Are You Getting Ghosted By Job Candidates?
Getting ghosted by job candidates can be a frustrating experience, and is all too prevalent in the post-pandemic job market. In fact, 39% of hiring managers in the United States report that ghosting by job candidates is more common now than it was two years ago.
Here are some steps to help prevent getting ghosted and to handle the situation when it occurs:
Clarify expectations: Clearly communicate the timeline and expectations for the hiring process to candidates early on. This will help prevent confusion and set realistic expectations for both parties.
Use multiple methods of communication: Use multiple methods of communication, such as email, phone, and text, to reach out to candidates. This increases the chances of getting a response and makes it easier to follow up if necessary.
Be proactive: Stay in touch with candidates throughout the hiring process and provide regular updates. This can help build a strong relationship with them and make them more likely to communicate if they need to back out.
Be respectful: If a candidate decides to back out, be respectful and professional. Don't take it personally and understand that they may have changed their mind for reasons beyond your control.
Follow up: If a candidate has not responded to multiple attempts to reach out, it's okay to follow up. However, be mindful of the number of times you follow up and make sure to be respectful and professional in your messaging.
Consider alternative candidates: If a candidate continues to be unresponsive, it may be time to consider alternative candidates. This can help keep the hiring process moving forward and prevent delays.
Review your hiring process: Take a step back and review your hiring process to see if there are any areas that can be improved. For example, are you providing enough information about the company and the role? Are the interview questions effective at eliciting the information you need? Are you making a strong enough connection with candidates?
Provide feedback: Provide constructive feedback to candidates who have ghosted you. This can help them in their future job search and can also provide you with insights on what may have gone wrong in the hiring process.
Keep records: Keep a record of your interactions with candidates and any feedback you receive. This can help you identify patterns and make improvements to your hiring process.
Move forward: Finally, it's important to move forward and not dwell on the situation. Keep focused on your goals and continue to make progress towards filling the open position.
Although it's not feasible to control every circumstance, there are measures you can take to minimize candidate ghosting. It's important to be as clear as possible during the interview process and make informed hiring decisions.
Identify suitable candidates to proceed with the hiring process in order to avoid no-shows and candidate ghosting. Pre-hire assessments also enhance the hiring process and result in high-quality hires who will be a good culture fit and can immediately contribute to your team's success. Our 6-step hiring process is specifically designed to bring in top-quality candidates. Contact us today to learn more.