“Ghosting” is a phenomenon that is becoming an increasingly common problem with employers and employees.
If you’re not familiar, “ghosting” involves the abrupt stoppage of communication between one party and another.
For instance, if you recently applied for a job and completed the first interview, most recruiters would respond with a phone call or email to let you know how you did.
However, there is a new trend where suddenly you no longer hear from the hiring manager, and they stop responding to calls or emails.
Employees are ghosting employers at alarming levels
While this phenomenon is becoming all too common, the reverse scenario is also true. Indeed recently released an article about how potential employees are ghosting potential employers.
Their recent study revealed 83% of employers report being ghosted by potential employees in the past two years. This shocking statistic shows how the lack of communication impacts our workforce and creates unnecessary obstacles for employees and employers.
Whatever the reasons for ghosting each other, none seem significant enough to burn bridges. As employers spend time and money recruiting potential employees, they likely have a list of previous recruits who ghosted them.
Even if a job seeker accepted a different job, it’s unwise to burn bridges with other employers they may potentially want to work for in the future. Maintaining honest and open communication is a powerful element that can help you create and maintain professional networking opportunities.
How to avoid being ghosted by employers
As a potential employee, few things are worse than a recruiter who suddenly refuses to return your calls or emails. However, there may be a few traits you can show to keep potential employers from ghosting you.
1. Focus on your relevant experience
Job seekers need to show potential employers that they are a valuable candidate that may be the perfect fit for the company – either now or in the future.
Just as employees should not burn bridges, recruiters understand the importance of maintaining positive relationships with impressive candidates who don’t get the job this go around.
There may only be one job opening but five exceptional candidates for a position. If you are one of those five candidates, it’s crucial to show the recruiter how valuable you are and your desire to work for their company one day. Focus on relevance and dedication to minimize the chance of being ghosted.
2. Over-communicate
By communicating with your hiring manager throughout the hiring process, you can create open communication lines that are difficult to close.
Promptly returning phone calls and emails is essential. Keep your recruiter informed of your desire for the position, as well as your thankfulness for their time and effort in the process.
Keep in mind, there is a fine line between effective communication and being annoyingly overbearing. Calling your recruiter every day is a quick way to get ghosted.
3. Don’t keep them waiting
From interviews to job offers, avoid unnecessary delays as you work out scheduling or decision making.
Focus on making well-informed quick decisions to keep the process moving along. If you take too long to respond, they may find someone else to fill the position.
4. Be respectful throughout the entire process
Being humble and respectful will help you build professional relationships that can help you even if you don’t get the job this time around.
Always thank the recruiter for their time and maintain positive communication at all times. Even if you get the phone call to try again next time, thank the recruiter for their time and maintain a respectful tone.
5. Leave a good impression
As a job seeker, you represent your brand. Even if you don’t own a company, your name is your brand.
Telling people they didn’t get the job is just as painful for recruiters as it is for the job seeker. Respond with grace and humility in all aspects of the interview process to leave a good impression.
You never know if a recruiter will have another opening in a month and feel the need to give you a call. Keep your head up and maintain your professional brand.