The Ghosting Game: Why It Happens in Recruitment (and How to Stop It)
"...Both recruiters and candidates can feel awkward delivering bad news. This can lead to ghosting to avoid the discomfort."
Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a job application, only to be radio silence from the recruiter? Or maybe you've been the recruiter on the other side, juggling a sea of applicants and letting a few slip through the cracks? Welcome to the unfortunate world of ghosting in recruitment.
This isn't just an annoyance, it's a major frustration for both candidates and recruiters. A recent survey found nearly half of candidates had been ghosted by recruiters, and it seems to be happening the other way around too!
Why We Ghost
There are a few reasons why this ghosting trend is taking hold.
Fear of Rejection: Both recruiters and candidates can feel awkward delivering bad news. This can lead to ghosting to avoid the discomfort.
Job Market Uncertainty: With jobs changing rapidly, companies might put positions on hold or redefine them mid-recruitment. Unfortunately, they don't always update candidates who applied earlier.
Generational Differences: Younger generations like Gen Z value quick, clear communication, often preferring text or video calls. But recruiters might be stuck in the email and phone call world, leading to misunderstandings.
Tech Overload: New tools like online applications and AI screening can make the process more efficient, but impersonal. Communication becomes a numbers game, and some candidates get lost in the shuffle.
The Rise of the Anti-Ghosting Hero: The Freelance Headhunter
In this ghosted world, a new trend is emerging: the freelance headhunter. These specialists focus on niche industries, building strong relationships with both companies and talent. This personalized approach means better communication and a lower chance of ghosting. Whereas most recruiters work for a recruitment company, following company guidelines and quota’s, freelance recruiters are their own boss, creating a layer of personal responsibility when it comes to creating professional relationships.
Beating the Ghost: Tips for Recruiters and Candidates
So how can we break the cycle of ghosting? Here are some tips:
Don't Be Afraid to Decline: It's okay for both recruiters and candidates to politely decline opportunities that aren't a good fit. A clear "no" is better than ghosting.
Embrace Technology: Use online tools effectively, but remember the human touch! A quick email, text or phone call (what year is it!) can go a long way.
Communication is Key: Be open and honest, respecting different communication styles. Candidates, voice your preferences for updates! Recruiters, use a mix of email, phone, and text depending on the situation.
Set Expectations: Outline the recruitment process clearly upfront, so everyone knows what to expect and when.
By following these tips and embracing a more personal approach, we can create a recruitment process that's respectful and efficient for everyone. After all, fostering strong relationships starts at the very beginning!
Ready to leverage the power of freelance recruitment? Get started with Tscout today!
About Tscout
Tscout is a premiere recruitment tool, a headhunting service that connects employers with highly qualified candidates in the technology sector. Tscout connects the best with the best, making recruitment simple and convenient, with an exclusive AI platform that helps companies elevate their talent acquisition through Tscout's specialized network.
For Freelance Recruiters, Tscout offers industry leading commission rewards, that are paid out quickly, with access to positions from top companies. This includes exclusive positions recruiters may not be aware of, expanding recruitment options by connecting their network of talent with the best possible open positions. Tscout's reputation system allows recruiters who provide consistent results to more easily earn trust with new clients, while Tscout's simple and feature-packed interface makes it easy to track your talent network, and maximize your earnings potential.
For Companies, Tscout saves time and money by allowing more flexibility in hiring options. By connecting freelance recruiters with companies, Tscout helps companies fill specific roles by connecting them with a variety of specialized recruiters who can help expand their talent options, even for highly specialized roles. Tscout ensures effective talent acquisition within only 7 working days, with expansive talent options, and greater access to passive candidates than other hiring methods, all while protecting the employer's brand and hiring history with complete confidentiality.