You’re in the recruitment business – or you’d like to be. So you probably know that recruiters spend a lot of time qualifying candidates, coaching and nurturing them through hiring processes, giving them feedback, and connecting them to the right people and companies.
So, why ghost them?
Maybe you’ve been ghosted yourself: cut off from someone communication-wise with little or no notice. It stings – and leaves you with a lasting bad taste in your mouth. Yet, candidates ghost recruiters all the time.
What’s the deal?
Ghosting a recruiter may take the form of not answering their questions, not replying to their requests, not responding to interview requests, not showing up for an interview, the granddaddy of them all, not responding when an offer is being made. Before you make this mistake, stop and think about it. The only person you’ll really be hurting is yourself.
- Ghosting a recruiter equates to burning bridges that you may someday want to cross – not only with your career coach and partner, but also with any potential employers you may have been set to meet or received an offer from. And, there’s a domino effect: word of your actions can spread, especially if you intend to apply for other jobs in the same industry or geographic area.
You may think about ghosting a recruiter for numerous reasons. Perhaps a position on the table doesn’t feel like a good fit for you. Or, you’re holding out for something better. You may have a different offer that you’re considering, unbeknownst to your recruiter. Or, something completely unrelated has occurred that needs to take priority right now. After all, life is what happens when you’re making other plans.
But in the words of the great Aretha Franklin, all your recruiter is asking for is a little respect. Or to quote the timeless Golden Rule, treat others as you want to be treated.
Just be honest.
Whatever the circumstances are that cause you to think twice about your next step with a recruiter, it’s an easy and smart step to simply let them know so that they can refocus their efforts. In doing this, you also safeguard your relationship for the future. Because even if it doesn’t feel like it now, you may want to resume it at some point down the line.
- Be transparent about your feelings toward a position or a company. Your recruiter needs to know this so they can redirect you elsewhere. There’s no need to devise an elaborate excuse. Your straightforwardness will be appreciated, and it will help both of you in the long run.
Partner with Search Wizards
When building your career as a recruiter, consider a partnership with Search Wizards. Why? Because we are recruiters, we know recruiters, and we understand recruiters – and that’s because matching talent acquisition professionals with leading employers is all we do. Our experience and client base cover all industries, with that sole focus in mind. Read our related posts, share your resume with us, or contact us today to learn more. Just don’t ghost us … wink wink!
