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Why Ghosting Happens in Some Recruiting Processes, and How to Overcome it in Your Job Search
Ghosting has become a common phenomenon - it's frustrating for recruiters who are trying to fill job openings, and it can be a nightmare for job seekers who are left in the dark about their application status. Why is this happening so frequently as of late? And what can be done to overcome this phenomenon?
Why Ghosting Happens in Recruiting
High Volume of Applications
Recruiters often receive hundreds of applications for a single job opening. With such a high volume of applications to sift through, it's easy for recruiters to lose track of candidates or forget to respond to their messages. This is certainly not an excuse, but it is a fact of life.
Time Constraints
Everyone has busy schedules, and people may not always have the time to respond to every message, be it on the recruiters' side or the candidates' side of the deal.
Lack of Communication
Some recruiters don't communicate effectively with candidates, leading to confusion and misunderstandings. Candidates may assume they are no longer being considered for a position when, in reality, an organization is still reviewing their application.
Unclear Expectations
Some organizations may not set clear expectations for their hiring process, leading candidates to believe they will hear back within a certain timeframe. When that timeframe passes without any communication, candidates may assume they have been ghosted.
How to Overcome Ghosting as a Job Seeker
Follow Up
If you haven't heard back from a recruiter within a week or two, follow up with them. Send a polite email or make a phone call to ask about the status of your application. This shows the recruiter that you're still interested in the position and can help to keep your application top of mind.
Be Patient
Recruiting can be a slow process, so be patient and don't assume you've been ghosted if you haven't heard back right away. Give the recruiter a reasonable amount of time to review your application and respond to your messages.
Maintain Professionalism
Even if you feel frustrated or ignored, maintain professionalism in your interactions with the recruiter. Don't send angry or accusatory messages, as this can hurt your chances of being considered for the position.
Expand Your Job Search
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. While waiting to hear back from one recruiter, continue your job search and apply to other positions. This can help to increase your chances of finding a job and can ease the frustration of being ghosted.
Ghosting happens in recruiting for various reasons, but we should all take steps to overcome it. By following up, being patient, maintaining professionalism, and expanding your job search, you can increase your chances of finding a job and avoid the frustration of being left in the dark.
