Ghosting is not just a social media trend – it is infiltrated the professional world and wreaked havoc in recruitment. From candidates vanishing after interviews to hiring managers going radio silent, ghosting creates frustration and inefficiency at every stage of the hiring process.
But what is ghosting in recruitment, why does it happen, and how can we stop it? Let’s break it down.
What Is Ghosting in recruitment?
Ghosting in the hiring process occurs when one party – whether a candidate, recruiter, or hiring manager – disappears without warning, leaving the other party in limbo. It is like trying to have a conversation with someone who suddenly vanishes into thin air.
Examples include:
- Candidates not showing up for interviews or declining offers without notice.
- Recruiters fail to update candidates after promising feedback.
- Hiring managers neglecting to respond to follow-ups or applications.
This breakdown in communication creates inefficiencies, damages reputations, and results in missed opportunities for everyone involved.
Why ghosting hurts everyone
- Wasted time
Ghosting wastes valuable time for both candidates and employers. Candidates spend hours preparing resumes and attending interviews, while hiring managers dedicate time to reviewing applications and conducting interviews. When communication halts, all that effort is wasted.
Example: Forbes highlights how ghosting leaves candidates and employers in a frustrating limbo, delaying decision-making and prolonging the hiring process.
- Reputation damage
Ghosting tarnishes reputations. Companies that ghost candidates risk being seen as unprofessional, which can harm employer branding. Conversely, candidates who ghost recruiters or employers may find it difficult to rebuild trust in future applications.
Tip: Transparency and timely updates help build and protect professional reputations.
- Missed opportunities
Ghosting disrupts the recruitment process, leading to unfilled positions and overlooked talent. Recruiters may lose out on top candidates, while job seekers are left wondering what went wrong.
Stat: Harvard Business Review notes that it contributes to inefficiency in hiring, with roles staying open longer and candidates losing interest.
Why does it happen in recruitment?
Ghosting is not exclusive to one side of the hiring equation – it is a problem caused by candidates, recruiters, and hiring managers alike.
- Candidates: Often ghost due to feeling awkward about rejecting an offer or losing interest in the role.
- Hiring managers: Delay responses or forget to follow up because of busy schedules or indecision.
- Recruiters: Overwhelmed by workloads or relying on inefficient systems can lead to dropped communication.
Insight: According to Harvard Business Review, ghosting frequently stems from poor communication practices and a lack of transparency.
How to prevent it
- For candidates: Stay professional
- Respond to offers or interview requests, even if you are declining. A polite “Thank you, but I’ve decided to pursue another opportunity” leaves a positive impression.
- Follow up if you are waiting on an update. Sometimes, a quick nudge can resolve miscommunication.
Action tip: Set reminders to respond to recruiters or hiring managers promptly.
- For hiring managers: Set clear expectations
- Communicate timelines clearly, and stick to them. If delays occur, keep candidates informed.
- Respond to follow-ups, even if it is a rejection. Candidates value honesty over silence.
Best practice: According to Forbes, candidates are more likely to view an employer favorably if they receive timely and transparent updates.
- For recruiters: Streamline communication
- Use recruitment tools to manage candidate pipelines and automate updates.
- Schedule regular check-ins with both candidates and hiring managers to ensure smooth progress.
Pro tip: RecruiterFlow suggests creating email templates for quick, professional responses to avoid lapses in communication.
The future of recruitment without ghosting
Ghosting doesn’t have to be the norm. By fostering open communication, setting clear expectations, and maintaining professionalism, recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates can create a better hiring experience.
At SRC-Search, we believe the future of recruitment lies in connection — where every interaction counts, and communication never goes dark.
Let’s make ghosting a thing of the past — because when everyone communicates effectively, everyone wins.
Key takeaways
- Ghosting wastes time, damages reputations, and leads to missed opportunities.
- All parties – candidates, recruiters, and hiring managers – share responsibility.
- Open communication, clear expectations, and professional follow-ups are the key.
References
- Forbes: “Why Employers Ghost Candidates During The Interview Process”
- Harvard Business Review: “So, You Got Ghosted — at Work”
- RecruiterFlow: “What is Candidate Ghosting and What Recruiters Can Do in 2025?”
