Why Candidates Ghost Interviews
If you’ve ever been ghosted by a candidate, you know how frustrating it can be. You’ve done all the work to set up an interview, and they just disappear. It’s a waste of your time and theirs, and it can be disheartening. We’re going to talk about the problem with disappearing candidates, how to stop them from ghosting you, and the reasons behind why they do it. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of how to deal with candidates who ghost interviews.
The Problem With Disappearing Candidates
Candidates who disappear after applying for a job are becoming increasingly common. While there may be many reasons for this, it leaves the employer in the dark and wastes time and resources that could have been spent on other candidates. Furthermore, employers may be missing out on great candidates because of this problem. One way to solve this problem is to require candidates to confirm their interest in the position before moving forward with the application process. This would ensure that only those who are truly interested in the job would apply, saving both applicants and employers time and effort wasted. Sounds obvious, but there’s more to it.
How To Stop Candidates From Ghosting You
One way to keep candidates engaged throughout the hiring process is by leveraging technology and social media. For example, employers can use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential candidates and keep them updated on open positions. Additionally, employers can use email and text reminders to make sure candidates don’t forget about their interview or miss any important deadlines in the application process. By taking these simple steps, employers can help reduce the number of job interview no-shows and build a better talent pipeline.
The Reasons Behind Why Candidates Ghost
As an employer, you’re not the only one doing the screening during the hiring process – candidates are also looking for red flags. If you send the wrong signals, a candidate may get the wrong idea. One of the biggest red flags for a candidate is when an employer disappears entirely after scheduling an interview. Guess what, the candidates think you ghosted them!
So why do candidates ghost? There are a number of reasons:
- They found a better opportunity;
- They may be unsure about the role or company;
- Simply changed their minds about taking the job;
- They might simply be trying to avoid confrontation.
How to deal with Ghosting
Whatever the reason, being ghosted by a candidate can be frustrating. Providing clear and concise information about roles and expectations can help ensure that candidates know what they’re getting into before committing to anything.
Additionally, employers should provide regular updates on the next steps in the process so that candidates know what to expect moving forward. There shouldn’t be an ever-changing list of steps and hurdles to jump. By being clear you can avoid any confusion or misunderstanding down the road, and retain more candidates in the process.
Due to the human element, we can’t eliminate ghosting entirely, but best practices can at least eliminate the unforced errors.
