There was a time when the word ghosting was reserved for dating apps and messy break-ups. These days, though, it’s crept into the world of hiring — and not in a charming way. At Proximity Recruitment, we’re seeing it from both sides: candidates vanishing mid-process and employers going radio silent after interviews. Frankly, it’s starting to wear thin.
Ghosting isn’t just rude. It’s unprofessional. And it chips away at the trust that should be the bedrock of any recruitment process.
What Does Ghosting Look Like in Recruitment?
- From Candidates: One day you’re eagerly interviewing, the next you’re uncontactable. No text, no email, no “thanks but no thanks.” Sometimes it happens after an offer’s been made — and accepted.
- From Employers: Candidates spend time preparing for interviews, rearranging schedules, and often investing emotionally in the role. Then — nothing. No feedback, no follow-up, not even a templated rejection email.
It’s not just frustrating; it’s damaging. To reputations. To relationships. To the wider industry.
Why Is It Happening?
Let’s be honest: the job market can be intense. Employers are under pressure to find perfect hires yesterday. Candidates are juggling multiple opportunities in a competitive market. But this pressure shouldn’t give anyone a free pass to act unprofessionally.
Technology may have made it easier to drop out of communication, but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable.
Ghosting Sends a Message – Just Not a Good One
- For candidates: Disappearing midway through a process tells employers that you’re unreliable. You might think you’re avoiding an awkward conversation, but in reality, you’re burning a bridge that could’ve led to something better — either now or down the line.
- For employers: Candidates talk. LinkedIn is never more than a few clicks away from a post about a “terrible interview experience” or “zero feedback.” Your employer brand can take a real hit from treating people as disposable.
Respect Goes Both Ways
Recruitment doesn’t have to be perfect — but it should be respectful. A simple “thank you for your time, but I’m moving in a different direction” goes a long way. Same goes for businesses: feedback (even brief) matters more than you might think.
The Fix Is Simple: Just Say Something
It might feel uncomfortable to reject someone or pull out of a process. But ghosting creates more discomfort in the long run — for everyone. A quick email, a short call, even a well-worded message — that’s all it takes to close a loop with decency.
We value transparency and honesty. We’re not just here to fill roles — we’re here to help build better working relationships from the ground up. That starts with communication. The real kind.
