‘Ghosting’
A couple of weeks ago on Good Morning Britain, The Apprentice star Ryan-Mark Parsons claimed that it’s ‘empowering’ to not show for job interviews. Needless to say, as a recruitment professional, I was stunned. After a little digging, however, I was ASTONISHED to find that Ryan-Mark was not alone in his thoughts!
So, this post is all about ‘ghosting’! We’ll cover what ghosting means, why people do it, and why (at least in my opinion) it is absolutely NOT ok! Don’t worry, we’ve also included some tips on ‘job-seeking etiquette’ for the good candidates out there 😉
Ghosting: abruptly ending communication with someone without explanation.
The term ‘ghosting’ originated in the early 2000’s, typically referring to dating and romantic relationships. In the following decade, the media reported a rise in ghosting behaviours, which has been attributed to the increasing use of social media and online dating apps.
Why do people ‘ghost’ when job-seeking?
Well, it seems ghosting isn’t just for dating anymore!
Employment website Indeed surveyed 1,500 businesses and 1,500 working people in the U.K. and found a staggering 93% of Gen Z have ‘ghosted’ an interview.
Worse still, a huge 87% have failed to show for their first day of work after securing the job!
According to the survey, a common reason is that it makes them feel “in charge” of their career.
Although Gen Z seem to be the biggest culprits, Indeed’s survey found that all age groups are guilty of ghosting occasionally. Almost half of those surveyed said they would ‘ghost’ again, with a third deeming it acceptable to do so before an interview.
Surprisingly, one in five workers complained that a prospective employer has failed to show up for a phone interview, with 23% given a verbal offer only to be ‘ghosted’ themselves!
Perhaps this is why job-seekers today think that ‘ghosting’ is fair? More than half agree that since employers ‘ghost’ candidates, it’s fine for candidates to ‘ghost’ employers!
Why ‘ghosting’ is NOT ok!
Introducing candidates to employers and arranging interviews is part of a recruiters daily tasks, so we also see the effects ghosting has on businesses, other candidates, and of course ourselves!
Opportunities for others: For employers, selecting a shortlist for interviews can be difficult and, unfortunately, involves informing other candidates they have not been selected. By ‘ghosting’ an interview, you are taking an opportunity away from another candidate who may really want it!
Burning bridges: By ‘ghosting’ an interview, you can be sure that your bridges are well and truly burnt with that employer (including other positions within the business). Furthermore, the recruiter themselves will likely be unable to represent you again for the risk of ruining their reputation with their other clients, meaning you may miss other opportunities that you are genuinely interested in.
Reputations: Recruiters pride themselves on their reputation and relationships with their clients and ghosting can have a detrimental effect on both of these. We know there are some ‘bad eggs’ out there, but believe me, there are good ones out there!
Missing a great opportunity: There are LOTS of great businesses out there, but the only way to know if it’s a great company is by meeting them!
Job-Seeking Etiquette
Committed to an interview but later decided it’s not for you? No problem!
There are many reasons this situation can arise. As a candidate, you are the only person who knows whether a job suits you. If you decide the commute is too difficult (or expensive!), the job or industry just isn’t for you, the salary is too low, or you just simply change your mind… you are absolutely within your rights to cancel.
The key here is honesty & communication. This allows the recruiter to inform the employer, saves their reputation, and usually allows another candidate to take your spot. In fact, honesty is so valued in recruitment that the recruiter may even work harder to find you other opportunities!
Remember, good recruiters will fight for their candidates as well as their clients.
For more tips on the ‘do’s and dont’s’ while job-seeking, check out our previous post here!
References:
https://fortune.com/europe/2024/02/19/gen-z-job-interview-ghosting-indeed/
