The Significance of Candidate Experience in Preventing Ghosting

Ghosting has become a prevalent issue in the recruitment world, where candidates abruptly cease all communication with recruiters or hiring companies. This phenomenon, originating from online dating, has now extended to professional interactions. An article in the Wall Street Journal sparked discussions about this behavior, highlighting the frustrations of recruiters who have experienced being ghosted. Stories were shared of candidates disappearing without any explanation, leaving recruiters puzzled and concerned.

There are various theories on why ghosting has become more common. Some attribute it to a lack of manners among younger individuals who prefer not to communicate their disinterest. Others believe it's a consequence of a thriving job market, with more employment opportunities available, allowing candidates to be more selective.

However, it's important to note that ghosting is not limited to candidates. Job seekers often express frustration about not hearing back from recruiters after initial screenings or interviews. It can be disheartening for candidates to transition from optimism about a potential job opportunity to receiving no response to their follow-up inquiries.

While it is not justifiable for candidates to ghost recruiters, hiring companies should reflect on whether they are treating candidates with the respect they expect in return.

The Importance of Candidate Experience

Emphasizing the significance of providing a positive candidate experience increases the likelihood of attracting talented professionals and outshining other organizations. Additionally, candidates are more likely to provide feedback if they have been treated well throughout the hiring process. Here are several ways your organization can enhance candidate experience and minimize ghosting incidents:

Highlight the Employee Experience: In your organization's careers section, go beyond listing available roles. Provide information about what it's like to be an employee, including your company's values, workplace environment, employee benefits, and unique aspects that differentiate your company. By showcasing the employee experience, you attract candidates who align with your company culture.

Over-communicate: Beyond simply notifying candidates about their application status, strive to maintain regular communication throughout the hiring process. Update candidates on any developments, such as the status of their application or the next steps in the process. By providing timely updates, candidates feel valued and remain engaged.

Make Quick Decisions: The average hiring process takes approximately 42 days, which can be too long for many candidates, particularly those who have applied to multiple companies. Streamline your hiring process to minimize delays and inform candidates promptly about any decisions that affect them. By demonstrating efficiency and keeping candidates informed, you maintain their interest and prevent them from shifting their focus elsewhere.

Address Compensation Early: Offering a salary below a candidate's expectations is a surefire way to lose their interest. Even if the compensation is fair, candidates may feel undervalued if their expectations aren't met. To avoid this, inquire about salary expectations early in the process, such as during initial phone screenings or on the application itself. By aligning expectations upfront, you can proceed with candidates who are on the same page as your organization.

Conduct Respectful Interviews: Interviews provide candidates with insights into your organization, and their experience during the interview can significantly impact their decision-making. Conduct interviews in a respectful manner by asking challenging yet considerate questions. Inform candidates about the interview duration and the individuals they will meet. Provide directions to your workplace and offer guidance on appropriate interview attire. Additionally, train your interviewers to ask effective questions in a respectful manner.

Stay in Touch with New Hires: Ghosting can occur not only during the hiring process but also after a candidate has accepted an offer. Some new hires may fail to show up on their first day, leaving organizations in a difficult position after investing significant resources in the hiring process. To mitigate this, maintain contact with new hires before their start date. Schedule activities such as a lunch with their future teammates or invite them to visit the office in a casual setting. Sending a brief email expressing anticipation for their arrival reinforces their commitment and reduces second-guessing.

By providing a positive candidate experience, you not only reduce the likelihood of ghosting but also leave a favorable impression on individuals you interact with. This positive perception spreads through word-of-mouth, portraying your organization as an excellent place to work. Candidates who have had positive experiences will share their impressions, further enhancing your employer brand.