity so candidates are encouraged to reciprocate in kind. Here, recruiters play a crucial role in setting the tone and expectations of the recruitment process, making them feel valued and integral to the process.

Practice Clear and Open Communication


According to a 2022 Job Seeker Report, 35% of respondents cite poor communication from recruiters as a critical frustration within their job search process. This report also stated that 47% of respondents agree that excellent communication is vital in enhancing the recruitment experience. Even in today’s digital age, where most interactions occur virtually, people still value clear communication, mutual respect, and understanding. By practicing clear and open communication, recruiters can foster trust, understanding, and a positive recruitment experience.

Job seekers often ghost recruiters because they are uncomfortable voicing concerns about job fit, salary expectations, and company reputation. Experts in HR consulting for consumer brands recommend practicing open and frequent communication early in the hiring process to help build a strong recruiter-job seeker bond. This strategy will also inject empathy into your hiring process and encourage both parties to practice straightforward and honest communication, even when it’s bad news.

Additionally, be empathetic and considerate in your interactions with candidates. Suppose someone is taking time out of their day to attend or conduct an interview. In that case, whether virtually or in person, they deserve respect regarding communication. Regular communication with applicants will make them feel more invested in the process, encouraging them to replicate your respect and professionalism.

Build Trust Through Transparency


Transparency will help you build a trustworthy recruiter-job seeker relationship in line with open and transparent communication. Applicants often balance their job search efforts with other responsibilities. They are likely to appreciate insight into the success of these efforts. As part of our HR outsourcing for SaaS companies, our advisors encourage their clients to regularly update candidates on recruitment timelines, especially if there are delays and always follow through when they say they will. It is also best practice to let applicants know whether they are a good fit for the job and provide feedback when requested.

Candidates want to know that their employer has their back, and the recruitment process sets the tone for the workplace culture they will encounter. Secretive or ingenuine interactions could erode their trust in you and, consequently, their willingness to continue with the recruitment process. According to Korn Ferry’s 2024 Talent Acquisition Trends Report, HR services for life sciences and various other industries are now relying on AI to ensure transparent communication and reduce recruiter ghosting.

Go Into The Process Prepared


Make sure all your ducks are in a row, so to speak before you set out on your recruitment journey. Gather all the necessary information to support your efforts – available job roles, clear job descriptions, salary expectations, timelines, and interview processes. Experts who offer HR consulting for consumer brands, small businesses, and nonprofits can help you map out a structured hiring process for your organization. This will positively impact your employer brand, signaling that you are organized and reliable. It will also simplify your hiring process, which job seekers view as favorable.

In Conclusion


Whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or professional settings, we are all likely to fall victim to ghosting at some point. In a professional setting, however, it can have more significant implications on the psychology, finances, and reputation of recruiters and job seekers. Fortunately, mindful human resources emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and transparency can reduce ghosting and improve recruitment and workplace practices.

Schedule a call today

Want to know more about impactful recruitment solutions? In addition to taxes, accounting, bookkeeping, and CFO services through its FinOps, Escalon’s Essential Business Services include PeopleOps (HR, benefits, recruiting, and payroll) and Risk (business insurance). Talk to an expert today.

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

Accounting & Finance

AAP vs. Cash Accounting: Which Method Is Best for Your Growing Business? 

Choosing the right accounting method can significantly impact how you track financial performance, manage taxes, and plan growth. Two common...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Beyond Bootstrapping: Advanced Cash Flow Management for Scaling Companies 

Bootstrapping—financing growth through internal cash flow—is a hallmark of many successful startups. But as businesses mature past their initial stage,...

Read More
Technology & Security

Building a Scalable Tech Stack: How to Choose the Right Tools for Growth 

In today’s business landscape, technology is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic asset that can supercharge growth. But as you...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Reduce Month-End Close Time Without Sacrificing Accuracy 

The month-end close can feel like a perpetual scramble—collecting invoices, reconciling accounts, fixing last-minute errors. A drawn-out close not only...

Read More
uncategorized

How to Reduce Overhead Costs Without Impacting Productivity 

Overhead costs—from utilities and rent to administrative staffing—can quietly swell until they erode profit margins and slow your ability to...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Structure Your Finance Team as Your Business Scales

Growth triggers a tidal wave of financial complexity, multi-entity operations, new product lines, overseas expansion, or investor relations. If your...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

M&A Readiness: How to Prepare Your Financials for a Successful Acquisition or Sale 

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can dramatically alter a company’s trajectory—unlocking new markets, technologies, or customer bases. Yet, many deals stumble...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Optimizing Working Capital: Strategies to Maximize Liquidity Without Raising Funds 

Working capital: The difference between your current assets and your current liabilities. It’s a key barometer of financial health.  While...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Outsourcing vs. In-House: A Strategic Guide for Growing Companies

Expanding your team and capabilities is critical to sustaining growth—but the question often arises: Should you build an in-house department...

Read More