Ghosting by candidates taking toll on employers

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It’s becoming increasingly common for job candidates to simply cut off communication with prospective employers.

Employers have reported a rise in the discourteous practice, although applicants who never hear back from companies might say this is karma.

A survey of senior managers in Canada found 43% of respondents said it’s more common for potential employees to cut off communication now than two years ago, according to business consulting firm Robert Half.

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“Since the majority of hiring is still happening remotely, jobseekers expect a faster interview timeline,” said David King, Canadian senior managing director of Robert Half.

“Along with a streamlined hiring process and close communication, employers need to promote incentives, such as fully remote jobs and highly competitive compensation packages, to attract and secure top talent.”

Of the managers surveyed, 58% reported that in the last year, they’ve missed out on a possible hire because the company took too long to make an offer, candidates were looking for more flexibility with their schedule, or they didn’t meet the salary expectations.

In a separate survey, professionals revealed the reasons for ghosting a prospective employer.

The big one, at 43%, was that the job was not what they expected, while 31% say the interview process was poor, though it’s unclear whether the candidate bombed it or it was bad all-around.

Of those polled, 18% said it’s because they received another job offer, and 8% didn’t like the idea of returning to an office.

“Today’s candidate-driven market is incredibly challenging for employers as skilled professionals are often juggling multiple job interviews and offers,” said David King, Canadian senior managing director of Robert Half.

“To help prevent ghosting and keep potential hires engaged, employers need to deliver an exceptional candidate experience that showcases the strength of their company’s brand and culture, provides a clear understanding of the role, and move quickly.”

The survey of more than 800 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees was conducted Nov. 11-Dec. 30, 2021, and the responses from more than 500 workers in Canada who were 18 or older were collected Nov. 11-29, 2021.