How to Avoid Being Professionally Ghosted - Walrath Recruiting, Inc.

How to Avoid Being Professionally Ghosted - Walrath Recruiting, Inc. Have you been ghosted in the business world? It’s quite a common nightmare these days! Professional ghosting is when a business contact disappears and becomes unresponsive. This is common from an employer’s standpoint, especially with the rise of technology and email. It’s easy for a candidate to simply stop replying to emails. It’s unfair! Though there is no way to completely limit ghosting, there are helpful ways to hopefully keep candidates engaged. If you’re a candidate reading this, we’ve got some information for you too! Ghosting can happen on both sides of the hiring process! From an Employer’s Standpoint: Due to the low unemployment rate, ghosting has become increasingly prevalent among candidates. Individuals now have more options when it comes to making a career choice. Employers are taking time out of their work day to meet with candidates and it’s frustrating when they disappear in thin air when it comes time to seal the deal. Though it’s impossible to completely limit ghosting, there are ways to lower the possible outcome. Making the application process quick and straightforward is one of the sure fire ways to lower the chances of being ghosted. If during the interview you realize the candidate has the qualifications for the role, quickly move into trying to get to know them. Corporate culture is extremely important, so explain to them that their goals, values, and personality will fit in perfectly with your environment. Right now candidates are seeking flexibility and great benefits, so if you are able to provide them, entice them with these opportunities. Throughout the hiring process, keep your candidates engaged and up to speed in where they are at in the overall process. They have a lot of options and won’t be waiting around. Quality talent doesn’t come around often and when it does, another company could get to them before you do. From a Candidate’s Standpoint: Filling out job applications is time-consuming and it’s aggravating when you hear back from maybe one out of ten. We often apply for a job online and never receive confirmation that the application was even received. Whether they’d like to move forward with you or not, a response would be helpful. Every company has a different process. Some are very responsive and some aren’t. The companies who are responsive throughout the hiring process stand out more in a positive light. Even if you hear back after an interview and they say they are no longer interested, it’s somewhat of a relief. It’s much easier knowing you’re on the same page and not left wondering. Never hearing back is unprofessional and just like from an employer’s standpoint, a waste of time. Unfortunately, it’s tough to get in direct contact with some of the larger companies you may be applying to. If you apply through an online application, try finding a contact that you can directly reach out to. Let them know that you just applied for the position through whatever source you used and that you’d like some confirmation that the application was received if possible. This won’t guarantee a reply but is more likely that you will receive some sort of feedback. This also shows you are eager and passionate about the position you are applying for because you went the extra mile. Do not harass or send multiple follow-ups if you don’t hear back! One friendly follow-up in regards to your application is all you need. Watch out for ghosts and signs of ghosting this Halloween! We hope this article serves you well and helps you limit having this terrible experience happen to you.